Fiddleheads Violin Shop Testimonials & Feedback: Instrument Reviews by Maker

Primo Violino Student Violins - Xeuchang Sun

Ming Jiang Zhu

Bulgarian Workshop Violins - Angela Moneff - Ivan Stankov - Petko Stoinov

Other Makers

Primo Violino Student Violins

Thank you for the wonderful [Primo Violino] violins. Our teacher approved.

I think they sound great for the size and look impressive. We will definitely be keeping them [after the trial].

- Sietske, Nelson, BC

I just picked up the [red Primo] violin and I wanted to say it is a lovely looking instrument. I can't wait to see the expression on [my wife's] face and to hear it in action...even at a beginners level.

Thank-you so very much for your exceptionally wonderful service and for helping me make my wife's birthday a great one. I think I am more excited for her birthday than she is. :-)

I will be sure to recommend your business to all of my friends as many are musically inclined. Thanks again!

I wish you all the best in career and in health. Sincerely,

- Ben, Edmonton, AB

Hello Rhiannon, I'm just writing to confirm that the 1/8 size [Primo "Factory Option"] violin arrived safe and sound at the beginning of this week, and that we're very happy with the purchase.

My daughter loves finally having a violin to call her own and her teacher had very complimentary things to say about the instrument's quality.

It was a pleasure buying an instrument from you. Even though I wasn't making a huge purchase, you treated me as if I were. Clearly you're in this business because you love playing, teaching and inspiring others to enjoy music as much as you do.

We'll be back for more as my daughter grows and continues to play. Best,

- Christopher, Scottdale, GA

I have an eight year old girl who had outgrown her rental violin and knew very little about violins at all. I was directed time and again to Rhiannon at Fiddleheads.

I contacted her directly and was invited to the school. The array of violins is staggering, as is her knowledge of each and every one of them. She informed us of size, quality and cost. By the end of the afternoon we were down to two violins and could not make up our minds as to which suited my girl best. Rhiannon then so generously suggested that we take them both home and try them for a week.

By weeks end, my daughter announced the which likes her playing the best. We have been quite satisfied at the quality and price of our new and first violin purchase.

Rhiannon's knowledge and expertise were invaluable to us, the first time buyer, and have no doubt where we will go when the violin has been handed down to my littlest girl. Thanks Rhiannon!

- Vicki, Salmon Arm, BC

The [Primo] violin arrived yesterday, and Kevin's class starts tomorrow, so the timing worked out.  The instrument looks good and sounds good...  Kevin was very excited to get it, and his sister couldn't wait to get her hands on it... Thanks for your advice and for getting the violin to us on time.

- Lynn, Arlington VA

Dear Rhiannon,
Here is Tiena Lyn [age 4] with her new [1/8 size Primo] violin and the pin you gave her - see her hair. We posted a movie of her playing it on youtube and send you the link so you can hear the sound.

You can put the [youtube] link on your website. We just want more people to know how knowledgeable  and helpful you are to us. You were not the first violin store that we contacted, but we got the most out of you!

I played it a few songs before I handed it to Tiena Lyn, she didn't argue for not finding the [fingering] tapes, in fact she quite liked the bears [stickers you added].

And you are right about everything. The Primo now sounds excellent!
It needed constant tuning the first few days [from the new Dominant strings], but now the sounding stays clear and right in tune! We noticed the sound got better and better...

Thank you once again and we will always look for your advice and opinion when it comes to violin (anything about violin!)

- Sylviane, Mike, and Tiena Lyn "the violin fairy," Oakville, Ontario

[The Primo Violino] Violin arrived on Saturday safe and sound. Annie is thrilled! The books are lovely and special thanks for the little treats.

We will make gingerbread violins [with the free violin-shaped cookie cutter] next week.

You went to a great deal of trouble. We will pass along your cards to other musically-inclined folk and to Annie's teacher. Thanks!

- Michaelle, Radium, BC

Thanks! I am so excited [to try my new violin] I can't stand it! Holding the violin brought back so many memories, I used to play viola.

The violin looks and feels super, I can't wait to learn a little tune!

- Nora, Rochester, NY

Xeuchang Sun

I was looking for a 1/8 violin for my daughter and I found Fiddleheads.ca on the Internet. I checked through the site and found it is very informative. I sent Rhiannon a couple emails about my concerns and she replied and solved my questions right away. I ordered a 1/8 size Young Maestro Violin Outfit and received it excellent condition. The violin sounds very good, much better than the one we have and also the bow and case are fabulous. I really suggest anyone who is looking for a violin shall contact Rhiannon since, as a violinist and teacher, she knows everything about violin. You would be really satisfied by her customer service. - James, father of 4-year-old Cassandra, Toronto Ontario

[My teacher] liked the [Sun VN-100] violin and thought it was worth a lot more than what I paid for it. Hope all is well with you and thank you again for all your help.

- Lisa, Calgary, AB

I found [www.fiddleheads.ca] while I was looking for information on violins. I think you have the most informative site out there... My [Sun VN-100] violin arrived on Tuesday afternoon. It's beautiful and it sounds great too. I can't wait to start taking lessons.

I want to thank you again for all your help, if I hadn't found the Fiddleheads.ca website I would probably still be trying to chose a violin. I would definitely recommend Fiddleheads to any musician in need of great advice and service. I will be sure to contact you in the future if ever I need anything else for my music.

- Brianne, Delta BC

The [Sun VN-100] violin is as kick-ass as promised. I waxed poetical and posted purty pictures here [on my blog and at the left]. That first post was just my excitement bubbling over in the first two days.

You're right -- [the Sun VN-100] is a beautiful instrument. I love the colour and the finish. I mean reeeally love it. It plays like a dream; so consistent and bright and responsive that it honestly had me playing better immediately.

Some of that is certainly due to new strings, but I already love how it plays and sounds, with that long sustain. Can't wait to get some more time on it (everyone's napping here right now).

And thanks so much for the wonderful case -- it's a lot nicer than what I was expecting, and much appreciated. Love the little goodies too. The girls were pleased with those.

After our last lesson, our teacher, Liz, played my [Sun] violin. She had admired its beauty before, but hadn't properly played it yet. Her partner, Ron, was there too, an old-school fiddler who knows hundreds (literally) of traditional tunes and plays them like a dream. Liz loves the way it plays and thinks it was a terrific value (it also sounded GORGEOUS while she played).

Ron was very impressed with the tone and spent several minutes inspecting it afterwards. He agreed that the craftsmanship appeared to be outstanding -- in fact, he speculated that it must have been manufactured with all the latest technology to be that good! He doesn't really trust anything from China, but said he wouldn't care who had made it if it looked that good and sounded that great. Grudging respect, I'd say.

So yeah, it was was a full-on love in for the Sun VN-100. I seriously open up the case throughout my work day just to gaze at it...

- Jeremy, Summerland, BC

Nathaniel's a few months into his lessons now and is having a great time.

We love the [Sun VN-100] violin. His teacher has been impressed with the sound, as have we, and we've noticed that it's been opening up really nicely.

I think it's so important for a beginner to play an instrument that produces a lovely musical sound--it's so much more rewarding for the student. Thanks again for the great service and for setting us up with such nice instrument.

- Heather, Toronto, ON

The feedback [on the viola] is fabulous.

My teacher said that [the VA-202 Tertis Viola] is the best sounding viola she has heard under $2000. She also mentioned that it truly competes with some violas that shops will sell for $4000 to $5000 [USD].

A gal that is looking at buying [a Sun VA-202] viola is in the Symphony. The instrument is the best that the principle violist has ever heard under $2000 and performs as well as most that are priced at twice that much.

Basically, the viola that you set up for me, a new player, is good enough for the Symphony. It truly is a wonderful instrument.

- Bobby, Montana

Hi Rhiannon, I was not expecting you to be so helpful in your [email] responses. You really get into it and don’t hold back. That was nice to see. My grandson really enjoys [his violin.] ... We spend 15 minutes just doing long slow, sort of straight bows. He takes it really seriously. He is still wondering how the frog is called a frog when it doesn’t even look like one. I, too, am enjoying my [Young Maestro] violin very much. It is a huge improvement over the one I started out with. I do love the sound that comes through the new fiddle. It reverberates though the wood so nicely and for me is a very nice experience. I think I have found a fiddle teacher and am determined to get that [Young Maestro] well and truly excercised and let it start to come alive. I really do enjoy the sound that comes out of it. If I had had it to start out with, I dare say that I would be much better with playing and would have looked so much more forward to getting it out and practicing. It is terrible to say in a way but using a poorly crafted instrument could be quite instrumental, excuse the play on words, in discouraging a student. Having experienced that fuller bodied sound that I have now is very pleasurable for me. Rhiannon, you work very hard with your business as most successful people do. You deserve a lot of credit and a big warm hug so get your husband to give you one from me. I am so pleased that I found you and you took all the mistrust and caution out of doing business. In this day and age, who ever sends out a product purely on the promise to pay? This is the way it used to be and it is very gratifying to have experienced it again with you. You are quite a unique business woman. Thank you. - "Grandpa" Joe, Mission BC

I received the [VN-102 Concertmaster] violin yesterday. I love how it sounds. I'll be bringing it my violin teacher to have her test things out. I'm thrilled with it.

Thanks for your great service.

- Michelle, Vancouver, BC

The Xuechang Sun [VN-103] seems a really great value for my dollar. When I first played this violin, it was basically a baby; the varnish still new and soft, the sound improving almost weekly. Now, it has settled in to itself, developing colour, tone, and a quick response... [Read Full Review Here]

In summary, I found my choice great value for the money, with a sound pleasing to myself and to others. I am very satisfied with it and love how it improves with playing and the passage of time. It makes learning fun and again I will state, for the record, how pleased I am with Rhiannon and how patiently she has “taken stock” of me and matched me so well to my instrument.... [Read Full Review Here]

- Michael, Nanaimo, BC

Lisa’s teacher was very impressed with her [1/4 size VN-102] violin and I am too – good sound even from a beginner - and even more impressed with Brenda’s [4/4 size Gallini] violin and the [model #240] suede case.

Brenda’s enjoying learning to play it (as am I) and we love the [Bon Musica] shoulder rest – it completely frees up the hands to do what they are supposed to! We will send your our quartet picture when we take one!

- Cynthia, Kanata Ontario

 

Sun Cello Testimonial

I am writing about the cello that I bought. I am a cellist by night, a serious amateur for 4 years. I tried and heard many cellos and knew exactly what I wanted to hear from a new instrument. I tried a Xeuchang Sun CL-303. The first time I played it I noticed the fingerboard is made from very high quality ebony and almost perfectly set up for me.

It's very difficult to describe a feeling for an instrument; it's better in music, but what I could hear playing it, was a very nice sound with a beautiful "sustain" that inspired me to remain quiet and breathless long after the last note has finished.

After almost 6 months of practicing 1.5 to 2 hours a day I'm completely used to this beautiful cello. The sound is worlds better than when I first bought it. It is improving all the time. It seems the cello is learning to play better! A good sound comes from a good cello with a good setup, good strings and a good bow but most importantly a thousand of hours of practicing on daily basis. [see Fiddleheads' Tone Guarnatee]

The secret to buying a cello: You try it, if it feels good, then you let a friend play it for you so you can listen without thinking of performing with an instrument that you don't know. You can also hear what it sounds like from the front and at a distance.

I am very happy with my CL-303 cello. It's a serious instrument for a serious cellist and an excellent investment. Thanks again for your excellent service, Fiddleheads.

- Jean-Claude, Trois-Rivières, Quebec

Thanks for the email--Kate loves her violin and blue bow! The tone is beautiful--and the brooch was such a nice gesture. She'll wear it when she performs :-)

- Cathy, Fort Frances, ON

Ming Jiang Zhu: Workshop Models - Handmade Models

[My son] Eric is 13 years old and earned 3rd place in string group of CMC held at Rimouski last year. Also he just won the 1st place of  Bach Sonata and Concertos in Vancouver Kiwanis festival. The adjudicator's comment was "you are more powerful than your fiddle can handle.

So we really needed an advance violin. Eric brought your [Zhu 909] violin to his new teacher, Lawrie Hill, who is very famous.

He is surprised the [Zhu] violins' quality. We are fortunate to buy the violin from you, we are really happy with your violin. Thank you!

Also, It was nice talking to you, you are really a sweet person.

- Vincent, Taichung Country, Taiwan

I’m an advancing student and have just acquired a new violin – a Ming Jiang Zhu 909 and I love him. He is a him, and his name is Vinny. He has beautiful projection, is very comfortable to play and I don’t have to push the sound at all.

With the strings I am using (Pirastro Passione) Vinny sounds very warm and mellow, especially on the G string. He is an excellent violin for classical music, and I love playing fiddle with him too. The varnish is beautiful.

Thank you Rhiannon and Mr. Zhu!

- Hanna, Age 13, Williams Lake BC [read her mom's feedback below]

Just to let you know, Susanna had a wonderful Christmas practice last night on a farm (and with a wood stove). Two guitars, 2 violins, a piano and 3 voices, preparing for Sunday evening Christmas program.

I could hear the new [Zhu 903] violin for the first time in the band setting and it was beautiful. The other violinist immediately complimeted Susanna on the new instrument for its clear, full sound. Even when Susanna was standing with her back to me, I could hear the clean sound of her violin coming out above the other instruments.

We are all really happy with the new addition which you helped us with.

- Neels en Dina (with a hug from Susanna), Alberta

I'm from Japan and a total beginner in violin. I visited Rhiannon in person. It was a Saturday but Rhiannon spent half the day with me!

First, I was thinking to buy Zhu 901. Even though I'm a beginner, I could tell Zhu 901 had more projection than other violins in the same price range. But I preferred the 903 and it was not much more money to spend for the improvement in appearance.

I'm so impressed with the work of Ming Jiang Zhu's workshop. It must be a great workshop with the master's supervision. Every piece had perfect antique varnish work which is not too shy and not too obvious. I love the beautiful colour and gradation.

Zhu 903 might be too good for me but I really liked the looks over 901. I will love this violin for life!

- Hiroomi, Barriere BC

The 907 15" viola is such a lovely instrument, but I am soooo glad we went with the 909 in a 15.5" afterall, since [my daughter] Allison is playing the heck out of it.

She has really improved over the last few months and receives compliments on her instrument all of the time. For the spring semester in the Fairbanks Youth Orchestra she has been placed 1st chair! Her conductor last week told her that she has been playing fabulously and congratulated her on her hard work.

Also, she was wrapping up a lesson and her instructor's next student was there, (a 50ish year old women) and she commented on the lovely sound of Allison's viola. We are very happy. Thank you! :)

- Yvette, Fairbanks, Alaska

I received the very beautiful [Zhu 909] violin today and it plays very nicely. And as you say in about a year it will sound even better. Happy to have it and I will be doing a concert with an orchestra and will use it now for rehearsals and performance.

I just thought I had to have a Zhu violin in my collection as I have read so many good things about them--some day I may afford to buy one of his custom jobs but for now this one is fine. Very sweet sounding and responding instrument.

- Sydney, Louisiana

The [909 left-handed custom] violin is beautiful. I'm really proud to own this instrument. Thank you.

- Rick, Lloydminster, AB

Shifa played the [1/2 size Zhu 905] violin over the weekend and likes the bigger sound. More than the violin, she enjoyed the gift [of a violin pin] you gave her!

- Riyaz, Ontario

Viola arrived today. My daughter is out of town until Saturday night so I can't give you her reaction. We have not told her about it, so it will be a complete surprise.

The color is more orange than I thought it would be, which is very nice. I was expecting quite brown but there is a nice orange cast. Thumbs up for that.

We took the viola to her teacher to tune it and prepare it properly. She thought the tone and rich sound was wonderful. I'm no sound expert but comparing it to her crappy 14" violin with viola strings, it sounds like a cello. Thumbs way up for that!

- Wesley, Utah

Handmade Zhu: $25k retail

Hi Rhi, I wanted to thank you for making the purchase of my [handmade bench] Zhu violin via the internet and Fiddleheads such a positive experience. Remember the exhaustive email mania...with extensive talk about violin tone, value, shipping...and kids and trucks and trips and weather?

Needless to say, your opinions regarding instrument selection, shipment and transfer of funds were essential and admirably professional, but it was the endearing snippets we shared about our families that generated confidence that is typically lacking in traditional violin transactions.

It was so appreciated that when my incoming email doesn’t have something from Fiddleheads, it’s a little disappointing. On the other hand, I know that if I ever have a question or two, you’ll be there as always.

The violin, hand-made by Zhu, is still exploding with more volume each day. The tonal qualities, rich to begin with, almost seem to try to outperform the volume, as if each quality was vying to outdo the other. It’s truly a remarkably powerful instrument and well worth your price.

Of the six violins I’ve owned, only the Zhu’s immediately bright but mellow response transmits full sound so intense that it reverberates right through your body. What an incredible experience. And as you said, with a gold medal luthier, the violin’s value is almost guaranteed to increase at a greater rate than is typical for instruments in its price range.

Thank you again for your advice, service and the honest elements of concern...they were tru ly appreciated. With confidence and satisfaction, I have recommended others to view the Fiddleheads web site and seriously consider the purchase of an instrument from you.

In my opinion, your personable manner and service are untouchable. With thanks and fond memories,

- Jonathon, Delta BC

Bulgarian Workshop Violins

Hi Rhiannon, nice to hear from you. I'm pleased to send you this feedback on how I'm enjoying my Bulgarian violin. I don't think I'll ever truly do it justice as a player but that keeps me motivated!

I absolutely love my Jovani violin that I purchased through you at Fiddleheads! When I first played it a year ago, my teacher told me that I was very lucky to have a violin with such wonderful tone. It is so much easier than my old girl, and you're right, I do appreciate the more mellow tone.

As a beginner player, I wasn't sure I would hear the change you told me would take place over time as I played, since it already produced such a lovely sound, but I have!

It definitely has opened up, has a deeper resonance and more mellow tone which I love. It is a joy to play and inspires me to keep practicing! Thank you so much for helping me to find just the right violin.

- Leanne Copithorne, Deerfield Farm [Alberta] - See our Tone Guarantee for these instruments

The thought of purchasing a violin not only over the Internet but in another country was a bit unsettling to me. Rhiannon was friendly, accommodating, and answered all my questions. She provides a great service where one can take an instrument [on trial] and I quickly took advantage of the offer.

I received the [handmade Bulgarian] instrument within a week to Alabama USA. The violin was well packed. Once received the instrument was better than anticipated and sounded fantastic.

The more I played the more I appreciated the quality and sound of the instrument. I purchased the violin using Paypal.

I’m a very satisfied customer and would highly recommend Fiddleheads to anyone looking for quality instruments from an establishment with great customer service.

- John N, Trussville, Alabama, USA

After 2 lessons, my instructor was impressed with the look and sound of the [Jovani] viola. She liked the deep tone. She asked how much I paid for it, and said she paid more for hers and hers doesn't sound as good.

I have given her one of your cards so she can take a look at your website, she said they're always looking for good instrument sources.

So, in summary, your customer service was amazing and the viola is everything you said it would be, a great looking and sounding instrument for the price. Thanks again.

- Jennifer, Devonshire, Bermuda

Hi Rhiannon, I am really enjoying the instrument - it is a huge upgrade from what I was playing before. It's got great warmth and a beautiful look to it. The sound and quality of the Kocheff is great and I know I will be playing it for years to come.

Especially thanks for upgrading the case! The case is really awesome.

My instructor was also really impressed with the violin, especially when I told her I got it off the internet! I have passed on your name and website to her as well.

Thanks so much for all your assistance, buying a new violin seemed like a very daunting task to me, but you were so helpful and kind.

- Lauren, Etobicoke, Ontario

I was a complete novice looking for a violin when I came across Rhiannon's website. I had a previous bad experience with a purchase from a private owner so I was unsure of who I could trust.

After a few emails to Rhiannon I knew I would be buying my violin from her. She was not only a wealth of knowledge, but took the time to understand my needs, my budget and experience level.

My final choice was a new Ivan Kocheff that I am thrilled to own! Being a new student, I never expected to get such a rich sound at this stage, which will only get warmer and more mellow with time. My instructor was amazed I was able to get this beautiful instrument, prism bow, a case and extra strings for the price I paid.

Thank you Rhiannon for your time, expertise and patience. I will remain a loyal customer and would recommend you to anyone looking for a new instrument! If anyone wishes to contact me regarding my experience, please feel free to get my email address from Rhiannon.

Take care and I look forward to following your career and family! I'd love to hear you play live sometime, so keep your schedule on your website. Since I travel quite a bit, it would be great to combine my trip with a concert someday. Luv ya!

- Sandi Cerutti, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, USA

Angela Moneff

As [the Moneff] plays-in it develops greater depth of sound and character with a range and scope which I strive to learn to properly utilize.  In return it brings me joy, a deeper understanding and the realization that at age 57 I can so learn a new trick or two. HUGE value for dollar! Well done Ms Moneff, and thank you.

- Michael Sears, White Lake, BC, Canada [Read his full, very detailed review here]

I just wanted to thank Rhiannon for her EXCELLENT customer service! She was knowledgeable, fair and quick to respond. It is nerve-wracking choosing a violin from the internet (our first time), but she made this experience pleasant and worry-free.

We were looking for my 10 year old daughter's first full-size violin and had tried over 20 instruments locally, ranging in price from $2.6K to $7.5K. We wanted something that would take her all the way to high school and beyond. I'd heard about VSA's 2006 Gold medal winner for tone, Mr. Ming Jiang Zhu (MJZ)and wanted to try his VN-900 model.

After describing to Rhiannon what we were looking for, she quickly listed the merits of the VN-900, switched the strings to Obligatos [as per my request] and matched a competing website's sale price.

THEN, SHE DID SOMETHING UNEXPECTED: she advised me to look at the Angela Moneff violin from Bulgaria as well. This turned out to be a beautiful bench-made (by a woman!) Guarneri-style violin from the Kazanlak region or "Rose city" of Bulgaria.

The beauty of this instrument: it will STILL IMPROVE with constant playing over time! [My daughter's] teacher quickly noted that the sound was NEW but also recognized that it would open up with constant playing. Since my daughter practices 2 hours or more a day, we look forward to this remarkable instrument improving in the coming months. [See attachment for our detailed review.]

Thanks to Rhiannon's keen sense of matching the instrument to a player (even when we're SOOOO far away), we ended up buying a Moneff violin. If you are a serious violin student looking for great tone, clarity & projection from an instrument with the potential to open-up and do even greater things with time.... in addition to getting a good overall value, you should try the Moneff.

- Fe & Nina, Spring Hill, Florida

Read this Testimonial in French I would highly recommend to anyone who wishes to shop for a violin should consider contacting Rhiannon at Fiddleheads violins. Her personalized service and research skills are outstanding. I have been on the web for over a month searching for a violin upgrade from the one that I inherited from my grandfather over 20 years ago. I have communicated to other sites with only what they were showing on the web site with no other information. It was only with Fiddleheads that I received lots of recommendations and other selections of violins available throughout her resources. Rhiannon did help me thoroughly along within my budget restrictions and I ended up with a bench work violin from Angela Moneff. Wow! Great work Rhiannon. I cannot wait anymore to get the shipment! I am like a kid the day before Christmas. I never thought I would get this feeling again. Rhiannon exceeded my expectations and has very good knowledge and skills for personal service. She is a very communicator and very precise with details. You can ask her anything regarding the business of violins, etc. I will not hesitate to recommend your shop to anyone and I am thankful for the services you have provided me. Believe me that I will continue to shop at www.Fiddleheads.ca for whatever you can provide me for my new violin in the future. Thank you. Upon Receipt of Violin I will write again because I received the beautiful violin, case and bow. Again I am happy with what I see and play with. I feel proud. Thanks to you Rhiannon I feel that I will grow and become a far better player. I am in love again. With my new violin that is!!! Looking forward to write again and do business with you. Thanks for the cookie cutter. - Roger Charbonneau, Ottawa, ON

Ivan Stankov

Rhiannon, I wrote up a small recommendation of you for your site - it was easy though - you represent the easiest and most knowledgeable dealer I've encountered, and I think prospective buyers need to understand this as well!!

Perhaps one of the most difficult and daunting tasks facing a musician is purchasing a violin. Rhiannon has, however, turned this into a very positive experience by virtue of her personalized service, knowledge and honesty.

You are not simply purchasing a violin from a dealer: Clearly an astute business person, Rhiannon is also an award-winning violinist and music teacher. As a result, she sells instruments that actually meet the buyer's needs and expectations.

I purchased a Stankov violin from her, and after several wonderful communications, I made the wise decision to purchase this incredible instrument - I cannot thank you enough, Rhiannon!

- Glenn Boreham, Mississauga, Ontario

Petko Stoinov

Just a word or two to let you know that by adjusting the bridge on the Stoinov violin, the sound on all strings became marvellous. The violin has a wonderful projecting sound and great sustain.

It's an easy instrument to play. The response is great. The bowing to achieve a great sound requires less pressure on the strings to achieve a very noble sound than other violins.

The Stoinov violin sounds better every time I play it. This guy is a well kept secret. His violins are in the 12-15000 class easily and get better with time.

I'm glad I bought the Stoinov and appreciate your speed in getting it to me. Best wishes for a great holiday season.

- Sydney, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Other Instruments

Topa

I am writing this to share some good news with you. My son used his new (Topa) violin to participate in a violin competition (SYMF) last week. He successfully demonstrated the excellent sound quality of that violin and won first place in one category and second in another.

After the competition he said his "best partner, the new violin," helped him make it through.

We would like to thank you, not only for the excellent product, but also for your professional services. You provided us with detail and valuable information. You always answered our questions with patience, and in great depth.

Thanks to your guidance and expertise, it has been a smooth process for us from searching to owning such a wonderful violin.

Thank you again and Best Wishes to you and your family.

- Ryan, Fullerton, CA

Barcus Berry

We received the [Barcus Berry Red Vibrato] violin yesterday and it is SPECTACULAR! Leanne and I were stunned at how exquisite it is. It exceeded all of our expectations and was certainly worth the short wait.

We will most certainly recommend and refer both you and your shop/services to the many people we encounter here in Toronto. I thank you profusely for all that you've done and I assure you it will not be forgotten. Warmest Regards,

- Laura, Toronto, ON

I play in a foursome and I am a utility player. I own four violins (and a viola) and I play rhythm and bass guitar. I am 67 years young and I have been playing for awhile.

My favorite instrument is my [Red Berry-Burst] Barcus Berry Vibrato Violin. Not only does it sound good on my Roland amp, but people love the paint job and are amazed that it looks so nice and plays even better.

I stay busy playing and I use it every show! It is a wonderful instrument!

- Marvin Donnell, Violinist for the band "Broken Branches" in Waco, Texas

Thanks a lot. I really like [my Piano Black BB Violin]! I may someday order the black and red [Red Berry Burst] one and I'll order from your company again. Thanks once again,

- Michael, Inuvik, Northwest Territories

Wultur

The violin came today, my daughter was so happy. She loves the pin and the [Wultur] violin is very beautiful. Thanks for all your help. I've decided to learn violin and look forward to buying one for me in the future.

Thanks again for all your help. My daughter's orchestra teachers love her violin and have been checking it out and love the sound and said she is set for a while.

- Dionne, Goshen, Indiana

Bellissima Violins

My new violin sounds very nice. It has a nice warm, whole sound to it. I like the look and feel of the violin too.

- Ryan (age 15 - hence his loss for words), Fort Frances, ON [Read his mother's feedback on the trial process]

Used Violins

About one month ago I decided it was time to take up fiddle again after a lapse of about 50 years. While waiting for a cheap one to arrive, I found your website and with the help of email you graciously steered me in the right direction and away from the cheapie.

The fiddle you sold me was far above my expectations and I felt the case, bow and rosin were an added over the top bonus. I am very pleased with the package that you put together for me and am impressed with the sound of the violin. There is no comparison between the one from Sears [catalog] and your Joh. Strauss.

Thank you so much for all the help and free advice. I'll never make the philharmonic but thanks to you, Rhiannon, I am having a ball! Thanks again.

- "Grandpa Bruce," Invermere BC

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