Our Expertise

Expertise and genuine care from a sustainable business

I truly appreciate the depth of knowledge and passion you display about the art and craftsmanship of violins and bows. [Fiddleheads' policies] align with my values of sustainability and efficiency.

Your detailed insight about violins, their maintenance, and your business philosophy has been truly enlightening.

I value the empowerment of clients, and it's refreshing to see someone in the industry championing this.

Our conversation has been instrumental in shaping my outlook. I was initially hesitant due to previous experiences with the local market, but you've turned that around. I can say with confidence that when the time comes for me to upgrade, I will be looking to make that purchase from you.

Thank you for being a beacon on my "musical adventure" and for guiding me with such expertise and genuine care. Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and guidance.

August 30, 2023

Kind, witty, and very generous seller who helped me pick the perfect gift

[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!

July 1, 2023

Comparing Half a Dozen 909 violins!

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] Rhiannon was very helpful online in answering my questions about the MJZ 909 violin.

She offered to send me up to two violins to try at home, but when I learned she had six in her shop, I made arrangements to drive to Kamloops from the US and try them in person.

Rhiannon was very gracious in welcoming me into her home/shop, and she helped me narrow down which violin was right for me - which was not an easy task since all of the violins were lovely.

I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a new violin.

May 9, 2023

This website is treasure box of information, the owner treats me like an old friend.

I will not dissimulate that I have knocked at several doors... with no clear answer yet as to what would be a suitable try-it-out bow. Given the generosity you have displayed in our exchanges, Rhiannon, you'd be surprised to hear that some people get annoyed when requested to provide numbers. So I thank you very much for your kindness and patience.

I read your story with great interest and I recognize the kindness, honesty and humanity praised by the many customer testimonials. I went back to your shop's website and took some time to read a few of your articles - a very pleasant read.

I'm sorry to hear of your physical issues and that these have affected your musical activity. I acknowledge your resiliency. I promise I'll write a 5* review for your business.

[UPDATE: 2 months later]

Five Stars.

I got in touch with fiddleheads.ca shortly after last Christmas when I started out on a quest for a carbon fiber bow. I was in for carbon because of ecological reasons. It may also be relevant to specify that being a physical engineer I endeavoured to make sense of bows on mathematical grounds.

I knocked at several doors and nowhere did I get the attention that Rhiannon gave me.

Far from that in fact: when others only responded with their trivial sales pitches or dismissed me after a few emails or simply never answered my queries, she responded back - in lengths and with patience and consideration - each time.

She gave me the gift of her precious time as if I were an old friend.

Surely, she was quick to sense the type of tough customer I was but she didn't back up and provided me with all the numbers I asked for.

She is a true professional inside out. Anyone who takes the time to explore her shop's website will undoubtedly acknowledge the care that was put in setting it up: it's like a treasure box of information of all sorts.

My preference, I think, goes to the page with the articles she wrote: instructive, delightful and personal.

As of now, I have not committed to any bow but I can readily say that Rhiannon certainly helped me out with her sound advice and, overall, her kindness.

Wishing the best to you, I thank you, Rhiannon.

April 29, 2023

Enthusiasm, sincerity and professionalism from a trustworthy seller

Thank you very much for all the information. Although we didn't end up buying the Zhu 909 violin, I am very impressed by your enthusiasm, sincerity and professionalism.

You are the best person that a customer could totally trust. I really appreciate all the help you provided even when you are not feeling well. Hopefully you could totally recover from COVID soon.

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] I am very impressed by Rhiannon's enthusiasm, sincerity and professionalism when I shop a violin for my son. She is the best person that a customer could totally trust.

April 1, 2023

Really nice build quality

Everything [arrived] safe and sound. Nice build quality. Really happy overall.

Thank you for the upgrades/extras, they are appreciated. I really like everything I received.

The violin is for myself, and it's my first violin. I'm a hobbyist sort of going down a composer path, and I play a bit of piano, but I decided learning some violin would be fun.

I was able to start playing a bit and I'm really happy with the sound quality, especially considering I just started!

Sounds fantastic with the Evah Pirazzi strings. I think the [upgraded] Evah Pirazzi's were definitely a good idea.

PROS: Exceeds Expectations, Fast Shipping, Rhiannon's Expertise, Beats the Competition, Beauty & Aesthetics, Comfort, Playability/Ease of Use, Quality Craftsmanship, Recommended, Tone & Tonal Improvement, Value/Good Price, Packaging & Safe Arrivals

March 21, 2023

Your specialty in Zhu violins and wood seasoning/curing stands out

I am a professional musician from Michigan. I've had a career in roots music for the last 12 years.

I came upon your website while doing research for a new main instrument, and your specialty in Zhu violins stuck out to me, so I looked forward to reaching out to learn more about the violins that you have on offer, and consider doing a trial of some instruments at home.

The other factor that was attractive was that your shop is located in a place that deals with winter, and dryness, and I thought that bodes well for instruments that will be suited to resilience in the changing seasons where I live, despite careful work with in-case humidifiers.

The one violin that I have played [most of the time] is a Ming Jiang Zhu instrument (VN903). Non-temperamental, reliable throughout the seasonal changes.

It became my secondary instrument, one that I now use for very low tunings, when I acquired a 100 year old instrument made in Michigan that had a particularly moving sound and distinctive look, but the Zhu violin has always remained in the fold, and these days it is the one I want to pick up more.

January 31, 2023

Hard to trust other shops

I read many of your articles on your website and I appreciate honest business owners who are not in the business of milking huge profits. As you are aware, violin lessons, violins, bows and strings are all expensive.

Other store owners have tried to sell me violins that cost more than my car. The violins might be worth that much but I certainly cannot justify spending that amount of money.

You confirmed many of my suspicions [about the missing label in the other shop's so-called special Zhu violin]. The way this other seller limits my risk is to say that I can trade in the violin and bow I get from her for the full value. Of course, that guarantees continued business for them.

Two other things bothered me [about this other shop]:

1. The other shop owner told me that the shop received six of these (unlabeled) violins from the workshop in China of which she selected the two better ones for my daughter to try. There was a marked difference between the two which showed a lack of consistency.

2. The nut at the end of the other shop's violin protruded so much that it poked into my daughter's throat. The owner told me the luthier at the shop would fix it easily. Maybe it is my personality but I expect luthiers and violinists to be extremely picky people.

I often tell my daughter that good violinists are never sloppy. I like the high standards you set for the products you sell and the care you put into your website design.

January 18, 2023

Sweet and powerful resonance beyond anything I have ever played

The Topa (I named it "Rhia") is slowly starting to show its true colour, it has a sweet and powerful resonance beyond anything I have ever played.

I spend at least an hour with her every day, and every day it sounds even better. It has also enabled me to actually leave the house with my MJZ 909, which has become my main "lesson"or recital instrument.

Just want you to know this whole on-line shopping experience has been a pleasure. Outside of a house or car, this purchase is probably the most expensive thing I have ever bought.

Thank you for taking the time to help me through this process. I am certain I would have never done it without the reassurance and peace of mind you have given me.

December 14, 2022

Fiddleheads is a superb online studio

Rhiannon, the owner, is considerate, diligent, and attentive. The customer service is excellent. She responds to inquiries with detailed explanations.

This is a superb online studio.

November 20, 2022

Much more violin than I expected

My new baby arrived today. Was amazed how light it was and how warm and sweet the tone is.

Rhiannon was right about how I would notice the difference between the Fiddleheads MJZ 909 and my Eastman Ivan Dunov. It is a nice step up for me.

The violin itself was everything I expected and more.

That being said, my next one will be my last one, and I hope to look for a "bench" made violin that I hope Rhiannon will help me find. I will report back again after I have spent a few months opening her up a bit.

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] Recently purchased my 2nd violin, upgrading from my Eastman Strings Ivan Dunov to Rhiannon's recommendation for me of the MJZ 909. Also purchased a new bow; VN65 and deluxe oblong case in blue.

First of, the customer service from Rhiannon was outstanding. She was very patient answering questions on the phone and via email until I was certain about everything.

The violin itself was everything I expected and more.

The projection and tone was both powerful and warm, and a nice step up from my student violin.

I am sure that in the next few months it will open up even more. The bow was nice, but for some reason, I seem to prefer my old one, perhaps because my old one is octagonal and feels easier for me to handle.

Thanks Rhiannon for all your help, hope to do business again when I upgrade to a bench made (I need to improve a bit first lol).

[UPDATE: 3 weeks later] FYI, My MJZ violin is only now starting to sing, and my god it sounds wonderful.

[UPDATE: 1 Month Later] I am writing once again to thank you for your incredible assistance in purchasing my MJZ 909. It truly is performing beyond my greatest expectations...

I am not a great violinist, (not even close) but I spend 3 to 4 hours a day immersed in practice, and it brings me more joy than I can explain.

My MJZ violin is only now starting to sing, and my god it sounds wonderful. My instructor, who is a lead violinist at symphony Nova Scotia, believes that... I may never outgrow my MJZ 909.

I just put MJ to bed after my final practice of the day. She never gives me trouble and always sounds sweet.

[Official Product Review] Buying a violin is leap of faith for many of us, especially in an on-line market place.

Needless to say, I did a ton of research which led me to Fiddleheads and Rhiannon. After much deliberation and consulting on what would suit me for an upgrade from my Eastman Ivan Dunov, the MJZ 909 became the prime candidate.

It arrived packed secure and safe in its case, and my first impression was how light it felt.

After drawing the bow a few times across it I knew right away Rhiannon was right about it being a good upgrade. The resonance and richness of its tone was the next thing I noticed, and this was just the beginning.

After a few weeks of playing it starting to really open up and show its true potential.

It seems is very playable and quite forgiving, especially for someone like me whom I would consider still a beginner after only a couple of years.

The sound quality is such that it makes me want to practice longer from the way it sings to me.

Although I am learning classical, I love to play fiddle tunes also, and my MJZ does both exceptionally well.

I had shopped around this model and Fiddleheads price was unbeatable, and the service and attention I received both before and after the sale was remarkable.

I think I have covered everything, but this process was as smooth as the perfect bow thanks to Rhiannon.

[PROS to Shopping at Fiddleheads] Award-Winning Owner, Eco-Friendly, Shop Exceeds Expectations, Fast Shipping, In-Home Trials, Ethics & Integrity, Expertise, Packaging & Safe Arrivals, Personal Connection, Proudly Canadian, Rhiannon's Entrepreneurship, Rhiannon's Musicianship

[PROS to this Product] Beats the Competition, Considerable Upgrade, Product Exceeds Expectations, Improves Playing, Luthier Setup, Playability/Ease of Use, Quality Craftsmanship, Tone & Tonal Improvement, Value/Good Price

November 8, 2022

I LOVE IT,  I LOVE IT,  I LOVE IT (and it arrived in tune!)

I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT

My baby violin just arrived and it is awesome!

It's beautiful and its sounds twice loud as my Carlo Lamberti Sonata. Just imagine what I was dealing with up to now. And I haven't even used the new [Astute] bow yet.

Played a little bit, the instrument is still in tune and sounds awesome. I am sure I will have lots of fun with it.

I'm extremely happy with it and in search of a nice name for it! I am bringing a piece of precious wood into my home which was alive someday. So I will cherish it and respect it the way it deserves.

Thanks so much. it was a very good buying experience.

[UPDATE: 1 month later] Tonight I was practicing for tomorrow's class and I held my violin and smelled it (love the smell of wood and varnish) and as I was tuning, I remembered I need to write a review for it.

For some background, I had been on a challenging search for a violin and while looking into a specific brand, I stumbled upon her website.

I am in my early 50s and an adult learner. I live in Windsor, Ontario which lacks good sources for instruments, but I do have access to Detroit's market as I pass the border every day and work in the US.

I had a Carlo Lamberti violin from "Shar" which my teacher and I both agreed that I had outgrown, and was in desperate search of a better quality instrument. Prices here are out of control and the more I researched, the more fear developed in me that I may end up paying way more than the actual price as I am nowhere close to recognizing true value.

In a phone conversation with Shar, I felt a bit strange with the salesperson. So I found Psarianos in Troy, Michigan. I visited and they were kind to show me what they had - in my price range - and also let me take two violins home. As I played more, I realized they are not what I am looking for. Both Chinese copies: a Master Art 2009 and a no-name replica Guarneri Del Gesu 1742 made in 2021. The used violin sounded like a tin can on E and A, and the new violin but had orange peeling on both top and bottom (bubbles on the varnish) which scared me.

My household had already suffered through my early learning stages given my state of learning as an adult. I desperately needed to upgrade from my intermediate factory violin to an advanced violin in order to improve my intonation in higher positions.

I narrowed down my choices and after reading many reviews, I knew that going with a MJZ would be a safe bet and even more affordable than those other violins that didn't live up to my expectations.

I am sure there are better choices out there but considering price for quality, you will realize choices can be narrowed down to just a few. I did not want to pay for names or heritage. I needed sound, projection and quality, but a good reputable name was the icing on the cake.

I bought my Ming Jiang 909 from Fiddleheads about 4 weeks ago. The decision was made after extensive research across all of North American possibilities online and physical shops in cities in Canada and the USA.

Fiddleheads' proprietor Rhiannon made me feel like a special friend with her recommendations, and after adding up the numbers and speaking with her and seeing photos she took just for me, it was a no brainer. I pulled the trigger and can't be any happier.

The 909 I received from Fiddleheads was set up and commissioned by the owner Rhiannon and shipped to me in mint condition. Opening the parcel saw me surprised with extra goodies.

I am already seeing the difference in my sound quality and technique thanks to this violin.

MJZ has a proven record for using quality materials and also categorizes their instruments by material used and craftsmanship. There are many variations out they're claiming to be a MJZ violin but then they cannot provide a certificate.

Be aware that in a best scenario, what you are getting without a certificate is a modified version, with a changed label for that retailer and you will never know what you actually paid for. And I won't even talk about the worst scenarios.

Shopping at Fiddleheads means you know what you are paying for and you know you're getting an authentic instrument.

I recommend you check out MJZ violins. But as you do that, consider my testimonial for Fiddleheads being the best place to buy one. I promise you will thank me afterwards for the recommendation of the violin and best place to buy it.

 

July 15, 2022

A master in her craft and her thoughtfulness, kindness and honesty makes Rhiannon stand apart from other violin shops

My town, Windsor Ontario, does not have a reputable seller or luthier that I could find. I had access to other cities nearby and I visited at least 4 luthiers and tried at least 20 instruments and took home 4 for trials. The sound quality of [other shops'] violins did not match sticker prices at all. It was frustrating and I worried I would have to spend a lot more money than was reasonable.

So understandably I convinced myself to try online sellers and started getting quotes and tried to consider the risks involved with each one. I quickly realized how retailers were using (manipulative) selling tactics to lure customers in.

Then I found Fiddleheads and all my worries disappeared.

I now believe I made the best decision in the process going with Fiddleheads and Rhiannon Nachbaur.

In my humble opinion, customer service, trust, and loyalty are what makes a business successful. Do yourself a favor and before you pull the trigger, try Rhiannon and you will be surprised.

Rhiannon is knowledgeable and a master in her craft and what makes her so successful, is her thoughtfulness, kindness and honesty which is hard to find these days. No wonder she has been able to maintain a reputable and successful business recognized by many institutions and professionals.

With Fiddleheads and Rhiannon there are no games and tricks and once you add up the numbers, you will be surprised to see you will also save tons of money, while enjoying the peace of mind that you will be getting a certified instrument, and will be supported along the way until you are satisfied with your purchase.

Rhiannon played my instrument for me, sent numerous high-quality pictures from all angles and so I knew exactly what I was getting. She was responsive and prompt in responding to my questions and concerns, even after my purchase and that's something!

There are no middlemen or whole sellers involved, as she deals straight with the makers and also introduces them in detail in the website.

I am so glad I reached out to Rhiannon and Fiddleheads. People are getting smarter. It doesn't matter what marketing these others have to make sales, people will figure out they are being cheated.

Rhiannon, however, is very transparent and clear with her information. She gives us what we want. There are no gimmicks and no selling tactics. She doesn't charge too much for violins or shipping.

Thank you, Rhiannon, for all your support and for helping me make the right choice. I am very happy with my purchase and I am glad I know you and that I can count on your support.

I recommend all players try Fiddleheads before all other shops. You will be dealt like someone special, and very soon you will feel you have known Rhiannon for many years!

July 6, 2022

Special product selection is much better than a superstore with too many duds

I really appreciate and respect that you keep your selection curated and small.

As a business owner myself, I feel that when you can stand behind the products that you love, it's so much better than being at a superstore where nobody knows anything about anything.

It makes your business so much more personable, and I trust it more than if you had 3000 different types of shoulder rests. lol.

July 4, 2022

I've found my forever violin at Fiddleheads

The violin has arrived and it is gorgeous! (That had to be the longest 10 days in my life!!)

Already feel a difference as it is light as a feather. It has a voice. I'll report back after a while as I practice more on it. (I don't play, I practice!)

[REVIEW, Facebook] I did my research on upgrading my violin and all things pointed to Fiddleheads.

I knew the one I wanted, and after a quick conversation with Rhiannon on how to purchase the violin (she gave me a hint on how to save a little more money), the violin was on it's way!

When it arrived (what felt like an eternity - thanks Canada Post), it was well packed and safe and sound.

When it's time to upgrade my bow I know the website I'm going to visit.

[UPDATE 1] The violin (Scarlatta) is absolutely gorgeous. It has to be seen live to be appreciated! The ribs and back are beautifully flamed and although it says 'antiqued' on the webpage, it is absolutely minimal and there's no distressing of the varnish either.

The strings have been played in, and the G is deep, the D is full and the A and E ring. My teacher uses Eva Pirazzi Gold (E string), I just might put a set on.

I've found my forever violin.

[UPDATE 2] Added some photos (I'm not the world's greatest phototaker with one hand or even 2 hands, but I tried!)

Thanks Rhiannon, it was an absolute pleasure!

March 23, 2022