Player Age: Senior 65+

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

Comparing Half a Dozen 909 violins!

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] Rhiannon was very helpful online in answering my questions about the MJZ 909 violin.

She offered to send me up to two violins to try at home, but when I learned she had six in her shop, I made arrangements to drive to Kamloops from the US and try them in person.

Rhiannon was very gracious in welcoming me into her home/shop, and she helped me narrow down which violin was right for me - which was not an easy task since all of the violins were lovely.

I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a new violin.

May 9, 2023

Perfect match for my Baroque violin

I unwrapped your bow and I'm just thrilled!! It's wonderful!

The bow is a perfect match for jacobus stainer copy I use, since it's built in the baroque style and has a light, sweet sound.

And thank you for the treats, too. Cookie cutter... :D !

Love your site, love your energy, love your kindness!

February 15, 2023

Love the Lady in the Red Dress

Thank you for sharing your amazing musical journey. I'm over the moon you replied to me!

I'm a 70 year old lefty that's played right handed string instruments (upside down) since my teen years. 3 days ago I bought a Left handed violin. Found your website and article on left-handedness and read everything about your incredible journey.

I was so inspired with your musical journey that I wanted to thank you for sharing your love of music with all of us aspiring to become better musicians. I play guitar, uke, bass, piano, and Native Indian flute (my fav) all self taught, I've always longed to add violin to my arsenal.

You are awe inspiring. LOVE, Love, Love the Lady in the Red Dress!! Blessings. I'm excited for my Violin journey!!

February 13, 2023

I'm besotted by this violin - stunning looks, stunning sound

Before buying, the only thing for certain at the moment is that I think you're great, Rhiannon, and I want to buy a fiddle from you (despite our discovery that the import duties/taxes will amount to almost a quarter of the final price!!)

Your approach is so honest and open which contrasts greatly with the opaqueness of others in the trade!

My lovely wife Heather spent almost 2 hrs devouring your website last night. I have every confidence that this will be a perfect fiddle for my remaining years as a regularly performing fiddler.

[UPDATE: Jan 7, 2023]

Hurray, Hurray, Hurray!!!! The Messiah Kowalski is here and I'm/we are over the moon!

As I think I might have said along the way, we wanted to check out two main properties of the sound - "sophistication" and "will it sound raw and new" (not according to the sound clips you posted but you never know... until the instrument is under the chin) - as the sound clips suggest it is smooth and silvery!!!

It is a wonderful match to my wife's violin - similar tone, and loud enough for her to hear what I'm doing without being overpowered.

[UPDATE: Jan 21, 2023]

I have just put the Messiah to bed properly for the first time since it arrived...

I have bought 4 bench fiddles at around the £6,000 to £8,000 mark over the years, but never before have I had one so refined from the get-go.

What we have is a fiddle with a self-assured, rounded creaminess - no hint of that new fiddle rawness that requires a couple of years playing in, and certainly not a 'now' fiddle with that big open (but rather hollow) sound.

I'll certainly be letting the world know how pleased we are via your website etc. With massive, grateful hugs,

[UPDATE: Jan 22, 2023]

The fiddle continues to grow in stature and is so surefooted and sumptuous!

[UPDATE: Jan 23, 2023]

This afternoon we had a 3 hr. session with a great 83 year-old local mouthie (mouth organ) player who has been immersed in this music (fiddles and pipes) since childhood.

At the start of the afternoon he said it was a 'good sounding' fiddle' - halfway through he said it 'sounded really nice' the when we finished he said 'what a great fiddle'!! We have played together on and off for 15 years or so in this set up but have never sounded better!

[UPDATE: Jan 25, 2023]

The Kowalski... is singing magnificently.

I'm knocked out by the degree of resonance - not just in the obvious, expected places (fingered G, D and A) but in other associated notes the first finger E on the D string for example...

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] I have played fiddle for over forty years and bought (and sold on - usually at a loss) a wide variety of instruments from improver level to bench-made instruments.

In all these 40 years I have never come across anyone as helpful, patient, enthusiastic and knowledgeable as Rhiannon!

In October last year I gave my lovely Tarquin Bolton violin to my son in the erroneous belief that I could see out my final years (I'm 74) with a lesser instrument.... after 3 months I began the search for an instrument which would match the Bolton fiddle!

What won me over to Fiddleheads against the UK competition was the complete transparency of approach and detail on the Fiddleheads site.

I'm now the proud and delighted owner of a Kowalski Strad model which, as it happens, matches my wife's violin more closely in tone and expression and upped the overall effect of our duets. She can barely believe that an instrument only months old could have such a mature and beautiful voice!!

I have no hesitation whatsoever in giving a 5 star review to Rhiannon, her business and this amazing Kowalski violin.

[UPDATE: Feb 5, 2023]

I should have emailed much sooner but the fact is I've been besotted with this gem of a fiddle, and I've played it lots for lots of people; the comments are consistently along the lines of 'what a lovely sounding fiddle'.

As I've explained before I am not the best fiddler in the world, but am privileged to play alongside some excellent fiddlers and this fiddle allows me to add a beautiful, full, creamy sound to the mix.

After all these years of searching I have found my perfect instrument!

A thousand thanks again for your amazing patience and wonderful encouragement.

[UPDATE: Feb 14, 2023]

I'm besotted by this violin - stunning looks, stunning sound. My wife has a beautiful violin with a £30,000 sound, and this Kowalski matches it.

[UPDATE: May 7, 2023]

Just to say the Kowalski continues to develop and delight.

If I had the money I'd buy the lot off you, and give them to my friends to play- what a glorious sound that would be!!!!

Love and thanks, xx

January 3, 2023

Patience with a beginner enthusiast

Thanks for your patience with a beginner enthusiast. God I sure love it. I'm still pretty crappy at it and my poor wife and grandkids are still very supportive!!

Thanks so much for your support. I can see how the violin and its ability to open a new passion within yourself can just seem to take over. It's all I seem to think about.

July 23, 2022

Hand-picked instruments here are superior to 'mass marketed' junk at other shops

I am so glad that your business, Fiddleheads, is thriving. I have followed it for years.

You demonstrate such wonderful ethics and values.

I am embarrassed that I haven't written sooner about my appreciation… of your great work encouraging string playing.

I was a double-bass player for many decades and know the value of quality string instruments. (Your article on Blair Borden touched me deeply.)

Your hand-picked instruments are obviously so much better than the 'mass marketed' junk found all over the internet.

December 24, 2021

Delightful violin

The Moneff arrived yesterday late. I have only had the smallest chance to play it. But my first impression was extremely positive.

I'm really happy with the violin.

I like it much more even than I thought I would. It sounded great! I'm really delighted. I"ll say more after I have more of a chance to play it.

[UPDATE: 2 days later] I am really delighted with the Moneff violin.

I don't know what I expected, but I expected it to be good and the violin greatly exceeds my expectations.

December 9, 2021

A one of a kind violin dealer

[To Rhiannon] You are really something! I wish I had learned about you earlier.

I have bought so many violins, violas, and cellos, and would have rather bought them from you. I've bought from most of the major dealers and auction houses but you are really unique. I have never encountered anyone like you.

The violin arrived an hour ago. I already have tried it. I'm very pleased with it!

I was curious because in appearance, it looks much like my Guarneri Topa. But it sounds so different from the Guarneri model. It actually surprised me, even though it was consistent with expectations. It is exactly like you said: It has a brighter sound, as one would expect given that it is a Guadagnini type of violin.

I'm delighted with it. Great packing job! Thanks so much! Quick arrival too [Only 3 business days].

I hope we stay in touch! Congrats on the award!!!!

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] I bought a Topa Guadagnini violin from Rhiannon.

It was the best buying experience I think I've ever had for any instrument. She was totally unbelievable in her attention to detail, her great sense of humor, and her impeccable service.

My only regret is that her studio is so far away. She is a real treasure!

October 25, 2021

I'll definitely shop here again

I was searching the internet for a company that would supply foam padding for my Bon Musica shoulder rest, since that was the only thing worn out on this wonderful device. I could not find any place in Ontario the handled this so I took a chance and clicked on the Fiddleheads Violin Studio site, a company I had not heard of before.

Their site displays an amazing selection of all things violin, and to my amazement they even offer all the parts to the Bon Musica shoulder rest.

So I ordered the foam pad and clicked on all the necessary things to finish the order but to my surprise there was no PayPal or MasterCard option to click on. Instead, the instruction was to pay by cheque, which I thought was unusual but in retrospect I thought that probably saved the Fiddleheads money in fees to those credit card companies. So kudos to them.

The shipping fee for this little item seemed high but I wanted it and could not get it anywhere else, so I was willing to pay.

Well I was very surprised to hear from Rhiannon herself in an email, that she found a lower letter rate that saved me $25 in shipping!

That is certainly personalized service and I will definitely work with this company in the future.

August 13, 2021

Fantastic purchase experience

I'm going through cancer treatment right now and I can't go too far because of covid because my immune system is compromised so I can't think of a better way to pass the time playing the violin, or should I say trying!

I don't know what I would have done without my music the last year and a half. (I play blues guitar too). With the covid and then the cancer diagnosis 6 months ago, music is one of the things that kept me going. It truly is medicine for the soul!!

I can't wait to get acquainted with my new violin buddy! I have read a lot of the testimonials on your website and I want to thank-you very much for what you have done for me!!

[UPDATE: 1 week later] Just want to let you know that Laura [discounted violin with a repaired crack] arrived yesterday around 10:00am. All 10 fingers and ten toes (just kidding).

Packaging was awesome! No damage. The carton was in perfect shape so the fragile stickers must have worked! lol My wife brought her in because I was having a 5 hour chemo treatment yesterday. I couldn't wait to get home!!

Didn't feel well enough last night but I tried it out this morning and it sounds really nice even with my limited ability. I imagine that the more I play the better it will get or so that's what I have heard anyway. So everything is good from my end.

Also the bow is working well too.

Very pleased all around and Thank-you so much for your kind words and attention to details throughout this transaction. Again, very pleased! God Bless you and your family and Stay Safe!!

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] Though this was a deal made at a longer distance it went perfectly! Rhiannon responded very quickly to any questions I had about the purchase and the procedures.

The little violin had a crack in the lower bout so I got it at a great price and it still sounds awesome!! (I believe in second chances)

I am sure it will sound even better as it gets played in. First rate Service!!! Love the little violin!! Thank-You Rhiannon for everything!!

July 2, 2021

Products that lasts a lifetime or longer

My only option out here on the far end of Canada for local violin shopping is Long and McQuade. They're just brutal.

They don't know the violin or what things violinists actually need. They sell things that are bad quality or just cheaply made, like plastic shoulder rests that are not adjustable, and not long-lasting things.

Sure, some may be cheaper, but they are junk and I will have to replace them many times in a lifetime.

I know with your products they will last a lifetime or longer. That's why I reached out to you.

Thanks for the quick response, help with my order, and service!

July 1, 2021

Payments made this possible

Thank you so much for the offer to come and get the beautiful violin, at the halfway point of payment. I am greatly excited to begin playing her!!

I wish you a good surgery and quiet recovery time.

"When the World is back to normal again"

May 10, 2021

Night and day from my violin I have had my whole professional career for the last 40-plus years

I played the violins for my friend's daughter and was amazed with the 907.

This violin gives such returns back to the player. It was night and day from my violin I have had my whole professional career for the last 40-plus years.

We did a blind comparison and didn't even know which model was which but we could tell the difference between them and the top one was obvious.

I'm sold. I want a 909 now.

[UPDATE: 4 weeks later] I absolutely love one of the [909 violins]. I'm getting one of them for sure.

[Upon hearing his mother paid for the violin as a surprise] My mom - bless her - incredible! She's clever, that one. I had no idea!

Amazing! Big thanks to you for making this all happen!

[Read the parent's review of this violin - Read Don's Review of the VN-909 he purchased a year later]

March 13, 2021

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.

February 24, 2021