Unlike the last reviewer, I was able to use a shoulder rest and plug in my earphones and output cable that came with the instrument with no problem. If you buy this violin, get creative and try different shoulder rests. I have a bunch at home. My fiddlerman was fine, and so was my Kun. It might fall off, so to create some friction, I adjusted the position of the shoulder rest. In addition, the electric violin is not like the traditional violin anyway, you cannot play it in the same way, there is nuance and one has to be open to the possibilities. I have been a musician for 20 + years; I enjoy playing this electric violin, mainly for recording and playing with Rock bands. I use my traditional violin with a pickup for jazz and other intricate playing. Also, buy new strings, it sounds better with a good set of strings.

Cant use headphone or amp jacks with a shoulder rest. Talked to Stagg Corp. about use of shoulder rest and blocking off plug in jacks. Asked if they knew of a shoulder rest which would fit and work. Stagg said thanks for letting them know there is an engineering problem! So violin is not usable unless you play with no shoulder rest!