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The Topa (I named it "Rhia") is slowly starting to show its true colour, it has a sweet and powerful resonance beyond anything I have ever played.

I spend at least an hour with her every day, and every day it sounds even better. It has also enabled me to actually leave the house with my MJZ 909, which has become my main "lesson"or recital instrument.

Just want you to know this whole on-line shopping experience has been a pleasure. Outside of a house or car, this purchase is probably the most expensive thing I have ever bought.

Thank you for taking the time to help me through this process. I am certain I would have never done it without the reassurance and peace of mind you have given me.

Rhiannon, the owner, is considerate, diligent, and attentive. The customer service is excellent. She responds to inquiries with detailed explanations.

This is a superb online studio.

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

My town, Windsor Ontario, does not have a reputable seller or luthier that I could find. I had access to other cities nearby and I visited at least 4 luthiers and tried at least 20 instruments and took home 4 for trials. The sound quality of [other shops'] violins did not match sticker prices at all. It was frustrating and I worried I would have to spend a lot more money than was reasonable.

So understandably I convinced myself to try online sellers and started getting quotes and tried to consider the risks involved with each one. I quickly realized how retailers were using (manipulative) selling tactics to lure customers in.

Then I found Fiddleheads and all my worries disappeared.

I now believe I made the best decision in the process going with Fiddleheads and Rhiannon Nachbaur.

In my humble opinion, customer service, trust, and loyalty are what makes a business successful. Do yourself a favor and before you pull the trigger, try Rhiannon and you will be surprised.

Rhiannon is knowledgeable and a master in her craft and what makes her so successful, is her thoughtfulness, kindness and honesty which is hard to find these days. No wonder she has been able to maintain a reputable and successful business recognized by many institutions and professionals.

With Fiddleheads and Rhiannon there are no games and tricks and once you add up the numbers, you will be surprised to see you will also save tons of money, while enjoying the peace of mind that you will be getting a certified instrument, and will be supported along the way until you are satisfied with your purchase.

Rhiannon played my instrument for me, sent numerous high-quality pictures from all angles and so I knew exactly what I was getting. She was responsive and prompt in responding to my questions and concerns, even after my purchase and that's something!

There are no middlemen or whole sellers involved, as she deals straight with the makers and also introduces them in detail in the website.

I am so glad I reached out to Rhiannon and Fiddleheads. People are getting smarter. It doesn't matter what marketing these others have to make sales, people will figure out they are being cheated.

Rhiannon, however, is very transparent and clear with her information. She gives us what we want. There are no gimmicks and no selling tactics. She doesn't charge too much for violins or shipping.

Thank you, Rhiannon, for all your support and for helping me make the right choice. I am very happy with my purchase and I am glad I know you and that I can count on your support.

I recommend all players try Fiddleheads before all other shops. You will be dealt like someone special, and very soon you will feel you have known Rhiannon for many years!

Thank you so much, I'm thrilled and really looking forward to bonding! I really appreciate your thoroughness and all the time recordings must have taken!

Thank you for all the emails, your attention to detail and expert advice. There have been so many changes during the past 15 months …not a good work time, but I'm thankful for music.

[Update: 10 days later] My new baby arrived a few hours ago and it's everything I dreamed /hoped it would be!

Even in this short time, it seems so happy to be pouring out rich notes and I'm loving it!

Such a beautifully made instrument -the figuring on the back looks amazingly like leaves… I may call her Ivy!

I actually prefer online shopping for most things (being a slow shopper)- it takes 'time' and 'pressure' out of the equation. You've got the perfect recipe. I'm definitely a fan!

[Update: 2 days later] Ivy is staying in tune now... gotta love those Evah's! I'm playing sooo much more lately, thank you so much for making this possible!

Thank you so much for all your preparation and careful attention to detail (and also for all the lovely extras- so thoughtful!) when the elements and email conspired against us, you proved that the perfectionist always triumphs!

I'm super grateful to you for making this whole process stress free! XXOO It's been such a pleasure... I will be sure to pass on your cards to interested players. I'll absolutely promise to write the MOST GLOWING review on google... my pleasure! Reviews are mostly what people have to go on these days. I always look at them.

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] Imagine that your best friend (a professional musician and violin expert) has offered to curate a small group of amazing violins in your budget, then provide their unlimited knowledge, advice and a trial period… all this without having to leave your home!

She has raised the bar for online shopping, providing stunningly accurate photos with incredibly detailed information for each instrument, combined with trustworthy payment methods and superbly packaged delivery.

I purchased a beautiful Angela Moneff violin chosen from a 'blind' sound test... I'm absolutely in love with the full, resonant sound and the gorgeous maple figuring on the back & sides.

Rhiannon's setup is so fantastic that it's hard to stop playing!

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!!

Wow it looks amazing! I've been looking online for a violin for the past few weeks, and have been frustrated because I couldn't find one I liked, the VN 102 is hands down the nicest looking one I've seen that fits my budget! I'm a beginner, but I want to get a violin that I can still use when I am at an intermediate level.

I must have looked at over 50 violin shops during the past few weeks, I wish I found yours earlier.

Other violins I found within this price range look rather cheap, I can tell the VN102 is of very high quality - I had been thinking I'd need to spend at least [double this price] to get a violin that suits my preferences!

You've answered all my questions and concerns in great detail. I'm learning so many interesting things about violin playing/violins everyday!

The more I learn, the more I love this violin.

I'm a pretty anxious person when buying things, adulting is hard! It was so much simpler when I was a kid - my mom just picked out my piano, guitar and clarinet. I'm so excited to start this journey, I've wanted to play a bowed string instrument for a long time.

Thank you so much for all your help! I've emailed many shops and none of them have shown the attention, diligence, and friendliness that you have (some don't even reply). I am glad I did a lot of research, otherwise I would have just purchased from Long and Mcquade instead of a proper violin shop.

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.

It's here! My new baby has arrived! I'm so happy.

First off, I've inspected and everything looks and feels to be in perfect condition.

Second, IT'S GORGEOUS! I'm sure it would be able to serve as a lifetime instrument, and the certificate will be a bonus to have and for when I eventually pass it on.

Earlier I thought the higher models were beyond me. I horseback ride and beginners are started on simple equipment because, though expert models allow for more technical expression, these same characteristics allow for more mistakes. I have found it similar with friends who figure skate, pro-level skates are "too much boot" for novices.

And so, Rhiannon, I was pleasantly surprised when you freely suggested all the way up to the 909! I also thought that if I got the 903, 905 or 907, then sooner or later, I will wish I had gotten the 909.

My only hesitation was that the 909 would be the second most expensive single object that I own, so there's this slight twinge in my chest. But then again, Lifetime Instrument. The testimonials you sent me were encouraging too, I loved it when they gave sound/tone descriptions.

Back to violins, you definitely don't have to worry about bursting my bubble regarding Zhu's work. It's rather that I don't have any faith in my own ability! I am the type to play through a piece, make one slip or grind and cry because, "Wow, I suck. I can't trial a violin adequately with these skills!" LOL

My first impression of the violin was: “Gosh, it's so light!” To be entirely honest with you, I thought "can such a light thing be good quality"? Then I plucked the strings and ohhh, it's realllll. LOL! WOWZA. MAMMA MIA.

I gotta tell you, Rhi. I was afraid that my lack of skill was the problem and I feared that I would get a $4k instrument and not be able to make it sound better than my $600 outfit. But I was wonderfully wrong!

Just during tuning, the sound was much richer. Then I played a few scales... and the fourth finger sounded even better than open string! Shifting never felt so good before. I'm sooooo happy! I had time to play for near an hour and my arm and neck barely felt anything, which it totally would have [been a problem] with my old violin.

So far, the shoulder rest feel quite comfortable, I will definitely send you an update after the instrument and I have partnered up for a month or two :)

Thank you so much for your patience, helpfulness, and dealing with my moods. :) I'm so glad to have picked your shop for this purchase.

[UPDATE: 1 week later] You really are giving uncertain and overwhelmed violin shoppers like me such relief and peace of mind.

In fact, when my mother saw your email replies, she declared: "This person puts so much effort in her work and service, she's definitely not an online fraud."

I'm excited to report back to you on how I'm doing with the Zhu violin :D It's been a week now and I think this is what others mean when they talk about the instrument "opening up".

Wow, the strength of the vibrations and projection are definitely a class above what I've experienced before. It sounds warmer and more "smooth/relaxed" then when I first got it. I'm not sure why, but the finger positions are slightly different from my old violin so I have been working hard on playing in tune again. But man, when I do, it feels and sounds sooo good!

I may not have given the instrument and strings enough time to settle yet, but I currently feel that the G string is a little too thick sounding while the E string sounds too thin. Excuse me for not knowing the proper terms to explain, but for my personal preference, the G string's sound seems... unfocused. Like if we were to imagine its' amplitude graph, the peak would be super spread out. In fact, the tuner often has trouble telling what note I'm playing on the G string when I'm trying to check a finger placement.

As for the E string, I wouldn't say its painfully piercing, rather just... thin. It feels like it lacks substance, solidness. If I bow more firmly, then it does improve but also becomes a little shrill to my ears. It would be nice to have warmer, richer high notes.

On the positive side, the A string is solid and I am IN LOOOOOVE with the D string. The sound is so warm yet also vibrant, it really sings! When I play, I can't help but happily sway all over the place lol.

Now that I have a decent feel for the violin, I will write my review for Fiddleheads in the the coming week. It will definitely be solar levels of glowing review.

[UPDATE: 2 weeks later] I really enjoy such long and information-filled letters. Thank you so much for your advice, it really gives me peace of mind going forward :D

The fact that strings and the instrument 'mature' and 'open up' is so interesting, it really feels alive in a way.

Currently, I'm very pleased with how the E string sounds significantly warmer and less 'wimpy' (lol) than before.

I've never been so motivated to practice. I really liked all the information you generously shared despite me not really being a student of yours. It's fascinating to read all this knowledge about these seemingly simple instruments, all these techniques and little improvements that make big differences.

Thank you so much for your advice, it really gives me peace of mind going forward :D

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] I never knew that I could have so much fun and so much confidence in a shopping experience!

In my first email to Rhiannon, I was nervous to purchase an instrument entirely online, and so wrote a lot regarding what I was looking for. Her reply completely surpassed my expectations with its friendly warmth and wealth of information. It was truly as if I had walked into a physical shop who's owner became a good friend within minutes.

Over the following few weeks, Rhi patiently answered my piles of questions and gave me plenty of help and time for my indecisive self to choose the best violin for me. I certainly had not expected to learn so much during a shopping process!

I've had my Zhu 909 for a few weeks now. It arrived in perfect condition along with the gorgeous deluxe case and a couple other accessories that I'd ordered.

It's my first violin of this quality and I have never enjoyed playing as much as now. The instrument continues to open up, constantly sounding even richer, warmer and brighter.

Rhiannon was flexible with bundling and payments and continues guide me with her effective advice and good humour.

For anyone who read this long review: If your searching for a quality violin or viola, send Rhiannon an email and give Fiddleheads a try!

I was looking to replace my daughter's Gliga violin with something that had a better sound and in a smaller 7/8 size than 4/4. After researching online, we decided to try the VN-102 violin with a 2-week at-home trial to Montreal, Quebec. 


We previously bought a Gliga Gems 2 violin (in 4/4) and her teacher hated it because it didn’t project and it required too much work to get a good sound out of it. My daughter is 18 and has been playing for 10 years. She is an intermediate violinist and not very motivated to go much farther.

The transaction was simple. Upon receiving the violin by mail, we compared the two and immediately noticed that the VN-102 had an amazing resonance and that the Gliga's sound was very muffled.

We took the violin to be approved by our violin teacher since he is very picky and hated our old violin. He just loved the 102 and couldn't stop raving. In his words; "You got an AMAZING (with all capital letters) violin. It's awesome.”

So, obviously we kept it.

Rhiannon, the owner, was very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful during the selection and ordering process.

The violin was securely packaged and it arrived quickly, in perfect condition. It is a beautiful instrument with a great sound, 100% approved by our violin teacher.

Thanks for preparing [setting up] Very happy, overall. Thank you!