Eco-Friendly

Expertise and genuine care from a sustainable business

I truly appreciate the depth of knowledge and passion you display about the art and craftsmanship of violins and bows. [Fiddleheads' policies] align with my values of sustainability and efficiency.

Your detailed insight about violins, their maintenance, and your business philosophy has been truly enlightening.

I value the empowerment of clients, and it's refreshing to see someone in the industry championing this.

Our conversation has been instrumental in shaping my outlook. I was initially hesitant due to previous experiences with the local market, but you've turned that around. I can say with confidence that when the time comes for me to upgrade, I will be looking to make that purchase from you.

Thank you for being a beacon on my "musical adventure" and for guiding me with such expertise and genuine care. Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and guidance.

August 30, 2023

I find your business fascinating

I was at the Business Excellence Awards on June 1st that our firm, Pushor Mitchell LLP, had the pleasure of sponsoring.

I wanted to reach out to you and congratulate you on your nomination for the Green & Sustainability Award: you should be pleased with the efficient work you have accomplished!

On a personal note, I find your business fascinating. I am on the Board at Opera Kelowna, and I admire the work you are doing within our region.

Once again, I wanted to pass on our congratulations from everyone here at Pushor Mitchell LLP to you on your nomination. We hope to see you next year.

June 20, 2023

Perseverance and dedication to values

Your website [is] incredible. You clearly have amazing talent and a passion for your work. It's an honour and so lovely to meet you.

It seems we have many shared values. I'm also very focused on quality, ethics and honesty, inclusivity, and the environment in every way possible, including buying decisions.

It is so very special to have met you and know more about you. Your perseverance and dedication to your values are incredible, and have clearly impacted the lives of so many others.

My dissertation in graduate school was on how one person can change another's life - essentially that sometimes all it takes is one, about the power of one whatever role they may have in your life. Your work and how you engage with others remind me of that, they are that.

It's been a true pleasure to connect with you. I hope paths cross again!

February 13, 2023

Admirable business

I congratulate you on the many awards you have received for business excellence, and especially appreciate the environmental one.

I'm a strong believer in respecting nature, and I try my best to help, even if it is as small as just caring about things I use in everyday life.

July 29, 2022

Inspiring business and owner

Congratulations on being awarded the Chamber of Commerce Environmental Leadership Award!

I have so much respect for you and all aspects of your business. The decision for Small Business of the Year was extremely close and truly a difficult decision, however somehow I knew you would win one award or another.

Listening and learning about your story, and how your business has grown was truly inspiring.

You reminded me of the quote, "settle for more." This is based off the fact that you have worked who hard that you have come to a point where you are truly content with where your business is.

That is really the goal that everyone tries for, and it is rare to see someone accomplish this.

Keep up the amazing work — and thank you for taking the time to meet with me.

November 5, 2021

Amazing violins and service

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] They have an amazing range of violins, and Rhiannon goes out of her way to give advice and help you find what you're looking for.

Very prompt. Excellent communication. Eco-conscious store.

September 11, 2021

An excellent violin for a music lover and advancing student!

I just received this violin a few days ago, and I love it already! It was packaged securely and arrived in great condition. Of course it will require some break-in time, but it's perfect for my advancing practice and performance and keeps me playing.

I played a Sun 100 violin before, it is very nice too and we got it from Fiddleheads, but as I advanced I felt I needed a more responsive instrument.

This Zhu 909 has amazing projection and the sound is rich and full; I'm sure the sound will become even better as the instrument matures. The projection is amazing, thank you so much for the wonderful instrument and the music it produces!

Rhiannon replied to all of my questions and kept me informed, and I appreciate it very much. Hope this inspires someone! Thank you!

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] I love my Zhu 909 violin!

Its sound and projection are great, and I feel I can connect with my instrument so well. When I play it it vibrates against my chest and it feels like singing!

The only thing is that the violin sings for me. It has an amazing voice.

When I turn music on, the body and the strings of the violin vibrate and it feels like it has a heart of its own. It allows for a wide range of emotion and expression -- perfect for and advancing violinist!

Rhiannon, thank you for the wonderful "customer service", I would call it the Friendliest Advice for the young musician!

I really recommend this shop to anyone who loves music and cares for our planet -- Fiddleheads is also Eco Friendly. It's friendly to everyone :) Thank you a hundred times for your kindness and love of violin, music and people!

September 2, 2021

Much better than any violin I’ve tried in Toronto

One of the best places to buy a violin in Canada

The violins arrived perfectly, and they look even better in person than I expected. I have been playing the three violins for a few days now.

909: Easy to play. It does have a slight metallic / sonorous sound. I am guessing this is owing to the break-in period.

Moneff: Clear, and sweet tone. Wonderful violin.

Stankov: Clear, and vibrant, specially on the E-string. Excellent violin.

I find the Moneff and Stankov quite similar. They are both very clear, and deep. Much better than any violin I’ve tried in Toronto. I think I am going to focus on these two, and show them to my teacher this Monday before deciding. I noticed that the E string on Stankov projects more than the E string on Moneff.

[Update: 1 week later] Good news! I have decided to keep the Stankov. It’s such an amazing instrument.

[Official Product Review]

I tried over 20 violins in Toronto, and couldn't really find one that spoke to me.

Getting violins on trial from a website was a strange concept, but I gave it a shot. I tried three violins sent by Rhiannon, and they absolutely blew away what I had tried locally in Toronto until then.

I always like to know about the source of materials used in the things I purchase, and, at least in Toronto, it was common to come across violins that use unethically obtained animal parts like mother of pearl. It was a relief to learn that Rhiannon runs an eco-conscious store, and doesn't sell violins that use animal parts.

In the end I decided to go with a violin made by Ivan Stankov. It's a beautiful violin, with a very deep and rich sound.

Rhiannon has been very helpful with her advice, and keeping me on top of everything. I can highly recommend Fiddleheads, and the violins they sell.

I really hope you win the [environmental] award. About time they start giving awards to socially conscious businesses. I have had a great experience with Fiddleheads.

September 1, 2021

The sustainability label drew me to your store

That’s amazing… your [Green Leadership Award and Small Business of the Year] nominations.

I am vegan myself and it was the sustainability label that drew me to your store. Always a pleasure to meet other vegan and eco conscious business owners.

Best of luck with the awards!

July 28, 2021

Amazing range of violins from an eco-conscious store

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] They have an amazing range of violins, and Rhiannon goes out of her way to give advice and help you find what you're looking for.

Very prompt. Excellent communication. Eco-conscious store.

July 12, 2021

Great package deal from an eco-friendly business

I am an adult-beginner and I am impressed by your website and what you have to offer. I am also concerned about where things are made, sustainable practices and eco friendly practices.

[UPDATE] I received my violin today. I am extremely pleased with the violin and the package of books I ordered.

Thank you for enabling this experience. Your help was very much appreciated.

July 17, 2014

Great Canadian, hassle free, service

My order (shoulder rest) arrived today, so quickly, without unnecessary and expensive bulky packaging, in great shape, and ready to use, which I have very happily done.

Great Canadian service.

Hassle Free.

Love it all! So appreciated.

March 11, 2014

Ethical Environmentalist

You have a wonderful shop, and I'll definitely be spreading the word.

I found your website googling sustainable fiddle supplies, and I so much appreciate your commitment to ethical environmental practices and your work to help underprivileged kids have access to music.

Thanks so much again for all your help!

November 25, 2012

Great site and eco policy

Love your web site and attention to carbon footprint!

January 25, 2012

Eco-friendly operation

I am a 56 year old organic farmer, living in Montana.

I appreciate your eco-friendly operation.

November 23, 2010