The best way to know if a violin, viola or bow "fits" is to take it out on trial
Here you can run it through your own auditioning process and hear what it sounds like in your home, at church and at school. You can seek the input of your teacher or fellow musicians (or you can do your trial in secret if you know these well-meaning people will only confuse the situation!)
And, of course, the whole time you will have a super patient and helpful retired symphony violinist (me!) standing by to coach you to get the best sound from the instrument possible.
My Four-Step Trial Process is Simple
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How Fiddleheads' Trials Work
Before I get into explaining the steps, know this:
I've assisted countless violinists and violists of all skill levels trying out my instruments since the early 2000s.
I estimate in all my years of playing cupid, matching people to their "loves," 90% of the trials are successful, resulting in elated customers who now have the right instrument for their budget and needs.
As for the other 10% when the trial ended with an instrument coming back to me, there's a consistent factor: the budget was too low for their needs, or their needs were too high for the budget.
Raising the budget during the second round of trials has almost always resulted in an awesome email along the lines of, "I LOVE this violin! I'm keeping it!" Understand, I'm not saying everyone needs to spend a fortune to have a violin that makes them happy... [Read the rest of my article]
Instrument Trials - Fiddleheads' Service Excellence - Match-Making Players to Instruments
Step 1: Contact Me and I'll Sort Out the DetailsI am frequently told by my customers how easy I make the trial process: Read testimonials here Is there an instrument you are interested in trying out before buying? Email me the following details:
Step 2: DepositA 50% deposit is required for all loans/ trials of instruments due to increasing fraud. The customer makes the deposit with the clear understanding that they will be refunded this amount (less incoming shipping costs) in the event the instrument does not meet their requirements. Rhiannon makes all the arrangements quick and easy so this amount can be paid via:
EFT/E-transfers and other non-credit card methods are strongly encouraged as they do not require time to clear in the banking system and are refunded without the customer incurring merchant charge fees should the trial be returned.
Step 3. You have 14 or more days with the instrument in your hands!You provide your mailing address then the instrument is packed and shipped as soon as the deposit payment to Fiddleheads clears. Customers are then granted at least 14 days* after receipt of the instrument to play before they can be returned for complete refund less outbound shipping. Rhiannon will personally touch base with you during the trial and will be available to answer any questions or concerns you have in order to help you bring out the best possible sound from the instrument. Take advantage of her expert consultation to get the most out of your trial. *The 14 day period is a recommendation-- if you require more time you are most welcome to request extra time up-front or for an extension during the trial. You are encouraged to take more time to feel comfortable and choose to buy from Fiddleheads. Step 4. Decide if it's a keeperYES! You love the violin and want to keep it!When you're ready to purchase/adopt, you simply send the remaining 50% (balance owing) to Fiddleheads and become the happy owner/parent of the instrument. Perhaps you tried a couple violins during your trial and are keeping only one. In this scenario you will keep the preferred violin and return the other. The deposit may cover the cost of the remaining instrument, but a real human at Fiddleheads (me!) will adjust your invoice to reflect the balance owing. I will also extend additional discounts if you find a buyer (friend, colleague, student) for the spare instrument. Just ask!
Sorry, it's not the right violin for me...Even if my tips and advice to bring out the best sound from the instrument don't help the customer decide this one is a keeper, they still have the option to return it. After communicating about the customer's desire to send the instrument back, I'll email an address label with a Returns Authorization (RA) number and detailed instructions. The payment minus the outbound shipping cost is sent back to the customer once the instrument is received in its original condition. You might consider a second trial to get it just right. Remember what Rhiannon said at the top of this page: "..when the trial ended with an instrument coming back to me, there's a consistent factor: the budget was too low for their needs, or their needs were too high for the budget." |
Exceptions & Boring But Necessary Legal Stuff
Shipping Details on Returns
Customers are responsible for paying shipping for trials (and return shipping should the item be returned). Typically return shipping costs range depending on the instrument, type of service used and distance shipped.
As you unpack your trial, be sure to photograph the packaging materials so you can replicate these steps should you choose to return your trial item/s. Please keep the packing materials in which the instrument/s were sent so that it/they may be returned safely.
Full details are posted on the Returns & Refunds Policy page under Shipping Returns.
Damage & Loss
Damages to the instrument/s forfeit return of the 50% deposit.
What constitutes damage is at Rhiannon's experienced discretion, but please note she is very fair and honest in this regard and adds this for her protection and to encourage careful handling of her instruments. A new high end violin with a scratch or ding cannot be sold for full price, especially if it requires revarnishing or repair, so you are asked to be very careful and conscientious with the instrument.
Instruments lost, damaged, stolen or destroyed during shipping and which were not insured by the customer are then the customer's loss. Such damage or loss rarely happens if the package is properly wrapped. Customers may choose to insure their returns and are responsible for it while in their care.
Just use common sense: Handle the violin with clean, dry hands and by the neck only (not holding at the body, which is a habit many players have), keep it safe from the elements and other risks and store it in the case when not in use. Send it back cleaned with a soft, dry cloth so it is not covered in rosin dust. Fiddleheads now includes a free set of white cloth inspection gloves to aid in protecting the instruments' varnish.
Prolonged Trials
If the instrument/s are in the customer's possession for an exceptionally longer trial (4+ weeks), the trial may be cancelled and no refund can be granted. The customer is asked to then pay the remainder owing on the instrument in order to purchase it. I have not yet had to resort to these measures but this policy stands "just in case."
Likewise, if a customer has played the instrument/s to the point the valuable strings are no longer new or vibrant, there may be a string replacement charge added for those installed on the instruments taken on trial.
Some Items Not Available for Trial
- Trials are typically only offered on in-stock instruments over $1000 USD or bows over $250 USD. I may allow lower-priced instruments and bows on trial on a per-case basis.
- Commissioned (custom, made to order) instruments are not available for trial and require a non-refundable 50% deposit for work to commence, the balance due upon completion of the instrument.
- Instruments which I must special order for customers must be paid in full before they are shipped and are not available for trial. Should the customer cancel their special order before it arrives, they forfeit their deposit.
- To prevent wear and tear on cases, they are for purchase only and not trial.
End of boring legal stuff.
Thank You!
I want to see all my customers completely thrilled with my service and to experience an enjoyable trial and purchase. Thank you for your consideration and for allowing Fiddleheads the opportunity to earn your business and loyalty!
Rhiannon Nachbaur, Fiddleheads' Owner