VN-103

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] Rhiannon helped me pull off the perfect surprise birthday gift with a lefty fiddle for my husband.

Working with her was like a breath of fresh air - she's kind, witty, and very generous.

Highly recommend this shop to anyone looking for a fiddle/violin. You won't be disappointed!

I was so excited to see left hand violins in a quality venue. Hard to come by as I had a "Carlton" from Long and McQuade and when I was ready to up my commitment they had nothing.

The Fiddleheads Sun VN-103L left-handed violin came two days ago can't lay it down.. so much more response...forgiving...it sings to me...a voice..it can make me cry.

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] I must say my experience "very much" exceeded my wildness expectations, from the time I engaged in (expertise guidance) through my situation and custom needs (left handed player) to the choice made and arrival of my AMAZING Violin 103L, I knew well I made the right choice.

How could I go wrong with the support I had been given by "fiddleheads" it felt like they were behind me during the whole process "Great Feeling".

The violin is very responsive... very forgiving... sounds like she sings out to me. Can't wait to hear her 'offering" in a few months of playing. I'm so excited.

Thank You Rhiannon for the "personal nudge" into the right direction. Much Appreciated.

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. :)

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[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. :)

Well, Thanks so much to fiddleheads opportunity for great product line of violins and supplies.

I am a lefthanded player that recently purchased a lefty violin model Sun VN-103L intermediate violin custom lefthanded version. Wow. What a great instrument.

I am a guitar builder and player of the lefthanded side, so I build mostly lefthanded acoustic flamenco style nylon string instruments.

Am so impressed with the intonation and sound quality of this new violin. I am new to the violin world, but I do know a good sound when I hear it. Basically, being a beginner in this new journey of mine has shown me how much respect I do have to those who play this amazing instrument.

Rhiannon has taken this opportunity to a whole different level by offering so many great choices to lefty's or righthanded violinists. Amazing what she has singlehandedly done. I am so blessed and happy to be part of this new world of hers.

Back to the violin. I have carefully examined the playability and sound quality of each string and found that the low G string is a nice perfectly balanced to the rest of the open notes on this violin.

I can see that a lot off effort has gone into the setup to offer the best results as a beginner, I feel there is some forgiveness for my abilities in this setup and this model can make you shine.

I am so glad I went with a high-quality instrument at the beginning. I am very serious about being able to play well and I can now see that this can be accomplished.

Thanks to the Fiddleheads team I will be in a very capably place to succeed at playing left-handed violin. I must admit without Rhiannon's website and beautiful shopping experience, I would have never been able to complete this journey of playing a true left handed violin.

I totally recommend Fiddleheads to anyone interested in the true violin experience. It has been a true pleasure to deal with them. Thanks again!!!!!

The 103L is gorgeous!

The violin is for myself and I am a new player. I've been playing the guitar for many years as a lefty. I also always wanted to play the violin, but left-handed one are so rare and I kept pushing it for later, until now!

Thank you very much for the audio clips and the time you have spent dealing with me.

[UPDATE: 7 days later] So far everything is going good [on the trial]. Thank you!

[UPDATE: 14 days later] I will be keeping it. Thank you!

I wanted to call you to thank you in person for selecting and taking the extra time for me to set up my violin just right and play it to be sure.

My instructor was here last night, said everything was fine. He is totally satisfied with the quality and sound of the violin you chose for me.

It was such a pleasant experience and I'm glad I had a good head start with you.

As I get to know other violinists I will send them our way. You took care of me and I want to help.

I received my violin yesterday and it's very beautiful, sounds great!

"She" is Beautiful! They did a wonderful job (heart emoji).

Also, thank you for the additional gifts, I love them. Thank you again and sorry that I was such a pain in the a** LOL

Me, Age 37. Left Handed. I can't see myself using a right handed model, I am left hand dominant..everything.

A few shops I've talked to on phone say nobody makes left handed ones and I have to play right. Well that's not true! I’m so glad I reached out to Rhiannon. I received her 103L violin yesterday, wow, it is very nice!

I am so glad I went with the left handed model, it just feels natural.

[UPDATE REVIEW 6 months later: Google, 5 stars] Great place to buy a violin you won't be disappointed!

I purchased my left handed vn-103 over 6 months ago. I waited to review until I had a chance to play it and get a feel for it. Wow it is a very fine instrument! I couldn't be happier with it.

I spent some time on the phone with Rhiannon discussing left vs right and I am glad I did. I tried some traditional violins but just did not enjoy playing it as it felt very uncomfortable.

The left handed violin just feels right and is a joy to play!

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] What an amazing and delightful experience, although I don't know which is the better part-- my new VN-103L or my new long-distance violin friendship with Rhiannon.

In need of an upgrade from my good but not high-level instrument I contacted Fiddleheads and several other places.

Rhiannon responded and with her 360-degree violin knowledge, teaching and performance experience and easy-going manner quickly helped me figure out what I needed, which turned out to be the VN-103L. While Rhiannon's service and keen interest in helping was fantastic, the smooth tone of the new instrument is definitely giving her a run for first-place in my rating.

I'll also add that the shipping (with all-important safe packaging for the trip from western Canada) ensured that my violin arrived in perfect shape and that Rhiannon carefully helped me pick out a strong and safe travel case.

If ever I need a new instrument or accessory, this will my place to go.

Favorite Violin Lady Rhiannon, what do they say up in your neck of the woods when something really terrific and exciting happens? Around here we say something like "The Eagle has landed" or maybe just "YEE-HAW!" However, I'm not well-versed in Canadian idioms, so I'm just going with a simple "RHIANNON RULES!!!!"

You done good.

The much-anticipated new instrument arrived and was quickly being played.

Right out of the box its beautiful wood glowed and, after a tune, the violin had a rich and mellow tone. It's outstanding.

Now don't hate me but I totally disregarded your advice to let it get broken in a bit before I took it to my tough-minded teacher. That was your fault since the instrument you sent is too terrific to hide away. I had a lesson scheduled last night, so I took it with me, and [..... pause, building suspense,.....] she thought it was excellent.

My teacher raved over the quality of the sound, was very impressed with its wood and thought it was ideal for me. We wound up using it for the rest of the night. It's already given me more confidence and huge enjoyment. My teacher was disappointed in me, however, for not taking a video of playing the first note.

I've had a really great week with my new violin, and my teacher continues to be very impressed with it (less so my playing) and said tonight that I would have to pay hugely more to get a better instrument. So it's a keeper and the payment for the balance I owe you will be on it's merry way on the wires as soon as I get done here.

At first I thought it might be a higher level of instrument than I could use well. I am finding, though, that its quality actually is accelerating my learning and making every session with it a true joy.

My teacher said that she will be in touch with you about sending something in for your website and seeing if she could arrange a link to you on hers, where she features several outstanding violin sellers. She wasn't familiar with you and asked for more information, which I'll give, so you may well be destined to become the Queen of Left-Handed Violins (and more, I hope).

Also, I think you are too modest. Your reputation, integrity and service are Rock-of-Gibraltar solid with me. I expect to nominate you for the Queen of Music (Humor and Customer Service Category) at next year's BC (maybe even all-Canada) Ms. Music Festival.

All funning aside, Rhiannon, I feel quite fortunate that you have lefties. I already feel that both my learning and playing is improving substantially in light of the tremendous sound quality. So thank you, and I truly look forward to finding something else that I need to buy so that I can pester you further.

Very best wishes to you. If ever you get to Chicago, let me know, as I would love to meet. I'll do the same if I find Kamloops in my future.

[UPDATE: 4 months later] My VN-103 from Fiddleheads is proving to be a phenomenally beautiful appearing and sounding instrument. Rhiannon at Fiddleheads helped me immensely in selecting this instrument to fit where I stand in my learning journey. To note a few observations:

1. The 103 weighs in at exactly 16 ounces, 2 ounces less than my prior violin.

2. The color is beautiful throughout, with intriguing slight variations on both the front and the back as part of the understated antiqued look.

3. Overall, the color is a rich, mid-range mahogany.

4. The front shows a grain running parallel to the finger board, with a few areas of slightly lighter shades, leaving the impression of some aging. There is a darker outline of the violin front where the front meets the sides, which also contributes to the aging effect. The color differences on the back are a bit more pronounced, as the back is comprised of two separate pieces of wood. Overall, the back is something of a number of subtle, light and dark, horizontal stripes that line up seamlessly in the middle. The sides have a pretty-much uniform pattern of alternating and minutely varying stripes that continue up into the scroll.

5. The ebony chin rest has a subtle pearling of brown stripes in the black. This matches the wood used on the front, neck and back and draws attention when seen up close.

6. The sound is impeccable. It is both rich and deep and comes readily from every bow stroke. In contrast to my prior instrument, there is no metallic “sliding” sound that often comes from the slightly imperfect bow stroke of a learning student. In that and other ways the 103 could be said to be “forgiving.” My teacher, who has very discerning hearing, also praised the sound and was definitely impressed that I made the investment in my violin future.. After several weeks of using the violin I don't have a single critique of its sound quality. In fact, the sound has continued to improve throughout my use, and I look forward to reviewing again in a while as I continue to learn about the instrument's great performance.

7. As this is a substantially more advanced instrument than many learner violins, I am finding that the superior sound quality actually accelerates learning, primarily I think because the violin does not produce the harsh notes that can be so disruptive to a learner's playing on a lesser violin and because the superior sound is highly rewarding and therefore encourages more practice.

8. The production workmanship appears superb, and the pre-shipment preparation of the violin before shipment to make it ready to play immediately on arrival was meticulous. The packing for the shipment from Fiddleheads was extremely well-cushioned and protective.

9. This violin is more expensive than many that an intermediate player or a student might see. In my view, though, this is a classic case of long-term value vs. immediate cost. After several weeks of experience with the violin, I am totally convinced that the value (mainly from the substantial improvements in my playing and enjoyment that the violin is leading me to) has already exceeded the cost and will continue to do so.

I got my VN-103!!!

Thanks to my very nice postman who kept an eye out for it.

The tone is beautiful.

My husband loves it, but he is a carpenter so he just likes the craftsmanship.

My youngest cried when she heard it. I don't know if she is just scared of the sound or she is a budding Mozart and is crying at my out of tune playing.

Last year I was able to access and play over 30 violins for varying lengths of time, with a view to purchase.

My needs were that it be comfortable, a little forgiving, respond to my learning and development, be appropriate to various types and styles of music, sound good under my ear as well as to the listener, and display as many desirable traits of sound as my money was able to buy at the time. I do not need a soloists or "Concert Hall" instrument.

The least expensive instrument I tried was around $400.00, and the most expensive a violin by Canadian maker Raymond Schryer at $12,000, with the majority ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 CAD.

My finalists were a beautifully voiced French violin from 1912 costing nearly $4000 and Sun VN-103 for considerably less, and I ended up deciding on the latter, Chinese instrument.

The Xuechang Xuechang Sun seems a really great value for my dollar. When I first played this violin, it was basically a baby; the varnish still new and soft, the sound improving almost weekly. Now, it has settled in to itself, developing colour, tone, and a quick response.

I love its voice; it has developed a warm balance with nice overtones and an "Italian" sound overall. It is not edgy or overly bright, which is important to me.

I used Corelli Crystal strings to play-in my violin. They are a good basic, straightforward type string which helped me hear differences in sound as the violin matured. When these strings began to lose their sound I upgraded to Evah Pirazzis which are a terrific match, offering improvements in all regards.

As a note of general interest, it has been my finding that play-in time for an instrument is TREMENDOUSLY important. Oddly it seems, this does not always get the recognition it should.

Older instruments which have been sitting unplayed for any length of time will require a certain amount of playing time to regain their former stature, and new instruments will change and improve for varying lengths of time; some apparently for years.

A good instrument seems to sound decent from the beginning, and only gets better. To judge a new instrument immediately out of the box is to raise the possibility of doing oneself a large disservice. A knowledgeable teacher or salesperson seems an invaluable asset here.

In summary, I found my choice great value for the money, with a sound pleasing to myself and to others. I am very satisfied with it and love how it improves with playing and the passage of time. It makes learning fun.