Our Problem-Solving

Great service, quality bow

The customer service was great.

I was experiencing technical issues and the owner, Rhiannon was very helpful in solving my problem.

The bow is great quality and handles very well.

Highly recommend.

January 2, 2023

Yet to find a violin like this anywhere else

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] When my violin got stolen, Rhiannon was quick in helping me with insurance and providing original receipts and cost for a replacement.

One more thing, I travel the world a fair bit and I have not come across a violin yet in my price range, with such a quality fit and finish like the one [Bellissima] I originally purchased from Rhiannon.

To conclude, I will definitely purchase my replacement from Rhiannon.

December 11, 2022

Outstanding resolution; we will be back

Thanks for everything [and for honouring miscalculated shipping at checkout]!

E-commerce can be a pain in the rear quarters, especially when some of the components don't work as they should (I work in IT and have enough troubles with servers and networked computers without dealing with imbedded html).

Carmen and I appreciate your taking care of the issue... and we will be doing business with you again!

[UPDATE: Soon after Carmen purchased her second 7/8 size violin and Michael his first Kowalski violin from Fiddleheads.]

August 28, 2022

Outstanding! Professional & Human, with a touch of Magic!

Rhiannon, you rock! I like the personal touch... and that's really what sold me out on your website (beside the fact that it came out first in my search this morning, LOL).

I was completing my order when all the products in my cart became "Out of Stock". I [planned to] check again tomorrow (and every following day, if necessary) to see if your website was fixed. In the meantime, I was able to enter my addresses, so, easy peasy!

The website came back! Thanks a bunch, Rhiannon. Super appreciated. Santa's elves brought back your products! And I was able to order with the e-transfer!

Despite the crashing bug, which you fixed in no time, your website is top-noch. Can't wait to see & hear all this magic 'live' from [my nephew] Moose. He's currently learning a reel with a friend every Friday night as a Xmas present to our ears.

Thanks for everything, and especially the hugs of gratitude. Hugs of peace & joy back, enjoy the season! Dans la grâce!

[UPDATE: 5 stars google: Outstanding! Professional & Human, with a touch of Magic!

August 24, 2022

Prompt service and shipping

A BIG thanks for the extra book [to make up for a shipping error]. Your professionalism in this manner is much appreciated!!

Thank you for the prompt attention to shipping out my order and the prompt service as I am really looking forward to progressing in my new found passion. :)

Have a bountiful New Year in your business & personal life!!

July 3, 2022

I'll definitely shop here again

I was searching the internet for a company that would supply foam padding for my Bon Musica shoulder rest, since that was the only thing worn out on this wonderful device. I could not find any place in Ontario the handled this so I took a chance and clicked on the Fiddleheads Violin Studio site, a company I had not heard of before.

Their site displays an amazing selection of all things violin, and to my amazement they even offer all the parts to the Bon Musica shoulder rest.

So I ordered the foam pad and clicked on all the necessary things to finish the order but to my surprise there was no PayPal or MasterCard option to click on. Instead, the instruction was to pay by cheque, which I thought was unusual but in retrospect I thought that probably saved the Fiddleheads money in fees to those credit card companies. So kudos to them.

The shipping fee for this little item seemed high but I wanted it and could not get it anywhere else, so I was willing to pay.

Well I was very surprised to hear from Rhiannon herself in an email, that she found a lower letter rate that saved me $25 in shipping!

That is certainly personalized service and I will definitely work with this company in the future.

August 13, 2021

Violin Queen of the Great Northwest

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.

July 6, 2021

Absolutely 5 star service!

Hi Rhiannon, Thank you for refunding the purchase and for your quick response. I will certainly leave a good review. I realize it was just a shipping calculation error, not your fault.

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] Absolutely 5 star service! I really appreciated the swift communication from Rhiannon.

Even though the shoulder rest I ordered didn't arrive in time due to holidays, Rhiannon was very helpful in refunding my order. I will definitely buy from Fiddleheads again.

July 4, 2021

An excellent experience from start to finish

I'm looking forward to spending a great deal of time with this new instrument. It is lovely! I greatly appreciate the service and your efforts to make everything just right for me!

Thank you for your response regarding my concerns about the imperfections on the fiddle finish. Overall, I am very happy with the fiddle and do not think my concerns are worth making an exchange.

I have enjoyed playing it and find the quality of the instrument and the sound a big improvement over my first instrument. I greatly appreciate your offer to 'make things right', but honestly, I don't think any of the glitches were because of anything you did! The post office messed up, the bling was sent (I just didn't look hard enough), and the quality of the violin isn't affected by the [small surface] marks.

So all of this to say, I would like to proceed with the purchase. I guess my next step is to consider a bow upgrade!

Thanks again for your care and support throughout this transaction. I'll definitely send recommendations your way!

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] Dealing with Rhiannon has been an excellent experience from start to finish. She was quick to respond to messages, and to make sure there was nothing more that she could do for me to make sure I was happy with my purchase.

My violin arrived extremely well packaged and it's lovely!

March 11, 2021

Couldn't have bought a first violin during the Covid-19 pandemic without Rhiannon's help

[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.

January 5, 2021

I never knew that I could have so much fun and so much confidence in a shopping experience!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 23, 2020

The single best customer-experience I have ever had

[REVIEW: Facebook, 5 stars] Fiddleheads Violin Studio (and Rhiannon) have recently provided what may be the single best customer-experience I have ever had (online or in person)!

In searching for a new case for my Mandolin, she helped source an AWESOME choice...and went out of her way to get it to me in advance of vacation.

But it wasn't the case itself that made the experience so magnificent. It was "Magnificent Rhiannon"!

Her rapid responses, world-class expertise, customer-orientation, friendly (and witty) service, and genuine care and concern were truly unique - and rarely seen in business (or humanity in general).

I would send ANY prospective customer her way. I would recommend her HIGHLY to anyone! Please, please, please...if you need help with fretless stringed instruments and gear, CALL HER IMMEDIATELY!

YOU, magnificent Rhiannon, are a caring, loving, empathetic person. You absolutely rock! You have been wonderful to deal with. Thank you so much for being who you are...amazing in every way! I’m certain you will want to help me get going again on a non-fretted (i.e., more “worthy”) instrument, after such a long time of “cheating” on fretted instruments.

Thanks again for all of your patient support and for your great service, Rhi!

August 17, 2020

Pleasant, efficient, friendly, excellent service

Thank you so much for accommodating my order [with a supplier who refuses to ship to Canadians]. My son will be so happy and it may get to us before he has to go back to Royal Military College in Kingston.

Thank you so much again. My aunt was not wrong when she said you go the extra mile.

[REVIEW: Facebook, 5 stars] Top rate service. Rhiannon is willing to go the extra mile to make your experience first rate. Pleasant, efficient, friendly, excellent.

August 7, 2020

Received and happy with it

We received the violin and overall we are very happy with it.

The only issue is that the violin came with a tailpiece with one fine tuner, while the website description said it would come with a Wittner-style tailpiece with four fine tuners.

[UPDATE: Fiddleheads promptly sent out a free replacement Wittner-style tailpiece to Harold with instructions how to install it himself, to which he was "very appreciative."]

May 18, 2020

Quick service and problem-solving on a rest I recommend to my aspiring students

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.

May 9, 2020