Fiddleheads Violin Shop Testimonials & Feedback: Prism and Voxy Bows

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Prism

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I discovered the Fiddleheads website, and was favourably impressed – even more so when I spoke with Rhiannon and found her to be patient, helpful, and willing to take the time to discuss the pros and cons of the Tabary Prism bows with me, while keeping in mind my stated needs and budget. In fact, Rhiannon even played a Tabary Prism bow over the phone for me so I would have an idea of the sound they produced.

I'm very happy with my purchase [Tabary Prism Violin Bow]... A lovely, rich and clean sound, responsive, and oh, so playable... It produces a lovely tone, is comfortable, and far more responsive than my previous bow - truly a joy to play with.  I look forward to many happy years with it.

I can't thank you enough for your time, patience, and wise counsel as I was making up my mind... Fiddleheads has created a very happy customer who looks forward to a long standing relationship with the shop. Thanks Rhiannon!!

- Ian, Kanata Ontario: Read Ian's full story/ testimonial "Quest for a Better Bow"

Happy new year!! The bow arrived!!! Oh my, the difference is amazing! It would take a long winded text to describe the improvements- its wonderful!! The [burgundy] color is a beautiful match to [my violin's] rosewood fittings too.

Thanks so much. I may have more contrasting details later as I play the bow for a while, but I have too many adjectives going on....

- Bill, Tacoma, WA, USA

So yesterday [my husband] says that for my birthday he is going to feed my sweet tooth. First he brings out a little box of Russel Stover chocolates. Then a middle sized Tobelerone bar and then he and my son come struggling out with the "35 pound bar of Toblerone" -- which actually weighs 62 grams.

The "chocolate lovers" color and triangle shaped shipping box was more than he could handle without turning into something funny.

I really like the [prism] bow. I've only had time to play three tunes (a favorite of each kid) with it as I had to go to a 4H meeting followed up by a PAC meeting but now I'm going to fly at the housework and the afternoon is going to be fiddle, fiddle, fiddle.

Even from the couple of tunes it is much more even from tip to frog and seems nicely balanced. Thanks again! Looking forward to getting to know it better.

- Lisa, Burns Lake, BC

I have just tried the beautiful red [Tabary Prism] bow (much nicer colour than I expected). I like its feel in my hand and it plays well and very smoothly on my electric cello...Thank you so much for your good advice and your excellent service.

- Chantal, Ottawa Ontario

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Rhiannon, Thank you for sending the [green Prism] bow, it arrived the day after Thanksgiving.

I could tell it was superior to my old bow by the first note. Much crisper than my other one. Have to say I'm already sold on carbon fiber. Thinking of making a green fiddle to go along with it.

Thank you also for the [violin-shaped] cookie cutter. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Really enjoy your web site, very informative and entertaining as I've said before. I am very impressed with your personal service and going over and beyond with your helpfulness. It is only right that good service be rewarded by rave reviews. Will send pictures of fiddle project. Best wishes,

- Jeff, Hastings, Nebraska, USA

Hi, just wanted to thank you for swift delivery of the new [Tabary Prism] cello bow.  My daughter loves it and is very happy that the [purple] color is true to what you're showing on the web site.

- Anne, Oak Park Illinios

I'm from Japan and a total beginner in violin. I visited Rhiannon in person. It was a Saturday but Rhiannon spent half the day with me!

When I previously tried my friend's violin, I could barely make a sound. Actually, it was a noise. I guess it was because of the bow and rosin, my skill too of course.

But with the first stroke with the Prism bow, which Rhiannon rosined for me, I was able to make a descent note!

I don't know what Rhiannon would say about the note but it was good enough for me. This experience was really encouraging as a beginner. Personally, I don't usually like the looks of carbon fiber materials but this Prism bow has nice coating. I purchased the charcoal bow.

It's perfect bow for me! I like the beautiful decoration work on frog and screw too.

- Hiroomi, Barriere BC

Hi Rhiannon, I'm writing to say thank you so much for sending the violin pin for my birthday! I think it's really cool.

The bow came on time for my birthday and it's such a nice bow. It makes my violin a lot louder (and more colourful) which is great since my teacher is always telling me to play a lot louder. My music is going awesome and I hope yours is too!

- Jill, Cobble Hill, BC

Rhiannon: Thanks for your help with our purchase.  It has been difficult finding the right [colored carbon] bow for my daughter as there isn't a lot of choice for the smaller players, but we're happy with the prism bow... [It] was rosined and ready to go for us - that was thoughtful of you to ask [your supplier] to do this, thank you!

It doen't project quite as well as another carbon fiber 1/2  bow that we found, but it is significantly lighter, and she claims when she's doing any spiccato or up-bow staccato passages that the bow "practically does it by itself!"  And, of course, she's absolutely tickled with the fun [red] color!

We'll definitely be contacting you in the future for another bow in a 3/4 size when she outgrows this one! ...All the best with your business.

- Jeanne & daughter Samantha, Regina Saskatchewan

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I received the Prism some time ago... and just tried it out for the first time today. The bow is good-looking, lighter than my old one and sounds so smooooth... I find it much easier to play quickly and confidently with this new bow. Thank you for your prompt, reliable and cheerful service. It was a pleasure doing business with you. Happy music-making!

- Frank, Vancouver BC

Just wanted to let you know that the [Prism] bow arrived yesterday and is just excellent. The gothic red colour is really hot (I'm sure that will encourage me to practice). It's slightly lighter and about an inch longer than my other bow and seems very comfortable. Thanks so much for your great service.

- Judy, Toronto ON

The [Tabary Prism Violin] bows made our daughters very happy.

- Jo, Clayton, Ontario

Hello, Rhiannon. Just wanted to let you know that the Prism bow I ordered Dec. 11 arrived in plenty of time for Christmas. I am quite pleased with it. It seems to be superior to my pernambuco wood bow in every way.

I will certainly be showing it off at my first fiddle orchestra get-together in January and passing out your business cards. The little violin pin you enclosed was a nice touch ... and is now in my wife's possession!

It has been a pleasure doing business with you.

- Ian, Winnipeg

Hi Rhiannon, I love my new [Tabary Prism Violin] bow!!  Thank you for delivering it as well.  I was happy to receive it so soon. My instructor also agrees that it was a good choice for me and I appreciated your advice on what to buy.

I will certainly contact you again when I am ready to purchase a new (newer?) violin as I would like to eventually purchase a better instrument . . . thanks again."

- Tracy, Kelowna BC

Hi Rhiannon, thank you for thinking of me. The [Prism] bow and [Bon Musica] shoulder rest are great.

- Terry, BC (Okanagan)

I was completely floored today when I got home and the hubby greeted me at the door with a long, triangular box/tube... and then I realized I was the new owner of a gold Prism viola bow!!!!! WOOOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!

I had no idea it would be here so soon [only 6 days]. You're a master at this. THANKS!!!!

- Lynn, Anaheim, California

I do like the bow - it's very handsome, with a crisp tone as you say, and the lighter weight (and balance) does help with the string crossings.

- Lorna, Crawford Bay, BC

It looks like a good bow and we're looking forward to hearing it. It will be replacing a rather poor student bow my son has been using that has finally worn out. His older sister now has a fairly good wooden bow, but a CF bow (in his favorite colour) suits him better.

- Bob, Regina, SK

Yes the bows arrived on time --- in fact, they arrived on Friday night, not Monday!

Everyone was very happy. Thanks for the little violin pins - the kids loved them. They are playing at the legislative Assembly tomorrow, and are quite excited to show off their new bows.

Update: Attached is a picture of the Fiddle Cats performing at CBC just before Christmas. Notice all the lovely bows!

- Cayley and the "Fiddle Cats" with the Aurora Fiddle Society, Yellowknife, NT

I received the new bow a week ago and I love it. I'm no expert on bows, the only one I ever played before was the piece of junk that came with my $600 kit a few years ago. Not only it was old, it was never a good bow. Too light, and balanced toward the frog too much. The tip had a tendency to skid sideways toward the nut, it never sat well on the strings, and the hair was never very consistent in the first place, so at the best of times it sounded like a war-time radio broadcast.

But since I live in the Northwest Territories, I can't go to a luthier and try a bunch of different bows. I had a budget of $140 to $190 to buy a new bow and took three months to make a decision. I picked the Tabary Prism in the end based on the reviews on your site, and that you had it on sale for half the price I've seen in other places.

One of the reviews said it "feels light" and "light at the tip" but another one said it weighs 62 grams which is a good weight compared to my old one. I figured even if it wasn't balanced as I imagined, a bow in that price range that gets positive reviews could only be an improvement over my old one. The last issue was picking the colour. I love blue, but when it came time to buy, I didn't think that would look good with my red violin. I ended up with "heart of gold".

First thing I noticed when I took the new bow out of the package is that it's much heavier than my old one. Second, the colour matches the website photo. As far as playing, like I said, I'm no expert, but it sounds way better. It's louder and clearer. It doesn't skid sideways, so that wasn't my technique that was at fault. Yay!

It doesn't shake on the strings or bounce off when you try a quick attack. It doesn't make the G string buzz. Yaaaaaayyyy! First time ever that I've been able to hear my G string properly. And you can actually pull slowly the whole length of the bow and get one unique, consistent sound the whole way. I tried it with the tuner and the needle will actually stay in one place the whole length of the bow; with the old bow it would always shake even on short pulls.

So, I'm very happy with my purchase. Now I can hear how *I* actually sound and work on my technique. I'm making progress already! On the other hand, I can no longer blame anything on the bow. :) Also this bow is a little longer than my old one so it doesn't quite fit in the case, but that's no big deal. I would definitely recommend this bow!

Thank you so much for the prompt service despite the circumstances [of a death in your family]. I will definitely think of you first for my violin needs.

- Elise, Hay River Northwest Territories

I wanted to let you know a received the Prism bow a few weeks ago. My daughter loves it, and the color is beautiful!

- Joan, Clinton, NC

Hi Rhiannon -- The [Charcoal Cello Prism] bow arrived today and sounds great - thank you!

- Ingrid, Houston, Texas

I received the green prism bow and tried it out yesterday at a fiddle jam. I think I am going to love it!

It's weird, because it "felt" different than my blue prism bow, but I thought it had a wonderful sound, even better than the blue bow. Is that possible? The colour is really nice. Thanks very much for the quick service!

- Rhonda, Yellowknife, NT

I so appreciate the savings you are passing along. It is unexpected and I am overwhelmed with your extraordinary customer service. I've read your website and as a dedicated teacher/performer/parent, I know you can appreciate my desire to get this bow for my daughter.

On one hand, it seems a bit of an extravagance but at 10 years old, she has been a very passionate player for six years now. I am happy to indulge her a bit with this new bow. She has a concert next week and then the following week we leave for the Suzuki Institute in Ithaca, NY. She will be so surprised and thrilled to have this new bow with her!

You are the best! I plan on telling her violin teacher and all the other moms of string players that I know about you and your terrific website.

[LATER] My daughter's [passionate purple] carbon fiber bow arrived and it was love at first sight. She did not expect it to be so beautiful with the mother of pearl inlay. She marveled at its light weight.

When she brought it to her weekly lesson, her violin teacher was delighted with its beautiful bright sound. I told her about your website and she added it to her list of vendor referrals that is given to all her students.

Thank you again, Rhiannon, for the amazing customer service and the wonderful bow you provided my daughter! Cheers!

- Joanna, Coopersburg, PA

The bow arrived safely. Thank you very much - I love it! It really suits me. It just seems to fit in my hand and allows me both the pressure and lightness I need. I hope my playing improves to do it justice.

- Felicity, Lindsay, ON

The bow is so sweet to play! It's like going from cotton to silk.

- Annette, Armstrong, BC

I have a beautiful fiddle and bow pin, along with a beautiful golden bow. Thank you!!!!
 
Maybe I'll record something with it and send it to, once I get used to it. It's balance point is different than both my Musicary and my wooden stick, so I'll need to adapt, but it feels nice. There is a jam session tomorrow night, so I'll give it the works.

I told a friend of mine in Portland, Oregon about purchasing the Prism bow from you and she's interested now too, so you may hear from her soon. I hope so. 

- Kerry, Florida

So happy to hear the bow is on the way, I think my daughter's teacher will be happy. Once again for looking for the [special order] bow for me. You are the best business parter, I hope I have the chance to do business with you [again] one day.

My daughter teacher really like the prism bows, and ask me about your web site. So hopefully you can earn more her students.

All the best to you and your family.

- James, Toronto, ON

My new bow came this evening and its very nice. Can't wait to try it out.

- David Pittsburgh, PA

[The purple bow is] here! It's Here!!! But I'm not opening it until I get home tonight.

I was just putting my make-up on, after doing a bit of Qi Gong to get into the right mindset to head off to [work]. And the doorbell rang and there was the postman holding a fantastic Toblerone-shaped box.

I changed my mind and put on purple eyeliner, and I'll wear my purple scarf. The bow couldn't have come on a better day. I can't wait to open it tonight when my husband is home to enjoy it with me.

- Nancy, Halifax, NS

I received the bows today!  Thank you!  I love the colours.  Thank you so much for your help and I'm sure well be in touch!

- Cynthia, Rossland, BC

Everytime I use the Glasser bow, I dream of the new [Prism] viola bow. Christmas eve sounds so far away!

- Annette, Armstrong, BC

Rhiannon, I received the beautiful gold bow on my way out the door yesterday.

The bow was so light and beautiful I really wanted to try it out. I guess I should wait to give it to my daughter for Christmas or she might catch on to what her big present is. Thanks so much for sending it so fast! Happy Thanksgiving!  

- Dana, Cherry Hill, NJ

I received the [Prism Viola] bow yesterday, it's really nice and fits to my viola (in term of sound).  Thank you for the brooch, it is cute!

- Julie, France

Voxy Bows

The new weave bow arrived this afternoon and it's a big improvement over the one I currently have. The order was handled very promptly and the package arrived in perfect condition. Excellent service. Thanks,

- Jean, Sterling Heights, MI

Got the [Voxy Vogue] bow today.  Looks great.  Thanks for the deal on it.  Pleasure doing business with you again. Thanks,

- Troy, Calgary, AB

We got the new [Savvy] bow. Thank you so much and it is great to have a contact know in the south! Hope to meet you one day? If you do any camps etc let us know by email is best.  Thanks again!

- Cory, Williams Lake, BC

Thank you, the [Voxy Vogue] bow arrived yesterday. I am very pleased with the way it plays.

- Barbara, Cedar Creek TX

I have an Arcus Sonata [cello bow] in mint condition. The Sonata is a very light bow (70gr)  made by Arcus. They have a big reputation but the bow doesn't suit me. I bought a Prism from you a few years ago and let me tell you that it's still my preferred bow to play in the orchestra.

Thanks and have a nice day.

- Jean-Claude, Trois-Rivières, Quebec

I am very pleased with the [Voxy Savvy] bow, especially for the money. 

- Gene, Calgary, AB

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