I'm appreciative of Rhiannon's generosity with her time and wholeheartedly recommend her
I wanted a violin with a sort of grungy quality, or as they would call it in Japan, wabi-sabi, to match my old guitar. If only I wasn't fixated on a genuinely old and worn-looking instrument I'm sure I would have gone with an excellent one from you and at a very good price. Obviously I'm just not in synch with the aesthetic sensibility of the violin world! My dilemma seems to be that my aesthetic preference seems to be in reverse order of tone quality!
I found an old instrument at [competitor] that I felt a real affinity for the minute I laid eyes on it. And that feeling was only strengthened when I heard it played (for what that's worth given the inexperience of my ears).
The only drawback to an otherwise happy ending is that I wasn't able to help support your business. You were so generous with your time and a real pleasure to deal with and I'm very appreciative.
Perhaps someday my instrumental inclinations will shift and I'll want something more along the lines of the pristine instruments you're offering and if so I'll certainly be in touch. With thanks for all your help and best wishes for a speedy end, both to the tribulations we're all facing and to the challenges that are more personal.
[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] I approached Rhiannon as a complete beginner, knowing almost nothing about violins (though being a lifelong guitar player).
We worked through a number of options as she gradually became more aware of my inclinations and needs, at each stage demonstrating her wealth of knowledge and, more importantly, her commitment to finding the perfect instrument for me.
I was constantly delighted with the generosity and patience Rhiannon showed throughout, going to great lengths to understand exactly what I wanted (even though, at times, it was a moving target!) and explaining the pros and cons of all the possibilities.
In the end I decided that, for personal and not entirely logical or sensible reasons, I wanted an antique instrument which unfortunately forced me to look elsewhere but for someone who doesn't have that same desire I can wholeheartedly recommend Rhiannon and if at some point in the future I'm looking for a fine and new instrument I would return to Rhiannon with confidence and pleasure.