Posts tagged 'Final Sale Purchase'

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

I purchased a Master Bench Violin about one and half years ago.

My daughter loves her violin and it has served her well thus far.

It *is* a beautiful instrument... and I am amazed it got through all the hideous weather.

[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!

I love music. I have been longing for a new violin since I was 12 years old, but my mother and I have never been in a financial position to make my dream come true. I've been playing the same couple hundred dollar student violin my mother first rented out for me in 4th grade. I am very excited to hear how my sound is able to progress.

When I was listening to sound samples I did adore the depth the guarneri pattern brought to the lower strings. When I play pieces by myself I always pick romantics with love-sick highs and guttural lows that are sooooo much fun to drag out and dramatize. Dark, buttery romance is beautiful. I [felt] torn between having a nice high or a nice low. But in life the maker himself obviously preferred the guarneri pattern for a reason, so I trust his instincts.

After reading [reviews] I think my heart is set on the 909. The flame on the 907 is definitely more dramatic, but I don't really mind the softer look. As long as it plays beautifully it doesn't matter- I will fall in love with time. I didn't think my boyfriend was overly handsome until we had been together for a while and I had fallen for his personality, and one's violin can be likened to a spouse, right?

Wow, I totally just rambled, I am sorry! Something about your personality and passion for music makes me want to open up to you right away about my experiences. As the woman currently selling me such a vital part of my life I feel like you need to understand where I'm at right now. Oooooooh I am so excited!!!

[UPDATE: 1 month later] Omg omg omg!!! Love it!!!!! Woohoo!! I am so in love. I'm getting those first date jitters already..... like going out with a guy who's just too handsome!! The chin rest is such a lovely color of brown too.

I was playing quite a few pieces before, but off memory..... Bach's Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, that one was almost performance ready with my partner when lockdown started. I have been playing at about a grade 4-5 level as far as I know, with no real structure before my first year of lessons [last year].

I love the way the G and D strings can pull at an audience's heart as much as anyone, but I play a violin, not a viola- seldom do I get the privilege of playing so low for extended periods of time. In an orchestra setting I need the upper register to be able to sing for me.

I've been loving practicing.... Granted, I've only had a couple of days to do so. I definitely did notice the strings need to be broken in, I was doing some scales and couldn't go up past the second octave because it was just so painful bwahaha. The low B on the E string was so scratchy and I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong so I decided it must be the strings. But just a few notes after that, D natural and the E harmonic sound so lovely!

I can't wait until she really starts to sing!! There's so much resonance there. Playing in tune has never been so rewarding. I am sure it will improve too, I have much faith and determination!

My previous violin would resonate when I was in tune but it was never as obvious as this one. It is my favorite part of music. The satisfaction of hitting the notes just right. I will definitely keep enjoying playing in tune.

Of course I'll have to message you with some pictures and updates on this violin's life, as it is somehow just as much your baby as it is going to be mine... strangely enough, I also feel odd about closing communication with you. We must be long lost sisters or something :P

It is nice to talk to somebody about string instruments and music. I haven't had this in a very long time. I am vastly enjoying your wealth of knowledge and experience!

I'm excited to practice again tonight. I'll have to go to Kamloops just to buy new rosin when my cake runs out.

Seriously though, thank you for this amazing transaction.

I will be sure to write a very nice review [about your service] one day when I am bored after a two hour long session of scales.

The violin arrived perfectly intact. Rebecca knew how to play her other one so well it was a change but she is getting more comfortably each day. She starts in person lessons with her instructor again in a few weeks so I think that will help her get the full experience the violin can provide for her.

I tell everyone I bought it online but that I really did not buy it from the internet; I bought it from caring violinist that was as attentive to our needs as if I had known her for years.

It was important for me to get her a violin that would perform well for my daughter but I ended up with a violin that will perform and a positive experience with a professional caring violinist from almost 7000 KLM away. That is what I will remember most about the experience.

It was very good and reassuring to see you via Facetime. We felt so positive after the video call. My daughter was very excited.

We will update you on how she progresses with the violin. Thanks. For everything.

I could not be more pleased with the 2018 Guarneri Topa violin and deluxe suspension case I recently purchased through Fiddleheads!

The Topa itself is nothing short of thrilling to play. It is a joy to hear the warm, powerful yet clear, resonate sound that this instrument is capable of producing with ease. If you are in search of a life long player and the budget allows I cannot recommend enough taking a serious look at the Topas.

This violin exceeded any expectation I had. It does not hurt either that this is one beautiful fiddle in addition to the terrific playability and sound.

The customer service from Rhiannon was incredible from the first communication to follow up. I took a leap of faith trying mail order for such a violin purchase but from the first communication with Rhiannon I knew I was in good hands!!!

I was very clear about what I was hoping to find in an instrument and Rhiannon "knew" which violin should be mine......and she was 500% correct. Her charm and wit in addition to her instrument "match making powers" have earned a customer for life.

Thank you Fiddleheads!!!

Some messages sent during the purchase:

Rhiannon, you were just so incredible this whole process. Thank you so much for sending the sound sample and all the info you provided!!!! You definitely put my mind at ease!!!! I’m really glad we were able to connect through this process!!!! Just adds another element of making this fiddle even more special.

[UPDATE: 1 week later] Overwhelmed. Completely and totally overwhelmed. It sounds nothing short of magnificent. I nearly speechless for once!!!!!!

[My son] just loooooooves it. His first words where when I played a D-major scale were “holy sh*t!!!!!” I couldn’t even chastised him....he was totally right!!!!! Thank you sooooooo much! I cannot even describe how I feel. Hahaha I totally shed some tears this afternoon! My Mom would have loved this too. Just wow!!!!!

I would love to leave a proper review for your website in a few days after I calm the heck down. I really grateful to have had this experience with you and the end result of having this incredible violin that will long outlast even me!!!!

[UPDATE: 2 weeks later] After the initial shock wore off.....I keep loving that fiddle more and more!!!! There’s even times when I play it I just have to stop and say “Wow!!!!!!”

I’ll never out play or out grow that machine!!!! Having said that I already feel like I’ve grown so much more creatively!!! Who knew dynamics could come so easily now and playing in 3 position and beyond produced a clean beautiful now your didn’t have to fight to get!!!!

It’s truly a remarkable instrument!!!! I really couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome!!!!! I’m so thankful for your help to get there!!!!

Since receiving my new Ivan Stankov viola from Rhiannon's Fiddleheads violin shop, I have been dancing on air. Let me tell you why, and why I can warmly and highly recommend Rhiannon's help in your search for the perfect violin or viola.

I'm over 70, and have been playing violin for a number of years (about 10), but wanted to switch to viola as I like the alto register better. Since my violins were family hand-me-downs I really knew nothing about how to find the perfect instrument. After searching the internet, I ran across the Fiddleheads' website and decided to just ask for information.

One of my biggest concerns was about shopping over the internet for something so complex and even more about shipping of such a fragile instrument. (I live in a semi-remote area of Alaska, and packages most often arrive late, crushed, or damaged.) Added to all this, I had limited income and a strict budget.

Rhiannon was wonderful, warm and personable throughout the entire transaction, from search to purchase. She answered all my questions large and small, took all my conditions and found a gorgeous viola with an amazing voice for me.

She arranged for photos and worked with the maker, Ivan Stankov, to provide a video recording so I could hear the viola's sound. Even after all this, I was hesitant about shipping, but Rhiannon described the lengths that would be taken to package the instrument safely. Not only did it arrive incredibly quickly, it came through unscathed – from Bulgaria to Alaska! The packaging was superb. The outer box had a couple of dings, but inner was fine.

As to the Ivan Stankov viola itself – first of all, it's beautiful. It's a 16" Guarneri model set up with rosewood fittings. But even more importantly, its voice is dark, warm, and resonant (a friend described it as having a dark chocolate tone). Switching from violin to viola can be, I'm told a bit difficult, but the setup was so great I've found the changeover to be very easy. I love it!

Reading the alto clef is a bit of a challenge, keeps the brain active for sure. It traveled very well, and is doing even better as days go by. As she recommended, I am playing it lots. Truly, I can't thank her enough. I am so glad Rhiannon found this viola for me!

I am so happy!! And I am dancing. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!! Multiple hugs!!

If you want to find the perfect violin or viola, I highly recommend that you ask for Rhiannon's help!

I recently purchased a very fine Polish master violin from Fiddleheads. I highly recommend this shop and its thoroughly knowledgeable proprietor. Rhiannon answered all of my questions about the violin and she just knew that it was the right fit for me.

I had been feeling that the violin that I was playing on was limiting me both technically and interpretively. You reach a point with your playing when you need something more. I had been searching for a great violin that "wouldn't break the bank," so to speak.

I will be performing the Bruch Concerto no.1 this coming November and just felt that my current violin, while very good, was limiting me, not allowing me to express myself as completely as I would like to.

Before I get into the specifics about this violin, let me offer some background information about myself.

While not a professional violinist, that was more a matter of choice. I turned down a very prestigious music conservatory in the East because I was not willing to commit at the time to being away from my family. I have been playing the violin for nearly 50 years and have studied with some very famous violinists over the years. I have played in community orchestras, chamber groups, in churches, for weddings, and as soloist with orchestra.

I have played on violins costing a few thousand dollars, and on violins costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. I also apprenticed for a short time in a major violin shop in New York City, learning about proper set ups. I know good violins. In short, I am a violin buff.

I have owned Italian, French, German, Bulgarian, Romanian, American, and Chinese violins over the years. Some violins have been good, and some have been very good, but none in my opinion were great. I can honestly say that this one is a great violin.

After playing on violins from Romania, Italy, China, and Bulgaria - I was at a loss. The $5000 range is nice, but really could not take me to where I wanted to be with violins . Still, I was limited to a range below $10,000. I had heard and read very good things about these violins, but they were still a bit out of my price range.

Searching the internet and researching violins and makers, I came across this violinmaker. I learned that he was producing very fine violins that almost rivalled his masters.

While his violins can fetch prices as high as $11,000, I saw that Fiddleheads had a very reasonably priced violin of his for less than $8,000. It was literally thousands of dollars less than any other shop. I emailed the owner, Rhiannon, and she replied back within a couple of hours.

When I contacted Fiddleheads and spoke with its owner, Rhiannon, about the violin, I immediately knew that I had made the right decision. We spoke on the phone and she listened attentively to what my playing needs were. Because she is also a violinist and performer, Rhiannon knew that the violin would be the perfect partner for the Bruch Concerto.

Rhiannon is the consummate professional! She is so willing to help and accommodate you with a trial period, that I really had nothing to lose. She arranged for a trial period of a 2018 Guarneri model violin.

I was a bit leery about purchasing a violin from another country, even if it does border the USA. I had always dealt with shops from within the USA (Shar Music, Southwest Strings, International Violin, Johnson Strings, etc.). I have to say that this experience beat them all. From the exceptional price of the violin, to the customer service, packing, 2-day shipping, and trial period, everything went smoothly and better than expected.

I had a couple of sleepless nights worrying about the violins journey to the US, but after receiving the violin and seeing the way it was packaged and shipped I knew my worries were all for naught. The violin came in a couple of days.

The way that the violin was packed was unlike anything that I had ever seen before. It was in a "violin dart shaped" box inside a bigger rectangular box! The outside box was completely enclosed in brown wrapping paper and was marked with "Fragile" stickers all over it.

On the box was a handwritten note from Rhiannon to me about the violin. Once I opened the main box, the smaller violin box was encapsulated by reused Styrofoam walls and plastic bubble wrap. There was also a note to me on the violin box.

When I opened the violin box, the violin was in a beautiful violin sack, surrounded by smaller air filled plastic pillows. The neck of the violin was cradled in a Styrofoam block designed to prevent the violin from moving around in the dart shaped box. This was truly a sight to behold!

Upon unpacking the violin (which was meticulously packed and shipped in a manner I had never seen before), I stood amazed at the sheer beauty of this violin. It wasn't red, or orange like so many modern violins, but a beautiful shade of brown over a golden ground. A very transparent deep varnish. Beautifully figured maple (a one-piece back) and a tightly grained spruce top.

It was tastefully antiqued and very reminiscent of a what a golden period Cremonese violin looks like today. I quickly tuned the violin and proceeded to play it for nearly five hours that first day.

I wrote this to Rhiannon straight away:

"I must admit, I think this Violin is worth the money just by sheer looks! (It even smells sweet!) This is a beautiful, beautiful violin!! After playing it for a minute I could tell it blows away my other master violin!!! I can never play this violin in an orchestra... I would not want to chance it getting injured by a careless player!!!

"I am so happy!!! I feel like my heart is going to burst through my chest!!! This is definitely a better Violin than any one I have previously owned!!! I even tried and considered a [more costly competitor's] violin about three years ago and this violin is better than that one!!

"Yes, yes, yes, yes!!!! She is a keeper. And now back to my new baby!!"

I made this violin my own after only a couple of hours of playing it.

This is truly the violin of my dreams - a marvellously rich tone, dark and broad in the low register, and brilliant and soaring in the high register. It's hard to believe that this is a brand new instrument. The set up is meticulously done, and the instrument is a marvel to look at. It looks like a well preserved violin from the golden period of Cremona.

This violin just sounds like a well maintained old concert violin. I cannot believe that it is only a one year old violin?! It can play the softest pianissimo, and is capable of producing voluminous sound. I cannot wait to play the Bruch on it with orchestra!

Rhiannon's and Fiddleheads set-up of this violin is equally amazing. Pegs that turn smoothly and hold in place. A well- shaped top nut, perfectly planed fingerboard, well-made Milo Stamm bridge, perfectly cut and positioned sound post, proper bridge to tailpiece string after-length, and Evah Pirazzi Gold strings. In NYC I would have to pay close to $1,000 for this type of a set-up.

While I had a two-week trial period, I arranged for the balance of my payment to be made the first day. The violin has that dark desirous Guarneri sound. It is thick and full on the G and D strings. The A and E strings are equally impressive for the quality of their tone. The E string on this violin rings like a bell all the way up the fingerboard.

Back to customer service -- Rhiannon is a complete professional.

Customer service was first rate. Rhiannon is a pleasure to deal with. She is a total professional and knows her violins! She thoroughly answered the many questions I had about the violin both before, during, and after the purchase.

She also sent me a beautifully written letter about the condition, origin, and value of the violin for insurance purposes.

Her price on this marvellous instrument was thousand less than anywhere else. Couple that with an excellent trial period and it was totally stress free experience.

This Polish violin is a phenomenal instrument - deep rich tone, brilliant in the high register, with plenty of power -- truly outstanding instrument, best I have ever owned (and maybe even played too).

I brought the violin to my luthier in NYC and he was amazed by the quality of build and sound of it. He said that for me to get an equivalent hand-made violin in a shop in NYC, I would have to spend at least $20,000.

I highly recommend this shop and Rhiannon.

I am eternally grateful and indebted to Rhiannon for all she has done for me with regards to my violin. She's a great business person and offering excellent customer service and products.

I am sure she has made many musicians very happy since she started Fiddleheads in 1997. She is a true gem! I will definitely be recommending musician friends to here from here on in.

So there you have it, I cannot wait to get home from work each day to play this magnificent violin and unlock more and more of its as yet undiscovered potential.

I highly recommend the Polish master violins from Fiddleheads.

[REVIEW: Facebook, 5 stars] This is an amazing place to buy your violin. if you were reading this post, you may be in the same position as me a month ago. Looking to buy a violin and stumbled into fiddleheads while doing some research online. I start emailing them to get more information.

The owner Rhiannon is absolutely amazing!! I have never dealt with anyone with such great passion for her work and treat her customers like very good friends. She had taught me a lot and was guiding me and providing different options that totally fit my needs.

At this day and age, we are expected to be comfortable with shopping online. This started out as quite a nerve racking experience trying to buy such an expensive violin online. Our violin teacher was very against the idea. I was very sceptical doing such a purchase online. However, Rhiannon gave me confidence to believe in her and go for it.

I got a Angela Moneff and it is so stunningly beautiful. The sound is still new but I am seeing it opening up bit by bit every it was played. Thank you so much Rhiannon! Once you start contacting Rhiannon, you will know what I mean.

Rhiannon is a talented lady! Busy mom, successful business owner and professional violinist! She is a God sent Angel. Thanks to Rhiannon for being so creative for suggesting some ways to save money. The savings were significant. Her generosity brought tears to my eyes.

I wanted something that has more potential and can retain value. The violin will be my daughter's partner for her performances and exams in the next few years. The violin is beautiful. Soundwise, it still sounds very new. Looking forward to see it opening up as she plays more.

This was a major breakthrough for us to open up to buying violins online. It took quite some courage for me to make this move. Rhiannon was absolutely amazing all the way in my violin hunting journey! I had so many questions and she was always so patient to address all my concerns. I have learnt so much from her.

My daughter's music school has over 200 strings students. I have been sharing my experience dealing with Fiddleheads with other parents. They are all very interested in my purchase. I am sure I will have many referrals.

I can see she is a very genuine and sweet lady. Wish I can meet her in person and am imaginating having afternoon tea with her. :-)

The reputation and attitude of the store are the key and Rhiannon is doing a fantastic job!

[UPDATE: 6 months later] It is 6 months now and the Angela Moneff violin is breaking in and sounding good. The video does not do justice because this was performed in a school gym and I recorded it with my cellphone. It sounded fantastic in person! Its superb performance is very noticeable in such concert setting as the sound (even for a non musician like me) stood out compare to all the other violins being played.

I know there is limited information on Angela Moneff violin, hope this video will provide more confidence for those looking in to buying one. same position as me a month ago. Looking to buy a violin and stumbled into fiddleheads while doing some research online. I start emailing them to get more information.

The owner Rhiannon is absolutely amazing!! I have never dealt with anyone with such great passion for her work and treat her customers like very good friends. She had taught me a lot and was guiding me and providing different options that totally fit my needs.

I was very sceptical doing such a purchase online. But Rhiannon had provided me full confidence to go for it. I got a Angela Moneff and it is so stunningly beautiful. The sound is still new but I am seeing it opening up bit by bit every it was played.

Thank you so much Rhiannon! Once you start contacting Rhiannon, you will know what I mean.

Mother: Express took 2 days. Unpacking as we speak, Kennedy is super excited!!!! Thank you.... it looks so nice and it’s packaged beautifully!!!

Daughter: Hi Miss Rhiannon! My name is Kennedy, my mom has been contacting you for a while about purchasing a new viola! I am incredibly excited and grateful for your generous service! Thank you so much! I’m so happy that it’s here, and it’s so wonderful! Thanks again!

Mother: Thank you for playing the viola for us and doing all the extra details in your setup to make it just right. We’ll keep you posted, she is just super excited to start playing.

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] Rhiannon is the best! I'm left handed -- and I can't play right handed, so finding a left handed high-quality violin is near impossible.

I'll be honest, I've been looking at violin stores here in Israel, to purchase here because I really hate the thought of 23% import tax. They've been offering me violins for the same price as Fiddleheads (but they're right-handed violins that they're willing to do some bass board work on them to modify them for lefty playing).

I looked in all local shops, because I didn't really want to buy one online without knowing the seller or testing the violin, but Rhiannon absolutely gained my trust and business, with her honest responses, friendly approach and extensive knowledge to help me find just what I was looking for and assure me I would be satisfied.

I also read her testimonials and it really reassured me to see her customer service and recommendations for her instruments and I appreciated her prompt and thorough replies. She was very knowledgeable and her customer support exceptional.

Her excellent prices and glowing reviews assured me that maybe my search would finally be over. And it was. I received the violin yesterday--as promised. I'm extremely happy with it!!

I was very mixed about buying a violin from so far away without actually getting to see it or play it before but I'm so happy with her service and advice that she has earned my trust and business in any future violin accessories and parts as well as my recommendation.

The violin arrived on time, just as described, and I couldn't be happier. I've been playing on it for just under a week and I can't thank Rhiannon enough! I can't thank her enough for her honesty and expertise.

I love the sound and I appreciate her helping me make the best choice. I couldn't be happier.

Good to know I have an answer to all my violin-related needs, even when I'm living in a place with such a limited selection of violin products.

I received the violin today in fine shape .... thank you very much, Rhiannon, for packing it well and for your fine service. I love the violin ... it is beautiful and has very nice tone and projection ... I am sure I shall treasure it for many years to come. It is a heck of a lot better than my old violin!

Here is my official review:

I am extremely pleased with the Angela Moneff (Guarneri del Gesu il cannone pattern) I purchased from fiddleheads.ca. Before purchasing the violin, I watched theowner of the violin shop, Rhiannon, testing two Moneff violins on you tube and was very impressed with the violin's appearance and sound. I then asked Rhiannon some questions about the Moneff violin in stock which she answered to my complete satisfaction.

I received the violin (with free shipping) via priority Canada Post in immaculate condition and it has even exceeded my fondest expectations. Although far from being an accomplished musician, I find the violin easy to play, very responsive and even through the entire range, with a rich tone and good projection.

In addition it is very well finished and beautiful to look at ... with a one piece flamed maple back and ribs and finely grained spruce top.

The head and pegs are also very nice (pegs adjust smoothly and easily) ... in my opinion, a Moneff strikingly beautiful violin with a warm, rich sound. easy to play and good value for the price!!

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!

Tonight at dinner my patient and caring wife sat with me and watched one of Mitio Dimitrov's videos (where he carves a violin scroll). She did her very best to seem interested and impressed and I very much appreciated her effort!

She was very impressed with the care and patience demonstrated in Mitio's work and she does think the violin I have purchased looks absolutely beautiful. I asked her to remember the visual beauty of the violin when she hears me trying to bow the strings on my Dimitrov violin!!

[UPDATE: 13 months later] I wanted to send you this little update, and a huge thank you! Approximately 13 months ago I purchased from you the 2016 Mityo Dimitrov. When I wrote you, I explained that I was recently retired and I was pursuing my life long dream of learning to play the violin.

I was so very confused by all of the advice/guidance out there about what to buy for an instrument. I had been a regular reader of your website for a couple of years, and my instincts told me I could trust you for advice and guidance.

During our exchanges of communication, I shared with you that learning the violin is something I would be doing the rest of my days and I was looking to purchase my lifetime violin from you. I was not interested in having to change up instruments as my abilities progressed.

With your advice and guidance, I purchased from you the 2016 Mityo Dimitrov. When she arrived at my home December of 2018, I was blown away at what a beautiful instrument it was.

I started lessons in January of 2019, and I have been faithfully continuing with those lessons each week since then. Earlier this year my teacher connected me with a couple of other adult beginners she is teaching and we have started a little string ensemble. We get together once a week for an hour and we are learning to play together.

What an amazing experience this has been for me. This past Christmas our little ensemble played a couple of shows at three different senior homes (they are a very forgiving audience!) which was so enjoyable. We just played at a small recital yesterday and later this spring we are playing together in a small music festival.

Before I started taking lessons, I had no intention of doing exams. I am having so much fun, I have changed my mind and this coming June, I will be doing my grade 2 RCM exam.

I just wanted to share this little story with you, because I am so appreciative for the help you provided me. I have been playing my Mityo Dimitrov for one year now and I love it more than the day I first set my eyes on it!

It is am absolutely beautiful work of art and I will cherish it forever. I love the sound it produces and it is truly my forever instrument.

Every time I hear of someone who is looking for a violin I always refer them to your website and I share with them my wonderful experience with you.