Improves Playing

It still am awestruck by its beautiful sound!

I still love my violin! [heart emoji]. I'm so happy with it!

It still am awestruck by its beautiful sound!

I changed the chin rest for a better fit and it's more comfortable now.

Thank you for your [valuation] letter. Very impressive!

June 20, 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'd fully expect to pay double or even triple at another vendor for this level of instrument

This violin is the upgrade of my dreams!

The fact is, being left-handed is expensive.

This is especially so with musical instruments. I'm sure a lot of other lefties here were, like me, constantly told that you SHOULD be great at stringed instruments as the fingering is done on the left and were encouraged by your teachers to buy right-handed instruments at regular prices.

But to me, the bow is what gives the violin its "voice" and it just makes sense that this voice should come from the dominant hand and it doesn't feel right playing the other way around.

I got my left-handed starter violin from a different vendor; it was a "cheap" starter but still priced at a HORRENDOUS mark-up from the identical right-handed version. The squeaks, screeches, sticky pegs, and cheap wood were definitely not worth that kind of price tag just for being constructed left-handed.

However, when I saw the Sun VN-102L intermediate violin on Fiddleheads, I knew this was the ideal upgrade.

It arrived today and it sounds GORGEOUS; beautiful, smooth, mellow tones and high-quality components - it's an absolute joy to play.

I almost feel guilty for getting a custom build, left-handed violin of this quality at this price.

I'd fully expect to pay double or even triple at another vendor for this level of instrument.

Rhiannon's service was immensely prompt and courteous.

My violin outfit was very well protected for its long journey across the country and even came with some cute little freebies!

I want to thank Rhiannon for her excellent service and her fantastic selection of gorgeous left-handed violins for all levels of players WITHOUT the prohibitive lefty mark-up that so many other vendors have.

I will be purchasing all my future violins, bows, and whatever else I need from Fiddleheads from now on!

[Email to Rhiannon] I've already left a review at the website but I just wanted to thank you personally as well. I received my Sun VN-102L today and I cannot get over how gorgeous it is.

It sounds beautiful (and here all this time I thought I was just a bad fiddle player! Turns out I was limited by my previous cheap instrument!)

As I said in my review, being a left-handed musician is a constant headache, mainly because of the severely limited options at an obscene mark-up.

This violin really is the upgrade of my dreams and I just wanted to say a massive THANK YOU for providing so many lefty options at such a reasonable price.

You've gained a lifelong customer in me and I'll be sure to send any family members looking to upgrade your way as well (we're Irish so there's a LOT of us and we're all musically inclined...you know how it is!)

Playing is my passion so being able to afford this violin and have my music actually sound good for once has made me so happy in the midst of a trying time for me.

I just wanted to let you know what a valuable service you've provided.

Sláinte!

March 11, 2023

This is really helping me unlearn bad habits

I've never played with a shoulder rest before, and I've always had problems with bad habits and getting tired quickly, this is helping a lot.

Like so many people say about this, it feels really secure, the way it hooks over your shoulder.

I think I still need to try some further adjustments to the curve and maybe the height to get it perfect, but that's a thing about it. It's very adjustable.

The way I have it at the moment, it doesn't quite fit perfectly into the case without bending it a little more, and other people have said it does for them, so I'm wondering if I'm doing something "wrong" or maybe it's just my shape.

November 17, 2022

Much more violin than I expected

My new baby arrived today. Was amazed how light it was and how warm and sweet the tone is.

Rhiannon was right about how I would notice the difference between the Fiddleheads MJZ 909 and my Eastman Ivan Dunov. It is a nice step up for me.

The violin itself was everything I expected and more.

That being said, my next one will be my last one, and I hope to look for a "bench" made violin that I hope Rhiannon will help me find. I will report back again after I have spent a few months opening her up a bit.

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] Recently purchased my 2nd violin, upgrading from my Eastman Strings Ivan Dunov to Rhiannon's recommendation for me of the MJZ 909. Also purchased a new bow; VN65 and deluxe oblong case in blue.

First of, the customer service from Rhiannon was outstanding. She was very patient answering questions on the phone and via email until I was certain about everything.

The violin itself was everything I expected and more.

The projection and tone was both powerful and warm, and a nice step up from my student violin.

I am sure that in the next few months it will open up even more. The bow was nice, but for some reason, I seem to prefer my old one, perhaps because my old one is octagonal and feels easier for me to handle.

Thanks Rhiannon for all your help, hope to do business again when I upgrade to a bench made (I need to improve a bit first lol).

[UPDATE: 3 weeks later] FYI, My MJZ violin is only now starting to sing, and my god it sounds wonderful.

[UPDATE: 1 Month Later] I am writing once again to thank you for your incredible assistance in purchasing my MJZ 909. It truly is performing beyond my greatest expectations...

I am not a great violinist, (not even close) but I spend 3 to 4 hours a day immersed in practice, and it brings me more joy than I can explain.

My MJZ violin is only now starting to sing, and my god it sounds wonderful. My instructor, who is a lead violinist at symphony Nova Scotia, believes that... I may never outgrow my MJZ 909.

I just put MJ to bed after my final practice of the day. She never gives me trouble and always sounds sweet.

[Official Product Review] Buying a violin is leap of faith for many of us, especially in an on-line market place.

Needless to say, I did a ton of research which led me to Fiddleheads and Rhiannon. After much deliberation and consulting on what would suit me for an upgrade from my Eastman Ivan Dunov, the MJZ 909 became the prime candidate.

It arrived packed secure and safe in its case, and my first impression was how light it felt.

After drawing the bow a few times across it I knew right away Rhiannon was right about it being a good upgrade. The resonance and richness of its tone was the next thing I noticed, and this was just the beginning.

After a few weeks of playing it starting to really open up and show its true potential.

It seems is very playable and quite forgiving, especially for someone like me whom I would consider still a beginner after only a couple of years.

The sound quality is such that it makes me want to practice longer from the way it sings to me.

Although I am learning classical, I love to play fiddle tunes also, and my MJZ does both exceptionally well.

I had shopped around this model and Fiddleheads price was unbeatable, and the service and attention I received both before and after the sale was remarkable.

I think I have covered everything, but this process was as smooth as the perfect bow thanks to Rhiannon.

[PROS to Shopping at Fiddleheads] Award-Winning Owner, Eco-Friendly, Shop Exceeds Expectations, Fast Shipping, In-Home Trials, Ethics & Integrity, Expertise, Packaging & Safe Arrivals, Personal Connection, Proudly Canadian, Rhiannon's Entrepreneurship, Rhiannon's Musicianship

[PROS to this Product] Beats the Competition, Considerable Upgrade, Product Exceeds Expectations, Improves Playing, Luthier Setup, Playability/Ease of Use, Quality Craftsmanship, Tone & Tonal Improvement, Value/Good Price

November 8, 2022

This is the best intermediate violin I have ever played

Summary: This is the best intermediate violin I have ever played.

Well worth the money, and it would be hard to find its equal... anywhere near the price, and most often quite higher.

Recommended for any beginner or intermediate player of any level.

Review: I have only received this violin 45 minutes ago. And I already know I am ready to leave a review.

I will be totally honest, and I will be comparing this to my main violin which is a right handed professional violin antique from the late 1800's which I have never personally found its equal.

I wanted a left handed violin, because I have learned to play the violin like a cello and backwards because I am missing the middle finger on my left hand. And I have developed a skill I am quite happy with. However, I want to play the traditional way as well, up on the shoulder.

About the violin. It is charming looking. Well made. No quibbles about construction.

Immediately upon picking it up, I noticed it was heavy. At least compared to other fine violins which I have made or used. I am also a new luthier. However the weight is common in beginner and intermediate instruments, especially from China.

I will one day be making my own left handed personal violin, but I wanted to learn how to play in a standard way knowing that this violin would not be my lifelong violin, but a tool that I can enjoy to teach me how to play.

And I wanted tone. I need to feel pleased and enjoy making music from it, and not be offended. lol. So I am very picky about tone. I have tried literally hundreds of violins, all of them in the thousands, even to $10,000 range, and I am serious when I said, I found all of them unsatisfactory in general.

So onto the review of the Sun 103 Lefty Violin. When I played the first note, I was actually very surprised. The tone was actually quite nice and rich and full. Unlike almost all the other violins I have tried. Which is frankly miraculous considering this is a China factory violin and I have tried hundreds of supposedly fine handmade violins in some serious violin stores.

With the Sun, the G string had a full sound right out of the box (which by the way the packing was perfect, and immaculate).

I would describe it as deep and full. Not bright, but warm. The G string is the string I care about the most, and in most other violins I find it tinny weak and lacking on most violins I try, and I won't even go further. On this one this was not the case. The other strings were fine as well. Actually pretty similar quality along all strings.

The projection of this violin, to me is not up to snuff, although I am comparing it to my professional violin, which would be satisfactory in a concert hall. However, the interesting thing is even though the SUN doesn't have HUGE projection, it still somehow doesn't sound congested or tinny. Its just a nice warm sound that you can lean into, and for an intermediate violin in this price range, unless you are going to be doing solo work, the projection is fine. I would say it is COMPLETELY fine for orchestra work, and very pleasing for home and small groups and impressing your parents ;) .

I also am not looking for completely projecting fill up the concert hall sound. I want something I can enjoy. And enjoy this violin I CAN. All of the strings have a nice warm full tone. And I mean it when I say it sounds better then most other violins WELL above the price of this one. Normally, when the violin is a bit heavier, and doesn't have a huge projection, the sound is thin and tinny and congested. This is not so at all on this Sun violin. I don't know how they did it, but they did.

So if you are looking for professional open clear projection, this is definitely not the one for you, but you would most likely have to pay much more to get that. However, the projection is fine, and due to the frankly miraculous pleasing tone that this violin is able to get, for an intermediate player, it really doesn't matter, and I would honestly say that any advancing student or any amateur would be very happy with this violin.

It have some VERY little squeakiness a few times on the strings, which I have never experienced before, but it was very minor and with a few adjustments really will easily go away once I get used to this baby.

Overall, I am really pleased with this violin. It is nearing some of the qualities of a professional violin, and by far is the best intermediate violin I have ever seen or played. I'm going to really enjoy coaxing the best sound I can out of it while I work on the skills to build my own.

And as to the award winning owner. Thank you for personally speaking with me on the phone, and assuaging my hesitancy at buying this violin site unseen or heard. I am happy I did. I listened to all the other left handed violins I could purchase, and was dissatisfied with what I could hear. This was the last chance. And I'm happy I took it. :)

- -

[UPDATE: 4 days later] I enjoy thinking about this violin all the time, so I'm happy to write more about it.

[Regarding my review] I really wanted to help other make an informed decision and help them know what they are getting and not getting.

I can certainly assure you that fiddleheads at this moment is the only store I would recommend anyone to with 100% trust.

It is interesting about the weight. My luthier instinct, (and I literally mean mine, and no-one else's) gives me the impression that if I opened it up and took some material off the top and bottom plates in a controlled way, I could open up the sound some. I have actually done this with several violins, antique (worthless) and kits, and newer violins, where it was just tight closed non vibrat-ey sound... and every time I improved the sound in a very noticeable way.

However... this takes a lot of time... and love of course... but to be totally honest, I have no interest in that with something like this... because in a way, when you appreciate something, you appreciate it for what it is. Not what it isn't.

And when you care about an object, you don't really want to dissect it and find out exactly how it works, you want to just appreciate it and enjoy it and stay out of your own head. And that is the way I feel with this little guy (or gal). ;)

I will also say, the weight is not a turn off to me in anyway. I care about the tone, and it will help me build my muscles. haha.

I haven't [re-graduated the wood] on my other lovely violin as well, because they are so special to me I don't want to ruin the magic. In a way it can take some of the magic out of it by being too science-y with it.

As to the squeakiness. I carefully rosined my bow with very lovely forgiving rosin, and honestly it hasn't squeaked at all since that first 15 minutes. And I've been playing every day.

I really appreciate all Rhiannon's insight from everything she said [about real ebony weighing more than low quality or fake ebony used on other violins] too.

I felt in my review that I had something kind of unique to offer because I was consciously buying a 'downgrade' violin from the one I have now that I play in viol/cello mode. And looking for a violin that didn't offend my ear was difficult.

I even purchased another violin [from another shop], I had intended to be a backup for my main from another reputable store, and after I got it out, and from the first note, I knew I could not play it. It was back in the box 15 minutes later on its way back.

At some point, in the somewhat foreseeable future, my music playing will outgrow the current Sun violin, and I will be inspired and know that I am ready for the next. And at that moment, I will be still incredibly thankful for this violin which helped me get there that I had been and that I am playing now.

And the fact that I have this one, will help me appreciate the next one even more. Which is a beautiful thing. :)

July 4, 2022

This violin is a work of art that is taking me to a higher playing level

I am excited to have this remarkable Moneff violin take me to a higher level with my violin playing which has been so gratifying while at times also very humbling.

This violin is a work of art. It plays as well as it looks... amazing

I am confident in my choice although this planned holiday has cut short my time to interact efficiently with it.

[UPDATE: 8 months later] My Angela Moneff (2022) plays so very well as part of my Latin Jazz Band, at winery solo concerts and in Orchestral environments in Kamloops and in Salmon Arm.

The violin responds to every demand and is clearly a choice well made.

March 17, 2022

Significant difference in playability

I received my [rehaired] bow today and all looks good.

Wow! What a difference it makes to have new bow hair! Thank you.

January 27, 2022

As featured in my recent album

[UPDATE: 10 months after purchase] I'm releasing a jazz violin album this week and wanted to let you know that your violin played a huge role in it.

I couldn't be happier with this instrument. It is silky and sweet over the entire range and especially on the E string where my former instrument was harsh and brittle.

It was such a pleasure to record this album with this new instrument and I can't thank you enough for steering me in the right direction.

If you want to check out the album go to this link. [Or listen at Youtube Music]

I hope things continue to go well with your business. It was so great to work with you after all these years.

[NOTE: Don MacDonald was Rhiannon's violin teacher in music college from 1996-1997]

[Read Don's Review of a VN-907 violin he tested for a friend, which led to this purchase]

January 6, 2022

Baroque feel is unique

I'm a faculty and examiner at the Royal conservatory and wanted students to experience the feel of baroque bow. :)

Thank you for the goodies.

November 17, 2021

Rich singing tone with a powerful projection

[My 13 year old daughter was] looking for a violin with a rich singing tone with a powerful projection... She likes the Dimitrov violin.

Daughter said, "There are no wolf tones anywhere on the violin. Violins I played before always had one or more wolf tones."

Thank you for free [upgrade to] strings.

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] Five Stars.

September 12, 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

It makes my old one seem like a toy!

The violin has made it safe and sound, and is she ever a beauty. Oh my goodness. I am beyond excited.

Absolutely thrilled with my new Bellissimas "Donna" violin, from Fiddleheads Violin Studio. She resonates so big and warm. It is quite an upgrade for me and am looking forward to aging beautifully with it.

I'm also still a beginner and felt crazy for wanting such a pricey item. I'm [had been] playing on a really cheap "Zev," so [was] excited to hear a nicer instrument. It makes my old one seem like a toy! I'm very happy with my decision and am really excited.

Thanks for helping me make it happen.

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] Happy I chose Fiddleheads Violin Studio in beautiful British Colimbia, to upgrade my violin.

Rhiannon was a pleasure to deal with, and helped me get the violin I wanted, into my hands.

Professionally packed, the instrument made it safe and sound in the mail.

I highly recommend.

February 23, 2021

Luthier set up was perfect

This violin is more than I imagined. The construction appears to be nicer than the $750 violin I rented from Long & McQuade. But Rhiannon's violin was better and about half the price. So I took the rental back the right away and got a refund.

I took the violin in to a luthier to check it over. The set up was perfect and did not need any adjustments. The bridge was good. So pleased that everything is as it should be.

Violin is a very hard instrument to play overrall, but I can feel some improvement in the little time I've had with this particular instrument. 2021 is going to be a fun year for me.

January 5, 2021