Articles by Mercedez B. - Salmon Arm, BC

Articles by Mercedez B. - Salmon Arm, BC

Gorgeous, adjustable, comfortable, gets a lot of compliments!

Gorgeous! One of my go-to accessory pieces of jewellery!

Fiddleheads' handcrafted Violin charm bracelet is stunning.

I love all of the music notations, instruments, and floral designs, etc. It's adjustable and very comfortable to wear, with no skin irritation.

It also makes for a great gift for someone special like friends or family. My mom has one too, and she doesn't even need to play violin to appreciate it.

Every time I've worn this piece I got loads of compliments…highly recommend anyone to pick up this gorgeous bracelet!

May 29, 2023

I found the perfect bow

Over the years I've played on a number of different bows, some from Asia, and also some from Europe; but I've always been seeking to find "that perfect bow".

I have to say I think I've found it!

The Voxy Astute Bow is the perfect bow of both worlds, with that carbon fibre core and pernambuco wood cross over. The pernambuco on-lay gives you that traditional look and function that many players desire to have.

The first thing I noticed when picking up this bow, in my hands, was how light it is.

With the carbon fibre core being light weight and flexible I find the bow does not hold you back from different techniques you maybe trying to integrate into your bowling style. It sails smoothly through all styles of playing, various pace, pitch, and phenomenal handling.

I give the bow 5 stars!

The sound production I get out of my violin [read my review] is phenomenal with this bow! My low strings resonate with warmth and my high strings have a beautiful harmony with the Violin's natural resonance while using this bow.

I've had some bows in the past hinder my violin's sound and not allow me to get from piano all the way to forte. This bow does not hold you back...

I feel like a soloist, prima donna, diva when I have this bow in my right hand.

May 29, 2023

I literally shed tears of joy the first time I played this violin

This gorgeous violin is not just another violin, it's truly a work of art!

Where do I begin to start with how magnificent this instrument sings?

Effortless; every time I pick up this violin in my hands to practice its as if it transports me to another world, a dream realm, a concert stage. Truly a pleasure and a gift to play!

I started my musical journey when I was seven, but didn’t officially become persistent at learning until my latter teens. Technically you could say I had a later start in life to music; and throughout the years acquiring a few different violins.

The hunt for a new violin began once I realized my current intermediate violin was holding me back from progression or advancing in technique. I was becoming discouraged by the inadequate sound and playability quality of it. Out-growing the instrument

Reaching out to Rhiannon was the best thing I did! I had a few specific needs and wants in a new lifetime violin. At the time I felt like I was a bit vague, or still trying to find my voice in a superior instrument. Definitely not lost any more in this aspect thanks to Rhiannon! She went above and beyond helping and guiding me in finding exactly what I was looking for.

After narrowing it down, I had the privilege to try out two violins, one by Pawel Migiel and the other by Tomasz Kowalski. Both models were fashioned after Guarneri del Gesu violins.

Once my bow made contact with the violin, no lie, I began to shed tears. Not of sadness, but in awe of how a superior violin has no equal in craftsmanship, tone, comfort, and most important the power of its sound.

Initially, the Migel violin had a very quick response and warm up time. Projecting its sound quality straight away. With first impressions this drew me to consider that this violin was in par with my playing ability now. Making this violin feel like the proper choice.

Before I tested out the sound quality of the Kowalski I was astonished with the artistry and beauty of the violin. I didn't want aesthetics to be my main influencing factor of my decision. Sound and playability were most important.

At first the quality of sound was comparable to the Migel, but after a good twenty to thirty minutes of warm up it started to surpass, becoming superior. Upon examining this instrument further, I noticed it demanded perfection, or a soloist touch. In a sense I felt inadequate to play it.

Feeling confused I reached out to Rhiannon and shared my finding with comparing both violins. She didn't make the choice for me, but she helped me to see why and what I was experiencing when playing. Rhiannon's knowledge, input, and expertise were invaluable!

She offers a great, stress free trial period. If I only had an hour to chose, I would have made a grave mistake. Above all I had plenty of time to decide the prefect fit in the comfort of my own home.

After further playing I noticed that there were limitations with the Migel. An example of this was if my finger positioning happened to be slightly off the violin would hide those imperfections. I felt like there was a limit it would reach and could not pass. I was looking for an instrument with that above and beyond performance level.

The main qualities and reasons I chose the Kowalski violin as my musical voice happen to be its demand for preciseness. I had to play in tune for it to really resonate fully. It was teaching me!

After talking with Rhiannon, she, using her analogies and musical understanding, helped me to see that a relationship with this instrument would allow me to grow in tone, technique, and over all music ability. I was enthralled with the idea that this violin would teach me to become an advance player in the years to come.

Set up can make all the difference in your musical experience. Rhiannon takes the time to set up each violin to her clients needs and preferences. Outfitting them with high quality strings, bridge placement (whether you’re a classical or fiddle player), as well as chin rest adjustments; amongst other things.

Even if you're not exactly sure what you're looking for the fit and feel are comfortable while practicing or preforming. In turn her quality assurance puts the violin to the test to make sure its everything you were looking for.

Tomasz Kowalski designs his instruments to excel in superiority over time. Even now I can confirm that! I can't stress it enough, each time I practice on this violin it improves in sound; through its projection and tone harmony. To have only been made in 2018 this gorgeous instrument sounds like it has been around for centuries. Truly a violin fit for a soloist!

Enthusiastically I can say “I made the right choice”! with putting my faith in Rhiannon’s talented skillfulness and expertise in assisting and guiding me to find my unbelievably beautiful violin.

December 9, 2020