KUN – Innovative Shoulder Rests from Canada since 1968

KUN is one of the most respected names in violin and viola shoulder rests worldwide. Since its founding in the late 1960s, KUN has improved the playing comfort of millions of musicians by developing ergonomic, durable, and user-friendly shoulder rests. With over 50 years of experience, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a continuous drive for innovation, KUN has become synonymous with comfort, sound, and craftsmanship.

The origin of KUN

The history of KUN begins in 1968 , when Czech violin maker and music professor Joseph Kun fled his native country after the suppression of the Prague Spring. He settled in Ottawa, Canada , where he found a job as a repairman and inventor for the musicians of the newly formed National Arts Centre Orchestra . There, he embarked on a mission: to develop a comfortable and adjustable shoulder rest that would radically improve the playing comfort of violinists and violists.

The invention that changed everything

In 1972, Joseph Kun published his first design patent for what would later become the legendary Kun Original —a simple, functional, and perfectly balanced design. Machined and hand-assembled, the shoulder rest immediately became a favorite among students and professionals alike thanks to its natural feel, adjustable height, and reliable stability.

In the years that followed, Kun further refined his design, while his wife , Marina Kun, built the brand internationally. Their combined efforts resulted in a series of models that became standard among violin makers, orchestras, and music schools worldwide.

From craft to innovation

KUN didn't stand still. In the decades following its founding, groundbreaking innovations followed:

• 1978: Joseph Kun wins the Gold Medal for Bow Making from the Violin Society of America.
• 1989: The Kun Super is released – a slimmer design with an improved adjustment mechanism.
• 1993: The Kun Collapsible is launched, a collapsible version of the Original, ideal for travel and compact storage.
• 1999: Handcrafted from European maple, the Kun Bravo combines classic aesthetics with modern ergonomics.
• 2004: The Kun Voce , the world's first carbon fiber shoulder rest, wins the Product Design Award at the Canadian Design Exchange.
• 2016: Introduction of the Kun Solo with an improved quick-adjust mechanism and optimized grip.

Thanks to continuous investment in research and materials technology, KUN has developed the most versatile line of shoulder rests on the market – suitable for all ages, body types, and playing styles.

The philosophy of KUN

At KUN everything revolves around two beliefs:

• A shoulder rest should adapt to the musician – not the other way around.
• The acoustic qualities are at least as important as the comfort.

This philosophy forms the foundation of every KUN product. The shoulder rests are designed to promote natural posture and freedom of movement, while supporting rather than disrupting the instrument's sound. Every component—from the foam to the frame—has been meticulously tested for durability, resonance, and ease of use.

Made in Canada with precision and passion

All KUN shoulder rests are still manufactured in Canada, in the Ottawa workshops. Here, exceptional materials are combined with strict quality standards and technical perfection. Each model undergoes meticulous inspections before leaving the factory – a guarantee of reliability and a long service life.

A brand with a heart for music

KUN does more than just produce ergonomic shoulder rests. Under the leadership of Marina Kun , the company is actively committed to supporting the musical community. For example, KUN sponsors the Ottawa Chamberfest , the Young String Performers of Ottawa program, and offers annual scholarships to international students at the University of Ottawa . The brand also supports orchestras such as the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra and the Palestine Youth Orchestra .

This commitment reflects the belief that music is not just about craftsmanship, but also about community, inspiration and shared passion.

The KUN models in brief

• Kun Original: The classic – simple, durable and comfortable.
• Kun Super: Slimmer, with refined adjustment and extra stability.
• Kun Collapsible: Foldable version of the Original, ideal for travelling.
• Kun Bravo: Luxurious wooden version of maple wood, with natural resonance.
• Kun Voce: High-end model in carbon fiber – lightweight and extremely stable.
• Kun Solo: Modern design with quick height adjustment and improved grip.

CAN at Viool-kopen.nl

At Viool-kopen.nl you'll find the complete range of KUN shoulder rests for violin and viola – from the classic Original to the innovative Voce. Each model offers optimal comfort, excellent acoustic properties, and a reliable fit. Whether you're a beginner or a concert violinist, KUN offers the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.

Discover the KUN product range at Viool-kopen.nl and experience why this Canadian brand has been setting the standard for violin and viola shoulder rests for over half a century.

In summary

KUN combines Canadian precision, innovative engineering, and musical insight to create shoulder rests that excel both ergonomically and acoustically. From Joseph Kun's first invention to today's modern designs, every KUN rest is the result of passion, experience, and continuous innovation. Choose KUN and play with confidence, comfort, and freedom.