Articles by Courtney S. - Hay River, NT

Articles by Courtney S. - Hay River, NT

Excellent price for such a high quality accessory

Paying $69 CAD doesn't sound so bad for such a high quality accessory. I was very much in need of a new one.

December 16, 2020

An incredible journey with the best possible guide

I love music. I have been longing for a new violin since I was 12 years old, but my mother and I have never been in a financial position to make my dream come true. I've been playing the same couple hundred dollar student violin my mother first rented out for me in 4th grade. I am very excited to hear how my sound is able to progress.

When I was listening to sound samples I did adore the depth the guarneri pattern brought to the lower strings. When I play pieces by myself I always pick romantics with love-sick highs and guttural lows that are sooooo much fun to drag out and dramatize. Dark, buttery romance is beautiful. I [felt] torn between having a nice high or a nice low. But in life the maker himself obviously preferred the guarneri pattern for a reason, so I trust his instincts.

After reading [reviews] I think my heart is set on the 909. The flame on the 907 is definitely more dramatic, but I don't really mind the softer look. As long as it plays beautifully it doesn't matter- I will fall in love with time. I didn't think my boyfriend was overly handsome until we had been together for a while and I had fallen for his personality, and one's violin can be likened to a spouse, right?

Wow, I totally just rambled, I am sorry! Something about your personality and passion for music makes me want to open up to you right away about my experiences. As the woman currently selling me such a vital part of my life I feel like you need to understand where I'm at right now. Oooooooh I am so excited!!!

[UPDATE: 1 month later] Omg omg omg!!! Love it!!!!! Woohoo!! I am so in love. I'm getting those first date jitters already..... like going out with a guy who's just too handsome!! The chin rest is such a lovely color of brown too.

I was playing quite a few pieces before, but off memory..... Bach's Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, that one was almost performance ready with my partner when lockdown started. I have been playing at about a grade 4-5 level as far as I know, with no real structure before my first year of lessons [last year].

I love the way the G and D strings can pull at an audience's heart as much as anyone, but I play a violin, not a viola- seldom do I get the privilege of playing so low for extended periods of time. In an orchestra setting I need the upper register to be able to sing for me.

I've been loving practicing.... Granted, I've only had a couple of days to do so. I definitely did notice the strings need to be broken in, I was doing some scales and couldn't go up past the second octave because it was just so painful bwahaha. The low B on the E string was so scratchy and I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong so I decided it must be the strings. But just a few notes after that, D natural and the E harmonic sound so lovely!

I can't wait until she really starts to sing!! There's so much resonance there. Playing in tune has never been so rewarding. I am sure it will improve too, I have much faith and determination!

My previous violin would resonate when I was in tune but it was never as obvious as this one. It is my favorite part of music. The satisfaction of hitting the notes just right. I will definitely keep enjoying playing in tune.

Of course I'll have to message you with some pictures and updates on this violin's life, as it is somehow just as much your baby as it is going to be mine... strangely enough, I also feel odd about closing communication with you. We must be long lost sisters or something :P

It is nice to talk to somebody about string instruments and music. I haven't had this in a very long time. I am vastly enjoying your wealth of knowledge and experience!

I'm excited to practice again tonight. I'll have to go to Kamloops just to buy new rosin when my cake runs out.

Seriously though, thank you for this amazing transaction.

I will be sure to write a very nice review [about your service] one day when I am bored after a two hour long session of scales.

December 15, 2020