Professional Musician

Your specialty in Zhu violins and wood seasoning/curing stands out

I am a professional musician from Michigan. I've had a career in roots music for the last 12 years.

I came upon your website while doing research for a new main instrument, and your specialty in Zhu violins stuck out to me, so I looked forward to reaching out to learn more about the violins that you have on offer, and consider doing a trial of some instruments at home.

The other factor that was attractive was that your shop is located in a place that deals with winter, and dryness, and I thought that bodes well for instruments that will be suited to resilience in the changing seasons where I live, despite careful work with in-case humidifiers.

The one violin that I have played [most of the time] is a Ming Jiang Zhu instrument (VN903). Non-temperamental, reliable throughout the seasonal changes.

It became my secondary instrument, one that I now use for very low tunings, when I acquired a 100 year old instrument made in Michigan that had a particularly moving sound and distinctive look, but the Zhu violin has always remained in the fold, and these days it is the one I want to pick up more.

January 31, 2023

A teacher who will always recommend Fiddleheads

A big thanks for helping out Guy [my student] last week with the [909] violin purchase. It was a gift for his wife, and she is delighted with it. She came to my studio today (www.violinlessonsnorthumberland.ca) for her lesson.

I have seen your new website. Well done, and by yourself too. I am glad that you have survived the pandemic and are still in business.

I recommend you by giving out your cards. I will continue, as always to recommend your shop, and wish you all the best!

February 14, 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

The VN-102 is a wonderful instrument

I've been playing all day. It's a really wonderful instrument.

It got here much sooner than expected. Thanks again for all your help with this!

November 10, 2021

This violin teacher is impressed

I run a music school in Toronto and have been disappointed by the quality of student violins available for kids at our local store Long and Mcquade.

I decided to look online so this package is for one of my intermediate students. She could not be more excited to receive her new violin :)

I would love to continue purchasing for my students from your website. Thank you for the extras!

[UPDATE: 10 days later] We received the violin, it's fantastic, and my student loves it already! I have another student interested in the same package or similar.

[UPDATE: 1 month later] My partner Leland also [bought] a new [VN-102] violin. He is a touring musician although, violin is not his primary instrument.

He does session work and writes string parts and needs a better quality violin in terms of tone etc. He is thrilled with his violin.

It is even more beautiful looking and sounding as he anticipated!

September 21, 2021

Wonderful sounding violin!!!

I have been very happy with the gorgeous sound of my Dimitrov violin.

It has ample projection and feels easy to play, no wolf tones, very even, and has that indescribable sweet yet powerful presence in the sound.

No better violin, past or present, and I have played on some of the best.

July 21, 2021

Rhiannon's contributions

Thank you for your contributions to the wellbeing of violinist and teachers.

July 15, 2021

I'm impressed by my students' violins from this shop

What a great business you've got going! I have a couple students that are very happy with their instruments [from Fiddleheads], and I'm impressed by them as well!

July 11, 2021

Top Quality Rest

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] I bought my wife a new shoulder rest from Fiddleheads and it arrived quickly and was top quality.

June 7, 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

Infinitely grateful to have a left-handed viola made for me

I sent it the payment! I have full faith, and am infinitely grateful that I can cherish a left handed instrument like this.

Thank you for this opportunity! I've been catching myself looking at the pictures you sent over and over again, and will send thanks and a good review when she's in my hands.

These times are difficult for everybody, and being a person who depended on performing for 70% of my income, I know grumpiness won't bring anything back. Keep your life's work alive if you have the opportunity!

All good things for those who wait. Thanks for handling this. Wonderful! All is good! Thank you so much. Don't overwork yourself. I greatly appreciate the [case] upgrade!

July 31, 2020

I feel confident sending my students to this professional violinist and teacher

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] Rhiannon assisted me in picking a bow after mine broke. She gave helpful recommendations and I received my bow within two business days.

I was so happy with the whole transaction from beginning to end. She is knowledgeable, and friendly.

As a professional violinist and teacher, I feel confident asking for her advice, recommendations, or sending my students to her when looking for a new instrument or accessories.

May 20, 2020

Quick service and problem-solving on a rest I recommend to my aspiring students

Got my shoulder rest (and goodies) this weekend. Thank you so much. It works great (as I knew it would).

It's really hard for all of the music world right now. Hope you get back to playing in the symphony soon (I played classical when I was younger, but branched out after high school).

You can look up "Cravin' Dogs" to hear some of the Rock recordings I am on (or maybe you saw those - thanks for looking me up). Take Care and Be Safe.

[REVIEW: Facebook, 5 stars] I recently purchased another shoulder rest from Rhiannon's shop and due to Covid 19 unrest the order got misplaced somehow. She went out of her way to make sure I got my order ASAP. Thank you for quick service.

I love my BonMusica rest and have recommended them to several of my aspiring violin students.

May 9, 2020

A pleasure playing this violin and shopping here

I have tested the Topa.

At first I loved its treble but the very high on G string (like Brahms Sonata No. 3 Mov. 2), it did not respond as well as my own violin. But after playing with different bows, I love it!

Thank you so much, Rhiannon, it was such a pleasure to buy a violin from you.

Once I get more comfortable with playing the violin, I will [add more to my] review. Thank you!!!

April 23, 2020