Abstract: A shoulder rest for a stringed instrument with a support element extending in a longitudinal direction for resting on the shoulder and/or chest of the player is intended to enable a particularly high tonal quality of the ensemble of instrument and shoulder rest. For this purpose, the support element is provided according to the invention with a number of opening slots extending in the longitudinal direction and completely penetrating the support element in its thickness.

Abstract: A removable device for positioning a user's forearm and hand in relation to a guitar is provided. The removable device comprises: (i) a first strap overlying a first portion of the guitar and having attached thereto a first pad and a second pad; (ii) a second strap overlying a second portion of the guitar and joined to the first strap via a first connector, wherein the first connector is coupled to the guitar at a first point; and (iii) an adjustment mechanism overlying a third portion of the guitar and joined to the first strap, the second strap, the first connector, and a second connector, wherein the second connector is coupled to the guitar at a second point.

Abstract: Improved endpin block apparatus for stringed instruments are provided. The endpin block apparatus comprises an endpin support for securing and connecting an endpin to a stringed instrument. The endpin block apparatus may be fixedly attached to the instrument or may be able to rotate about an attachment location, allowing for adjustment of the angle of the instrument relative to the axis defined by the endpin and the musician. The endpin block apparatus provides one or more endpin insertion locations, allowing for one or more angles of the endpin relative to the axis of the instrument, which angle may be adjustable, and may allow for more of the instrument's weight to be borne by the endpin. The adjustable endpin angle and the adjustable endpin block apparatus rotation allow for a greater range of instrument location and angle, and more support of the instrument by the endpin, removing weight from the musician.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present general inventive concept provide and automatic endpin extension system to be used with an upright instrument, the system including a housing portion configured to be passed through a bottom aperture of an upright instrument, a coupling portion configured to be connected to the housing portion and to be coupled to the upright instrument proximate the bottom aperture, a telescoping endpin portion configured to be selectively moved up and down to extend out from, and withdraw into, the housing portion, a motor portion connected to the housing portion and configured to selectively drive the telescoping endpin portion up and down, and a controller portion configured to control the motor portion.

Abstract: A wearable computing device includes a first side portion and a second side portion that partially extend across a shoulder and rest on a front of a user. The device also includes a neck portion connected to the first side portion and the second side portion. The neck portion includes an outer edge and an inner edge. The neck portion is curved from the first side portion to the second side portion to extend around a portion of a circumference of the neck of the user. The neck portion is also curved from the outer edge to the inner edge to follow a curvature of a spine of the user. The wearable computing device also includes an input device and a mobile processor designed to determine output data based on input data. The wearable computing device also includes an output device designed to output the output data.

Abstract: An ergonomic harness system for hands-free support of violins and violas that incorporates two partly overlapping concave/convex shaped plates with attached rib tabs on each end that secure the plates to the instrument in a cross-pattern at the C-bouts and bottom edge of the instrument body. Mechanisms for expanding and contracting the plates allows the harness to accommodate instrument size variations and provides an adjustable binding force. A telescoping chest pad is secured to one end of the concave plate for supporting the instrument using the body.

Abstract: An endpin holder includes a receiving member that has a butting stage against which a tip portion of an endpin with by a cello is butted, and a supporting member that supports the receiving member. The receiving member is rotatably supported by the supporting member. The receiving member is rotatably supported by the supporting member through a bearing. When the cello including the endpin is played, the sound and the acoustic quality can be caused to approach those of the natural resonance of the stringed instrument.

Abstract: An adjustable and foldable shoulder rest for a violin or viola includes a shoulder-engaging body having first and second foldable forks at first and second ends of the body for attaching to the violin or viola, first and second slidable end members for supporting the first and second forks, the first and second slidable end members being slidable between retracted and extended position. In the extended position, the end member is cantilevered beyond its respective slot. The shoulder rest may have a foam cushion with openings attached to the shoulder-engaging side of the shoulder rest. The end members may define rotational housings for receiving respective rotatable drums that receive threaded stems of the forks, thereby enabling the height of the forks to be adjusted and further enabling the forks to fold.

Abstract: An endpin support 1 as an example of a musical instrument support to which the present invention is applied includes a lower plate member 2, an upper plate member 3, middle plate members 4, and a load receiving member 5. The lower plate member 2 is a portion that vibrates by resonating with sounds of a musical instrument and spreads vibrancy of the sounds. The lower plate member 2 and the upper plate member 3 are joined at a position at which their one end sides are aligned by two middle plate members 4 to form a main body portion 6 that receives a load when supporting an endpin. The two middle plate members 4 are provided at positions of both ends of the lower plate member 2, and a space is formed between the lower plate member 2 and the upper plate member 3.

Abstract: An instrument cushion and support device includes a main body having a curved top surface, a curved bottom surface, a proximal end and a distal end. The main body includes a rigid central core and soft padding located between the curved top and bottom surfaces. A slip guard extends upward from the curved top surface of the main body at a location adjacent to the distal end, and a neck support extends upward from the top surface of the main body at a location adjacent to the proximal end.

Abstract: A violin knee-rest comprising a support with a connecting member attached. A rigid having an elongated opening member is attached to the connecting member. A sliding member is attached to a screw with a U shaped head and a screw thread. The sliding member is configured to slide across the rigid member through the first elongated opening. The sliding member having an elongated opening is configured to be fastened at a desired location on the sliding member by a first wing nut and a first washer arrangement. The violin receiving member has a first end which is threaded. The violin receiving member has a second end which is concave shaped to hold a base of the violin. The receiving member is configured to slide across the second elongated opening of the sliding member. The violin receiving member is configured to be fastened at a desired location on the sliding member.

Abstract: A shoulder rest structure for a violin and a viola is disclosed. The shoulder rest structure comprises a first body and a second body. The first body has a positioning piece in which the positioning piece has a first connecting part and a first counterpart connected to two ends thereof. The first connecting part connects at least one first adjustment piece; the first counterpart connects at least one second adjustment piece. The second body has a first side and a second side; the first side of the second body attaches to the first body correspondingly. By means of the ergonomic design of the present invention, the violin/viola practice is made more comfortable and the length of the shoulder rest can be adjusted by the user according to requirements.

Abstract: An adjustable and foldable shoulder rest for a violin or viola includes a shoulder-engaging body having first and second foldable forks at first and second ends of the body for attaching to the violin or viola, first and second slidable end members for supporting the first and second forks, the first and second slidable end members being slidable between retracted and extended position, wherein the first and second slidable end members each comprises a pull-tab adjustment mechanism for relocating a protrusion shaped to engage one of a first plurality of apertures disposed in a slot. The shoulder rest may have a foam cushion with openings attached to the shoulder-engaging side of the shoulder rest. The end members may define rotational housings for receiving respective rotatable drums that receive threaded stems of the forks, thereby enabling the height of the forks to be adjusted and further enabling the forks to fold.

Abstract: A shoulder rest for a stringed instrument includes a resting element configured to rest on a shoulder or chest of a player. The resting element has a base which is made of compressed wood. The base of the resting element is formed by a workpiece cut from a block of compressed wood having a cross direction which is substantially normal to a fiber orientation of the block of compressed wood.

Abstract: A multilayer article is configured to provide cushioning for a musical instrument. The multilayer article has an attachment layer configured to be detachably coupled to the musical instrument. An upper raised section layer is attached to the attachment layer and configured to be concave downward. A lower raised section layer attached to the attachment layer and configured to be concave upward. A center raised section layer attached to the attachment layer between the upper raised section layer and the lower raised section layer. The upper raised section layer, the lower raised section layer and the center raised section layer are arranged to ergonomically accommodate a clavicle of a human user.

Abstract: A luthiery fixture or tool provides for a guitar or other stringed instrument to be rotationally supported and securely held above a surface, such as a work bench. The fixture is especially configured to support instruments having differing body dimensions.

Abstract: A violin knee-rest comprising a support with a connecting member attached. A rigid having an elongated opening member is attached to the connecting member. A sliding member is attached to a screw with a U shaped head and a screw thread. The sliding member is configured to slide across the rigid member through the first elongated opening. The sliding member having an elongated opening is configured to be fastened at a desired location on the sliding member by a first wing nut and a first washer arrangement. The violin receiving member has a first end which is threaded. The violin receiving member has a second end which is concave shaped to hold a base of the violin. The receiving member is configured to slide across the second elongated opening of the sliding member. The violin receiving member is configured to be fastened at a desired location on the sliding member.

Abstract: A shoulder support for a musical instrument is provided, including a holding device, an arm, and a shoulder abutment element. The arm is held on the holding device by a first joint device and/or the shoulder abutment element is held on the arm by a second joint device. The first joint device is associated with a first fixing device, by which a relative position between the arm and the holding device can be fixed. The second joint device is associated with a second fixing device, by which a relative position between the shoulder abutment element and the arm can be fixed. A part of the first joint device is configured as a fixing element for releasable fixing of the arm on the holding device and/or a part of the second joint device is configured as a fixing element for releasable fixing of the shoulder abutment element on the arm.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical musical instrument capable of generating a whole or partial instrument resonant frequency, said instrument comprising a body (1) having a first end (2) and a second end (3), a soundboard (4) positioned between said first and second ends adapted to generate a live frequency response and a contact microphone or sensor (5) adapted to receive said resonant frequency wherein said body includes a rigid member (6) positioned between said first and second ends of said body, said rigid member being adapted to apply tension or compression between said first and second ends of said body and simultaneously contact said soundboard between said first and second body ends such that said application of tension or compression adjusts or modifies said resonant frequency of said instrument.

Abstract: Instrument chin support, and method providing a means for adjusting placement along any and all 3-dimensional axes (x, y, z). An assembled chin support can include a chin-plate shaped to provide the player with comfort; a ball joint and clamp that allow the adjustment of any or all angles in the x, y and z axes (i.e. rotation, yaw, pitch, tilt, and roll); an eccentric post that mates with a base-clamp so as to provide the player with a means to customize the height and lateral position (i.e. y and z axes) of the chin-plate; and a bracket commonly known in the art to affix the chin support to the instrument. Advantages include providing players with a chin support that players can customize to their individual body. By doing so this chin support can help alleviate most of the adverse health concerns many players struggle with while playing their instrument.

Abstract: A shoulder support for a musical instrument is proposed, which includes a holding device, by means of which the shoulder support is fixable or fixed to the musical instrument, at least one arm, which is fixable or fixed to the holding device, and a shoulder abutment element, which is fixable or fixed on the at least one arm and has a pad and a pad holder, the pad holder being movably held on an arm connecting part of the shoulder abutment element by means of a pad holder joint device.

Abstract: A wrist alignment device for attachment to a stringed musical instrument, the instrument comprising a neck portion comprising a fingerboard on one side of the neck portion and a nose portion contiguous with the neck portion, the device comprising a three-dimensional oblong body comprising a flat planar end and curved sides, the body removably attachable to a side of the neck portion that is opposite the side comprising the fingerboard and at an area where the neck and the nose portion meet, the device sized to come into contact with a ball portion of the hand of a player of the instrument, placing the wrist in a perpendicular position relative to the neck without inhibiting rotation of the wrist as is necessary for proper placement of the fingers on the finger board.

Abstract: A wrist alignment device for attachment to a stringed musical instrument, the instrument comprising a neck portion comprising a fingerboard on one side of the neck portion and a nose portion contiguous with the neck portion, the device comprising a three-dimensional oblong body comprising a flat planar end and curved sides, the body removably attachable to a side of the neck portion that is opposite the side comprising the fingerboard and at an area where the neck and the nose portion meet, the device sized to come into contact with a ball portion of the hand of a player of the instrument, placing the wrist in a perpendicular position relative to the neck without inhibiting rotation of the wrist as is necessary for proper placement of the fingers on the finger board.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoulder support (30) for a bowed instrument having a support element (32) for placing on the shoulder and/or chest of the player. To that end, there is provision according to the invention for the support element (32) of the shoulder support (30) to be produced from a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A shoulder rest for a stringed instrument includes a resting element configured to rest on a shoulder or chest of a player. The resting element has a base which is made of compressed wood. The base of the resting element is formed by a workpiece cut from a block of compressed wood having a cross direction which is substantially normal to a fiber orientation of the block of compressed wood.

Abstract: A strap mounted instrument stand includes a pair of hingedly connected plates. The stand is movable between a closed position, in which the plates lie against one another in a generally flat configuration, and an open position, in which the plates are disposed at an angle with respect to one another. A bracket extends in a generally normal direction from one of the plates to support a musical instrument when the stand is in the open position. A securement member secures the plates together in the closed position. Releasing the securement member allows the stand to move to the open position. The stand holds a musical instrument, such as a guitar, in an upright position when not in use.

Abstract: A shoulder support for a musical instrument is provided, including a holding device, an arm, and a shoulder abutment element. The arm is held on the holding device by a first joint device and/or the shoulder abutment element is held on the arm by a second joint device. The first joint device is associated with a first fixing device, by which a relative position between the arm and the holding device can be fixed. The second joint device is associated with a second fixing device, by which a relative position between the shoulder abutment element and the arm can be fixed. A part of the first joint device is configured as a fixing element for releasable fixing of the arm on the holding device and/or a part of the second joint device is configured as a fixing element for releasable fixing of the shoulder abutment element on the arm.

Abstract: A shoulder rest for a violin, viola or like instrument is described which has a reduced risk and incidence of slippage and disengagement from the instrument by having provided thereon a cross-member adjacent to or displaced from the rest member of the shoulder rest, which cross-member is resilient and substantially stretch resistant and preferably linking two support members protruding from or associated with the rest member of the shoulder rest. When pressure is applied during use, the legs (or support members) of the shoulder rest do not splay and the shoulder rest remains in position. Feet or gripping members for attaching a shoulder rest to a violin reduced any detrimental impact to the sound quality of the violin caused by use of a shoulder rest by maintaining contact with the backplate only in the area of the backplate outside the inner purfling line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoulder support for a bowed instrument having a support element for placing on the shoulder and/or chest of the player. To that end, there is provision according to the invention for the support element of the shoulder support to be produced from a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a vertical instrument support system for musical instruments.

Abstract: A tone control device is provided. The tone control device includes a bridge configured to be mounted to an instrument. The bridge includes a body and an adjustment area located within the bridge. The adjustment area and the body define at least one recess in at least one surface of the bridge. The tone control device further includes a weight assembly configured to be movable within the at least one recess.

Abstract: In an implementation of this invention, a stringed musical instrument has a resonator comprised of a bridge and a soundboard. Vibrations from the strings are transmitted through the bridge to the soundboard. A plurality of sensors are attached to or embedded in the soundboard. The sensors measure primarily the vibrations of the soundboard, rather than primarily the vibrations of the strings. Preferably, three or more sensors are used. Piezoelectric sensors sample vibrations in the soundboard. The resonator includes a printed circuit board that amplifies the signal from each sensor separately. Also, a signal processing device that is “onboard” the musical instrument processes the separate input signals to create one output signal. The resonator may be easily removed, enabling resonators to be interchanged. Also, the physical characteristics of a particular resonator, such as its mass or its boundary condition, may be adjusted, thereby changing the acoustic qualities of the soundboard.

Abstract: A shoulder rest for a violin, viola or like instrument is described which has a reduced risk and incidence of slippage and disengagement from the instrument by having provided thereon a cross-member adjacent to or displaced from the rest member of the shoulder rest, which cross-member is resilient and substantially stretch resistant and preferably linking two support members protruding from or associated with the rest member of the shoulder rest. When pressure is applied during use, the legs (or support members) of the shoulder rest do not splay and the shoulder rest remains in position. Feet or gripping members for attaching a shoulder rest to a violin reduced any detrimental impact to the sound quality of the violin caused by use of a shoulder rest by maintaining contact with the backplate only in the area of the backplate outside the inner purfling line.

Abstract: A violin shoulder cradle is provided which provides for compact storage and for adjustment of the position of the violin to which the cradle is clamped relative to the shoulder of the wearer. The shoulder cradle hereof includes a base including a pair of clamping legs which are pivotally mounted to the base for movement between a retracted storage position and an extended violin-clamping position. It further includes a connection between the base which may include an array of studs and a corresponding grid pattern or matrix of tubes in a receiver, and/or at least one magnet which magnetically holds the foundation to the base.

Abstract: A violin shoulder cradle is provided which provides for compact storage and for adjustment of the position of the violin to which the cradle is clamped relative to the shoulder of the wearer. The shoulder cradle hereof includes a base including a pair of clamping legs which are pivotally mounted to the base for movement between a retracted storage position and an extended violin-clamping position. It further includes a connection between the base which may include an array of studs and a corresponding grid pattern or matrix of tubes in a receiver, and/or at least one magnet which magnetically holds the foundation to the base.

Abstract: A self-corrective wrist positioning practice device including a planar elongated member having a two curved terminating ends with a pair of slots defined proximate each terminating end. Two adjustably securable straps are received within the pair of slots at the respective terminating ends. When oriented on the back of the wearer's arm the device permits while simultaneously mechanically signaling improper backward wrist bending without using electronic components. The device is also repositionable from the back to the side of the arm so as to signal improper bending of the wrist sideways.

Abstract: The shoulder rest for a violin and a viola is formed in the manner that the basis of the shoulder rest (1) is partially rolled up in the opposite direction and that enables maximal adjustment to physiological characteristics of the violinist. The strain leg holder (2) is rotated for 180° C. in each direction in the way that the shoulder rest length is reduced from the functional shoulder rest length for one fourth.

Abstract: A violin shoulder cradle is provided which provides for compact storage and for adjustment of the position of the violin to which the cradle is clamped relative to the shoulder of the wearer. The shoulder cradle hereof includes a base including a pair of clamping legs which are pivotally mounted to the base for movement between a retracted storage position and an extended violin-clamping position. It further includes a connection between the base which may include an array of studs and a corresponding grid pattern or matrix of tubes in a receiver, and/or at least one magnet which magnetically holds the foundation to the base.

Abstract: A holder is provided for maintaining a device such as a musical instrument in a steady position on the floor upon which the device has been placed. The holder is attached to the floor but can be easily removed. The holder is provided with a recess adapted to receive the device. The recess is located on the top of the holder. The holder separates the device from the floor and comprises a substrate which has a pressure sensitive adhesive affixed to its bottom surface.

Abstract: A viola/violin shoulder rest includes a first pad and a second pad made of soft foamed plastic material. A retainer is fixed between the first pad and the second pad. Each of the first pad and the second pad is formed with a sound reflection area which is a through hole. The sound reflection area of the first pad is alternatively stuffed with a natural sponge block. The sponge block is selectively coated at its top a gold foil. A number of feet made of silicon gel are fixed on the first pad in delta arrangement. A number of fastening posts are disposed on an upper surface of the retainer. A resilient band extends through where between the retainer and the second pad for the viola/violin player to deliver optimal sound color and quality.

Abstract: A violin thumb pad that facilitates the optimal positioning of violin relative to the player's thumb supporting the violin neck, for teaching purpose and for increased comfort and reduced physical stress, is introduced. Assuming the violin player uses left hand to play the violin finger board, and used right hand to hold the bow, the violin thumb pad forces the left thumb and palm to turn towards the player so the player's fingers are inline with the violin string naturally. The violin thumb pad also forces the left thumb and to be comfortably straight. And it forces the left elbow to stay close with the player's body. The violin thumb pad also makes it easier to place the violin neck between the thumb and index finger and not letting the violin neck drop to the bottom of the thumb. The violin thumb pad comprises an elongated pad that has one side conformable to the thumb and one side conformable to the violin neck, and at least one harnesses or loops that fastens the pad to the thumb.

Abstract: The shoulder rest for a violin and a viola is formed in the manner that the basis of the shoulder rest (1) is partially rolled up in the opposite direction and that enables maximal adjustment to physiological characteristics of the violinist. The strain leg holder (2) is rotated for 180° C. in each direction in the way that the shoulder rest length is reduced from the functional shoulder rest length for one fourth.

Abstract: An improved support for stringed musical instruments of the violin family, allowing the musician to play the instrument in a wide range of stable and adjustable playing positions without using pressure from the chin, jaw, neck, left hand, or shoulder resulting in comfortable playing positions and a relaxed body posture, the support sling consisting of one or more narrow lengths of flexible material slipped under the tailpiece of the instrument, over the adjacent shoulder of the musician, down diagonally across the musician's back, under the opposite underarm, and upwardly across the musician's chest until the opposite ends of the sling are adjacent to each other, whereby they may be connected to each other to form a continuous loop that extends around the body of the musician making a close and secure fit.

Abstract: An adjustable and collapsible shoulder rest for a violin or like instrument that has an elongated single piece body with a first and second end being vertically extended at both ends by vertical guards which protect and prevent injury to the user when attempting to collapse the left and right gripping members. Vertical guards may be positioned at a fixed tilted angle to improve and train users to apply proper playing posture. Left and right gripping members have flexible separated gripping appendages that increase the surface area gripping of the instrument body and reduce or negate completely, any unwanted movement or slippage of the instrument body. Left and right gripping members are securely attached to left and right collapsible inserts by stems.

Abstract: An improved support for stringed musical instruments of the violin family, allowing the musician to play the instrument in a wide range of stable and adjustable playing positions without using pressure from the chin, jaw, neck, left hand, or shoulder resulting in comfortable playing positions and a relaxed body posture. The support sling (1) consists of one or more narrow lengths of flexible material slipped under the tailpiece (5) of the instrument, over one shoulder, down diagonally across the back to under the opposite underarm, upward across the chest the ends being fastened together by a knot (2) or adjustable and releasable fasteners to form a continuous loop around the body of the musician that is fit closely and securely. The support sling (1) is of simple design, easy to use, and fits easily alongside the instrument in its case. The support sling is an improvement over the prior art.

Abstract: A violin thumb pad that facilitates the optimal positioning of violin relative to the player's thumb supporting the violin neck, for teaching purpose and for increased comfort and reduced physical stress, is introduced. Assuming the violin player uses left hand to play the violin finger board, and used right hand to hold the bow, the violin thumb pad forces the left thumb and palm to turn towards the player so the player's fingers are inline with the violin string naturally. The violin thumb pad also forces the left thumb and to be comfortably straight. And it forces the left elbow to stay close with the player's body. The violin thumb pad also makes it easier to place the violin neck between the thumb and index finger and not letting the violin neck drop to the bottom of the thumb. The violin thumb pad comprises an elongated pad that has one side conformable to the thumb and one side conformable to the violin neck, and at least one harnesses or loops that fastens the pad to the thumb.

Abstract: A soundboard, which vibrates and generates tones, does not hit the mounting member (components); as a result abnormal vibration/noise is not caused; a contact members are contacted and attached on the both sides of the soundboard which generates tones; the contact member is softer than the soundboard; mounting member is harder than the contact members, mounting members are contacted outside the both contact members; all of them from the mounting members through the mounting members are held and fixed with the connect members; the soundboard is detached from the hard mounting members with the soft contact member (sheet) in between; therefore the tone characteristics of the soundboard do not deteriorate, and abnormal vibration/noise caused by resonance of soundboard and other components do not occur.

Abstract: An adjustable and collapsible shoulder rest for a violin or like instrument that comprises an elongated single piece body with a first and second end being vertically extended at both ends by vertical guards which protect and prevent injury to the user when attempting to collapse the left and right gripping members. Vertical guards may be positioned at a fixed tilted angle to improve and train users to apply a proper playing posture. Left and right gripping members are comprised of a plurality of flexible separated gripping appendages that increase the surface area gripping of the instrument body and reduce or negate completely, any unwanted movement or slippage of the instrument body. Left and right gripping members are securely attached to left and right collapsible inserts by stems. Stems may be horizontally adjusted by placing the left and right collapsible inserts on different positioning holes located on the top ends of both collapsible inserts.

Abstract: A viola/violin shoulder rest includes a first pad and a second pad made of soft foamed plastic material. A retainer is fixed between the first pad and the second pad. Each of the first pad and the second pad is formed with a sound reflection area which is a through hole. The sound reflection area of the first pad is alternatively stuffed with a natural sponge block. The sponge block is selectively coated at its top a gold foil. A number of feet made of silicon gel are fixed on the first pad in delta arrangement. A number of fastening posts are disposed on an upper surface of the retainer. A resilient band extends through where between the retainer and the second pad for the viola/violin player to deliver optimal sound color and quality.

Abstract: A chinrest pad system designed to hold a standard chinrest used with a string instrument that minimizes dampening of vibration and prevents damage caused by the metal components touching the edges of the instrument. The system includes pads located under the support surface of the chinrest member and on top of the lower lip plate used on the lower clamping member. The pads are specifically designed to partially engage the instrument's upper and lower edges and match the curvature of instrument surface immediately adjacent to the edge. Each pad also includes a rear extending lip that bends slightly around the upper or lower edge and extends rearward to prevent the metal rods used with the turnbuckles from contacting the rear surface. During assembly, the pads are positioned over the upper and lower edges so that the compression forces exerted by the support surface and the lower lip plate are centrally located over the sidewall transverse axis, thereby minimizing dampening of vibration.