I was looking for a 1/8 violin for my daughter and I found Fiddleheads.ca on the Internet. I checked through the site and found it is very informative. I sent Rhiannon a couple emails about my concerns and she replied and solved my questions right away. I ordered a 1/8 size [Sun VN-100] Violin Outfit and received it excellent condition. The violin sounds very good, much better than the [other violin] we had and also the bow and case are fabulous. I really suggest anyone who is looking for a violin shall contact Rhiannon since, as a violinist and teacher, she knows everything about violin. You would be really satisfied by her customer service. - James, father of 4-year-old Cassandra, Toronto Ontario

[My teacher] liked the [Sun VN-100] violin and thought it was worth a lot more than what I paid for it. Hope all is well with you and thank you again for all your help.

- Lisa, Calgary, AB

I found [www.fiddleheads.ca] while I was looking for information on violins. I think you have the most informative site out there... My [Sun VN-100] violin arrived on Tuesday afternoon. It's beautiful and it sounds great too. I can't wait to start taking lessons.

I want to thank you again for all your help, if I hadn't found the Fiddleheads.ca website I would probably still be trying to chose a violin. I would definitely recommend Fiddleheads to any musician in need of great advice and service. I will be sure to contact you in the future if ever I need anything else for my music.

- Brianne, Delta BC

The [Sun VN-100] violin is as kick-ass as promised. I waxed poetical and posted purty pictures here [on my blog and at the left]. That first post was just my excitement bubbling over in the first two days.

You're right -- [the Sun VN-100] is a beautiful instrument. I love the colour and the finish. I mean reeeally love it. It plays like a dream; so consistent and bright and responsive that it honestly had me playing better immediately.

Some of that is certainly due to new strings, but I already love how it plays and sounds, with that long sustain. Can't wait to get some more time on it (everyone's napping here right now).

And thanks so much for the wonderful case -- it's a lot nicer than what I was expecting, and much appreciated. Love the little goodies too. The girls were pleased with those.

After our last lesson, our teacher, Liz, played my [Sun] violin. She had admired its beauty before, but hadn't properly played it yet. Her partner, Ron, was there too, an old-school fiddler who knows hundreds (literally) of traditional tunes and plays them like a dream. Liz loves the way it plays and thinks it was a terrific value (it also sounded GORGEOUS while she played).

Ron was very impressed with the tone and spent several minutes inspecting it afterwards. He agreed that the craftsmanship appeared to be outstanding -- in fact, he speculated that it must have been manufactured with all the latest technology to be that good! He doesn't really trust anything from China, but said he wouldn't care who had made it if it looked that good and sounded that great. Grudging respect, I'd say.

So yeah, it was was a full-on love in for the Sun VN-100. I seriously open up the case throughout my work day just to gaze at it...

- Jeremy, Summerland, BC
Watch Youtube Videos of Jeremy performing his own compositions on the VN-100 (Jeremy is the 2nd on the left)

I just wanted to say first what a lovely [Sun VN-100] violin you have sent me. I played one of my old ones and was amazed at how poor the sound was by comparison. I had always thought that they were nice to play.

- John, NSW, Australia

Nathaniel's a few months into his lessons now and is having a great time.

We love the [Sun VN-100] violin. His teacher has been impressed with the sound, as have we, and we've noticed that it's been opening up really nicely.

I think it's so important for a beginner to play an instrument that produces a lovely musical sound--it's so much more rewarding for the student. Thanks again for the great service and for setting us up with such nice instrument.

- Heather, Toronto, ON

Hi Rhiannon, I was not expecting you to be so helpful in your [email] responses. You really get into it and don’t hold back. That was nice to see. My grandson really enjoys [his violin] ... We spend 15 minutes just doing long slow, sort of straight bows. He takes it really seriously. He is still wondering how the frog is called a frog when it doesn’t even look like one. I, too, am enjoying my [VN-100] violin very much. It is a huge improvement over the one I started out with. I do love the sound that comes through the new fiddle. It reverberates though the wood so nicely and for me is a very nice experience. I think I have found a fiddle teacher and am determined to get that [VN-100] well and truly excercised and let it start to come alive. I really do enjoy the sound that comes out of it. If I had had it to start out with, I dare say that I would be much better with playing and would have looked so much more forward to getting it out and practicing. It is terrible to say in a way but using a poorly crafted instrument could be quite instrumental, excuse the play on words, in discouraging a student. Having experienced that fuller bodied sound that I have now is very pleasurable for me. Rhiannon, you work very hard with your business as most successful people do. You deserve a lot of credit and a big warm hug so get your husband to give you one from me. I am so pleased that I found you and you took all the mistrust and caution out of doing business. In this day and age, who ever sends out a product purely on the promise to pay? This is the way it used to be and it is very gratifying to have experienced it again with you. You are quite a unique business woman. Thank you. - "Grandpa" Joe, Mission BC

The [1/8 size Sun VN-100] came and my daughter was thrilled! I am so relieved. It is in great shape and so far we have only had one lesson, but she seems super excited. I'll send a photo and update later but I wanted to say thanks again for everything!

Juliette begged today to practice (I was tired and trying to relax and ignore her!) which I thought was really cute.  
She loves the violin and is really proud of it.  She even seems to have a pretty good sense of rhythm.  She happily played for about 10 minutes (off and on) tonight - she is still building up her muscles so she can hold it in that position (she gets "itchy", which is her way of taking a little break, I think) but she tried hard tonight.  

Anyway, I did want to thank you again for everything you did.  We love the violin and she loves the little pins you put in (and the card - she got such a kick out of it!)  It was extremely thoughtful and I would definitely recommend you to anyone who is looking for a violin or stringed instrument. 

UPDATE (2 years later): We've gotten many compliments on the violin's tone (her new violin teacher is quite pleased with it).  However, Juliette has grown too big for the violin, and her sister will use it… I can't believe she's grown so much!  The old violin does fit Charlotte (who will be 4 in February), so that is good.  (She calls it a violoon, for some reason.) Thanks again!

UPDATE upon size upgrade: The [1/4 size VN-100] violin is lovely.  It has an even nicer tone than the 1/8 size (probably because it is larger).  It really is a beautiful violin.  [My daughter] loves to play it because she sounds good instead of just making noise.  As always, we're very pleased.  :-)

- Christina, PA

I totally meant to let you know that we got the [Sun VN-100 violin]!  He won't get it until Christmas morning...but I know that he will LOOOOOVE it.  It is beautiful!!  So thrilled :)

Thank you so so much Rhiannon!  And again, I really would love to have coffee with you one of these days.

- Krista, Revelstoke

Thank you for your note. I'm looking forward to the [Sun VN-100] violin arriving, it is a xmas gift for a friend and I was pleased by the reviews it got and how it looked, so I am looking forward to trying it out and giving it as a gift. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely and best wishes to you,

- Parker, Sudbury Ontario 

Thanks for the email--Kate loves her [VN-100] violin and blue bow! The tone is beautiful--and the brooch was such a nice gesture. She'll wear it when she performs :-)

UPDATE (1 year later): We purchased a small Sun [VN-100] the summer of 2009 for our daughter, Katelyn (10 yrs), and have been extremely satisfied with the instrument. We decided to get the same model in 4/4 now she has grown out of her other violin. [Full size] violin arrived today--picked it up minutes before her lesson!  We all love it :-). Kate was particularly pleased, "I only squeaked 5 times, Mom!" Definitely a keeper. The violin too. :-)

- Catherine, Fort Frances Ontario

Aidan loves "Clementine" [his 1/2 size VN-100]. He was so excited once we got to the car. He couldn't wait  to show "her" off to my folks.

Even with our terrible rental bow it sounds great! He was even able to play his tune before I put tape on it. Thanks again for everything! I wish you weren't so far away! It was great to meet you, and a pleasure to do business with you! Thanks again!

UPDATE (1 year later): Aidan loves his fiddle FYI!

- Bridgette, Kent, WA

Picked the new [Sun VN-100] violin up from the post office today. It sounds very nice...far superior to the Hammacher Walmart special I was using. Thank goodness Hammacher has a full money back policy.

Thank you for the set-up work.

- Ken, Calgary, AB

Just wanted to send this pic of Taylor...She loves her violin... Thanks so much for your help... My brother loved the violin too... He decided he would pay for the whole amount.. That was an extra blessing for us.

May you be blessed in your business!!!! and your precious beautiful family. Thanks again so very much,

- Don, Elaine and Taylor, Birmingham, AL

I received the [Sun VN-100] violin and prism bow today- I can already tell it's loads better than that cheap violin I bought! And thanks for the pin! It's going on my case- just to help the people who look at my arrow shaped economy case and ask me what it is. Love the prism bow- I do like the burgundy.

It's been great dealing with you and your company and I know I will be back for more products, wisdom, and laughs. The more I try to practice on my crap violin, the more I realize I made the right choice going to you :-)
Thanks again!

- Amy, Cincinnati, OH

Nice Violin. I didn't want an inferior instrument. I'm making good progress now on a fiddle tune, "Mckenna's Reel." I got through it for the first time just now with the new violin, without getting frustrated about my fingers being in the way of each other. It's a nice violin.

- John, Wyee, NSW Australia

 

Lefty

Thank you for your quick reply. Well, to start off, I've always been a fan of the violin - I love the beautiful sounds it makes. The kicker - I've never played the intrument!

Lately, I've been looking around at purchasing one … $450 is a reasonable price for a new left handed intrument. Thanks so much for the information!

- Hanie, Alberta

 

VN-102

The feedback [on the viola] is fabulous. My teacher said that [the VA-202 Tertis Viola] is the best sounding viola she has heard under $2000. She also mentioned that it truly competes with some violas that shops will sell for $4000 to $5000 [USD].

A gal that is looking at buying [a Sun VA-202] viola is in the Symphony. The instrument is the best that the principle violist has ever heard under $2000 and performs as well as most that are priced at twice that much.

Basically, the viola that you set up for me, a new player, is good enough for the Symphony. It truly is a wonderful instrument.

- Bobby, Montana

I received the violin.  Looks great.  It is a very nice piece.  I am 110% satisfied and I am sure my wife will be also.   

I can not believe how light the violin actually is...it is quite amazing. Thanks again.

- Mike, Yellowknife, NT

I received the [VN-102 Concertmaster] violin yesterday. I love how it sounds. I'll be bringing it my violin teacher to have her test things out. I'm thrilled with it.

Thanks for your great service.

- Michelle, Vancouver, BC

At first I was skeptical; I thought, how could there possibly be a violin online that would fit all of my needs, like...having a 7/8 violin, a hard case, a [carbon] bow, and a shoulder rest?
 
I found that, because I am small for my age, I didn't fit a full size violin.  The stretch made my arms hurt, and I didn't enjoy playing because of the aches and pains it caused.  But I wasn't small enough for a 3/4 violin.  So the 7/8 violin was the perfect solution to my problem, but because there are very few 7/8's made, it was nearly impossible to find one that size.  I finally found the right violin at Fiddleheads!
 
The [Sun VN-102] violin is perfect for me.  I brought it to my violin teacher, Saskia, and she said that the purfling is well made, the F holes are cleanly cut, and the sound is deep and rich.  I have been surprised and I recommend this product.

- Mehra, age 13

Mehra's violin teacher was very impressed with the quality of Mehra's new violin.  Mehra is really enjoying playing it, so I am happy to report we are very satisfied and will keep the violin.

Being someone who knows nothing about violin, I found the Fiddleheads website very informative, and invaluable in helping me choose the right instrument for my daughter.  Rhiannon was so helpful, and the violin, case, bow and shoulder rest were exactly as promised.  Excellent value for excellent products and service! Thanks again, Rhiannon. 

- Andrea, mother of Mehra (above), Bowmanville, Ontario

Lisa’s teacher was very impressed with her [1/4 size VN-102] violin and I am too – good sound even from a beginner. [Her teacher] is enjoying it a lot and constantly compares its excellent sound to that of the violins of the other Suzuki students in her group class.  

This has certainly been a great violin for Lisa and I would expect that the sound in a slightly larger instrument would be even better now it is time to go up a size. In fact, her teacher yesterday suggested that I order a similar violin from you again because it has been such a great violin.

- Cynthia, Kanata Ontario

Upon upgrading a size, Cynthia writes:

We received the [1/2 size Sun VN-102] violin yesterday!  Thank you.

Lisa really likes it and it sounded great at her lesson.  I think she really will love it!  She particularly likes the slightly brown chin rest and pegs.  This time she had her teacher put a couple of black stripes on for fingering instead of the variety of colours she had before because she doesn't want to ruin the way it looks.

It already has great sound - much bigger than the 1/4 [Sun VN-102].  There is an upcoming performance she has been asked to take part in - it will be great to have the new violin for it!

She also loves the [complimentary gift] earrings!  Christopher is very pleased with the [Prism] bow case although he is envious of Lisa's new violin.

- Cynthia, Kanata, Ontario

Yes the violin is very nice. [A musician friend] thinks we should try a North American bridge, said it's common to North Americanize chinese instruments with new bridge and strings, but other than that feels its a good value and plays like a more expensive instrument.

I like the [Prism] bow. [My friend] felt it was light, he's used to something heavier but said it does play quite well.

I'd be happy to keep in touch and let you know how things are going, thank you again for all your help :)

- John, Winnipeg, MB

 

VN-103

The Xuechang Sun [VN-103] seems a really great value for my dollar. When I first played this violin, it was basically a baby; the varnish still new and soft, the sound improving almost weekly. Now, it has settled in to itself, developing colour, tone, and a quick response... [Read Full Review Here]

In summary, I found my choice great value for the money, with a sound pleasing to myself and to others. I am very satisfied with it and love how it improves with playing and the passage of time. It makes learning fun and again I will state, for the record, how pleased I am with Rhiannon and how patiently she has “taken stock” of me and matched me so well to my instrument.... [Read Full Review Here]

- Michael, Nanaimo, BC

 

Lefty Violins

Picked up the violin at the Post this morning.  Seems to be a nice instrument.

- Gene, Calgary, AB