...Check it's present tuning by tapping each of the metal rods where they meet the back side of the chin rest, at the back of the violin. Compare this tone to the center tap tone of the back plate, listening for the lowest part of the tap tones.
...If the particular support rod tap tone is too low, then scrape some of the material from the vertical surface either adjacent to, or opposite to, the area of the chin rest structure that that rod is attached to.
...If the particular support rod tap tone is too high, then scrape some of the material from the side of the support let that that rod is attached to.
...Make these changes until both tap tones match the back plate tap tone (just tap in the center of the back plate with your nuckle).
...Finally check to see if the horizontal area of the chin rest, where your chin actually rests, has the same tap tone. If it is too high, then sand material evenly from the bottom surface of this area until it matches. If it is too low, then sand or scrape material evenly from the edges of the horizontal area until it is raised to match the back plate tap tone.
...Finally, double check the tap tones of the support legs to be sure they haven't changed and you are done!
...I want to credit Pierre Leiba for the details on chin rest tuning. Pierre lives and works in the Bahamas and has done good work in helping solve some of the mysteries of better violin tone, and has been helpful to me also. Good work Pierre!
