Support During Covid-19

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!

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!

Rhiannon, I am utterly bowled over. I've never seen a more enthusiastic response to anything. What an amazing writeup. It is truly exciting to hear from you.

I think you have moved on from being merely being the most perfect purveyor of violins to being the undisputed Violin Queen of the Great Northwest.

Well, I can't say enough thank yous (or buy you enough chocolates) for your thinking so hard on my behalf. It's quite amazing. Are you sure you were ill [gallbladder surgery]? Where is all this energy and where are all these wonderful ideas (and machinations) coming from?

You are now the Queen of Persistence (and I thank you sincerely for that). Made up violin queen titles aside, you certainly are fun to buy a violin from.

Seriously, though. It's great to hear that you have recovered so terrifically. I don't think the violin world could withstand your being laid up for any length of time. Looking forward to what comes next. Best wishes.

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!!

Thanks for your kind & encouraging emails, checking in & providing so many choices.... it's a bit strange to pick something that "feels" right, virtually... and yet I think that's a reality in this strange state of the universe right now.

[There's been] much discussion & debate around here... mostly me: thrifty and self doubt side (it's definitely part mom/female piece of put everyone else first) vs my "I do like things well made & it's important to me that it feels nice and sounds good and if I successfully learn to play, it will be with me for a lifetime." I knit with high quality wool so I can enjoy the tactile feel of knitting & the finished item.

I am feeling like a kid waiting Christmas morning.

[UPDATE: 1 week later] Just confirming I did receive my instrument! Now let the learning to begin - sharp learning curve right off the bat with applying rosin to the bow to get a sound.

Once I figured that out, the four notes sounded lovely. So much to learn. Looking forward to it.

Thanks again for all your help through this process. Wish me luck with the learning. Good luck on the new website.

[REVIEW] In these strange COVID times & having just completed a Masters degree, I decided it was time to learn fiddle.

Purchasing a fiddle & learning to play was my self- promised reward for getting through the school work.

I knew nothing about purchasing a fiddle. I found Rhiannon to be kind and welcoming of my neophyte status. She provided many choices (complete with pictures) and was respectful of my budget.

I was so excited to know my fiddle was on its way. I have now started lessons, which i find joyful. I can play two songs & I look forward to learning so many more.

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] Thanks to Rhiannon I now have my own violin. Can't imagine trying to navigate the difficulties in buying my first violin during this Covid-19 pandemic without her help.

Rhiannon was fun to deal with and every time I see the violin can't help but smile.

By the way I'm 78 years young, never too late to learn. You won't be disappointed. Thanks, Rhiannon.

My daughter, Emily, bought the Voxy Astute bow from you and loves it. [She is] working on her ARCT with her teacher [Okanagan Symphony Assistant Concertmaster] Susan Schaeffer.

Rhiannon is wonderful. We will support her business as long as we are allowed to play music in this crazy covid world!

I can absolutely wait for the bow [delayed by the maker due to Covid-19]; judging from the reviews it's worth waiting for.

I started playing violin a couple of years ago now in the midst of a minor mid-life crisis, and as I've actually stuck with it. I finally get to treat myself to a better bow, so there was no real rush.

It will be that much sweeter when my new friend arrives. [My teacher's] been after me to get a new bow for a while now.

I'll let the old bow that came with my violin know its days are numbered...

[UPDATE] It's here it's here! Hooray!

It feels like I just went from a jalopy to a brand-new car—what a wonderful experience.

It's beautifully balanced and responsive, especially on brushing strokes, and the weight feels luxurious. I'm in love.

[REVIEW: Facebook, 5 stars] Consistently outstanding and personalized service, and I couldn't be happier with the quality and price of my new Voxy bow. Rhiannon is a delight.

Thank you again for all your help, I couldn't be happier. You will absolutely be my first call when it's time to level up my violin—I just have to get to the point in my playing where I truly earn it ... something to keep me opening the case daily. I'll be in touch next time I'm in need of some fun gear. Take good care!

[REVIEW: Facebook, 5 stars] How do I begin this, I wonder?

Thank you, Rhiannon, for not telling me to just stick to the status quo. I am left-handed. That is not very uncommon these days. But I also have a deformity in my wrist which would make bowing with it an incredibly laughable sight.

Instead of just shrugging me off and going "sucks to suck", she actually LISTENED to me. And the result? She supplied me with my wooden baby boy, Solomon: a left-handed violin.

I understand that quality comes at a price, though. I would have bought a cheapish 300$ beginner violin forever ago but I know how I am: the plasticky (not sure if that is a word, apologies) cardboard material would discourage me. It wouldn't feel motivating at all, I feel.

I will admit, I was beginning to lose faith once my investigation into Gliga violins fell flat not too long ago. I started to hear that they tend to sound a bit dull right before a shaky purchase.

Corresponding with Rhiannon throughout these tumultuous times [Covid-19] has been a blessing in disguise. As someone who works in retail, I believe in transparency and honesty above all. And from interacting with her, I can strongly confirm that she is a kindred spirit in that formula.

Working together with her was fun, informative, and ultimately one of the best online transactions I've ever had.

She is a spunky, delightful lady who knows how to walk the tightrope of professionalism blindfolded.

Solomon is everything I could ask for and more.

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!

My violin arrived today. She's beautiful.

Thank you for everything, Rhiannon, and I promise to update you once I'm a bit better at playing!

I would like to thank you for offering left-handed violins. Playing the violin is a childhood dream of mine, however I have cerebral palsy in my left side. It is very mild but my fingers don't function very well on my left hand. It means a lot to me to be able to even have a chance at learning to play.

Also, I thought supporting a small Canadian business is a great way to spend my Covid stimulus cheque!

Thanks again and stay safe [during covid].

[UPDATE: 6 months later] I bought a violin from you back in May, and I just thought you might want to see my progress so far! It's been slow going because of my condition but I'm getting there.

Thanks again for offering left handed violins, it means a lot to me to be able to enjoy the violin despite my cerebral palsy.

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.

Thanks so much Rhiannon, we received the bow this morning and it is wonderful. All that squeaky-ness is all resolved so we are super happy with our purchase!

Thanks also for the luggage tag, [my daughter] was tickled with that!

Such a hard time right now with Covid, my goodness! Hope you all stay healthy!

Wow! I was not expecting that kind of response! Thank YOU for being so thoughtful, Rhiannon.

I have received the email from Canada Post with the tracking number (thanks for signing me up!). Indeed, they must be overwhelmed [with Covid-19]. No worries about the delay, great things come with patience. :)

You've been outstandingly helpful and understanding throughout this whole process and I'm extremely thankful for that.

With hope everything turns out well for you with the current virus situation. You have my sincerest gratitude. Stay safe!

A lot of people are telling me not to buy online or without at least hearing it. I am going with my gut that you pick good instruments.

I am very excited. I can't sit still, I have big dreams for this fiddle

[UPDATE: 1 week later] I got my violin today but to my surprise, it turned out to be a fiddle. lol. I love it.

Thank you for taking payments during Covid19. You are a great person, you really are.

I don't know what else to say. You have made me very happy. Thank you.

Slàinte Mhath (Gaelic for Good Health)

[UPDATE: 2 months later] I am enjoying the violin.

My older one is in rough shape and it took me like an hour to tune. My new one takes no time at all. It's great to be able to pick it up and play.

I am so happy with it. Thank you, you're a good friend.