Fiddleheads Violin Shop Testimonials & Feedback:

Violin & Player "Match-Making" - Connecting a Player to the Right Instrument

Fiddleheads' owner, Rhiannon Schmitt, is a music teacher and award-winning professional musician who understands violins beyond mere construction.

Listen to Rhiannon's Playing -
View Rhiannon's Awards

Rhiannon receives frequent praise for her ability in matching a player to the perfect violin with budget, tone and other requirements in mind, even from a great distance.

She is also applauded for taking the worry out of an online transaction. Below are some comments from customers on her "match-making" abilities:

I was a complete novice looking for a violin when I came across Rhiannon's website. I had a previous bad experience with a purchase from a private owner so I was unsure of who I could trust.

After a few emails to Rhiannon I knew I would be buying my violin from her. She was not only a wealth of knowledge, but took the time to understand my needs, my budget and experience level.

Thank you Rhiannon for your time, expertise and patience. I will remain a loyal customer and would recommend you to anyone looking for a new instrument! If anyone wishes to contact me regarding my experience, please feel free to get my email address from Rhiannon.

- Sandi Cerutti, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, USA [Read full review]

I asked for a recommendation, and you gave excellent advice. I generally hate making buying decisions, but your consulting through this process has been wonderful.

And all through e-mail, which suits me fine (and with your excellent site as the backgrounder).

I like buying things online too. And even better if I can build up some trust with the person selling them. I know that you'll send the violin when you get it, and that it will be a good violin for the money.

I will certainly let people know about my stellar experience.

- Jeremy, Summerland, BC [read his elated feedback on the violin upon receipt]

I just wanted to thank Rhiannon for her EXCELLENT customer service! She was knowledgeable, fair and quick to respond. It is nerve-wracking choosing a violin from the internet (our first time), but she made this experience pleasant and worry-free.

Thanks to Rhiannon's keen sense of matching the instrument to a player (even when we're SOOOO far away), we ended up buying a Moneff violin.

- Fe & Nina, Spring Hill, Florida [Read full review]

I want to thank you for your out of the world customer service again. This has been a very pleasant online shopping experience for me and has been a memorable one too. Thanks for all the effort and the notes that you have made for [trying out] each bow [for me]. Sorry I couldn't take them all but I would if I could :)

I would go with your selection as I have great confidence in your experience and discernment. I look forward to playing the bow handpicked by Rhiannon of Fiddleheads. Thank you very much.

Fiddleheads deserves all the compliments as you have done an excellent job. Proud of you. Best always,

- Douglas, Australia

Rhiannon, I wrote up a small recommendation of you for your site - it was easy though - you represent the easiest and most knowledgeable dealer I've encountered, and I think prospective buyers need to understand this as well!!

Perhaps one of the most difficult and daunting tasks facing a musician is purchasing a violin. Rhiannon has, however, turned this into a very positive experience by virtue of her personalized service, knowledge and honesty.

You are not simply purchasing a violin from a dealer: Clearly an astute business person, Rhiannon is also an award-winning violinist and music teacher. As a result, she sells instruments that actually meet the buyer's needs and expectations.

I purchased a Stankov violin from her, and after several wonderful communications, I made the wise decision to purchase this incredible instrument - I cannot thank you enough, Rhiannon!

- Glenn Boreham, Mississauga, Ontario

The thought of purchasing a violin not only over the Internet but in another country was a bit unsettling to me. Rhiannon was friendly, accommodating, and answered all my questions. She provides a great service where one can take an instrument [on trial] and I quickly took advantage of the offer.

I received the [handmade Bulgarian Kocheff] instrument within a week to Alabama USA. The violin was well packed. Once received the instrument was better than anticipated and sounded fantastic.

The more I played [the Kocheff violin] the more I appreciated the quality and sound of the instrument.

I’m a very satisfied customer and would highly recommend Fiddleheads to anyone looking for quality instruments from an establishment with great customer service.

- John N, Trussville, Alabama, USA

Hi Rhi, I wanted to thank you for making the purchase of my Zhu violin via the internet and Fiddleheads such a positive experience. Remember the exhaustive email mania...with extensive talk about violin tone, value, shipping[...]

Needless to say, your opinions regarding instrument selection, shipment and transfer of funds were essential and admirably professional, but it was the endearing snippets we shared about our families that generated confidence that is typically lacking in traditional violin transactions.

Thank you again for your advice, service and the honest elements of concern...they were truly appreciated. With confidence and satisfaction, I have recommended others to view the Fiddleheads web site and seriously consider the purchase of an instrument from you.

In my opinion, your personable manner and service are untouchable. With thanks and fond memories,

- Jonathon, Delta BC [Read full review]

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!

She played 6 violins in my price range, not going above what I wished to pay, and explained very well about violins, bows, information on the maker Ming Jiang Zhu, how to hold and use the bow, etc. To me, it was like she gave me a free lesson. 

Sometimes I have hard time communicating in English because of my strong accent but Rhiannon was patient with my English and her explanations were so clear and easy to understand. I can tell she is an excellent instructor as well.  

I bought a Zhu 903 violin and a prism bow. Since I'm a beginner she offered to put fine tuners on every string for free, even though strings were already set onto the violin, but she did this gladly. She also showed me how to tune the violin and how to use an electronic tuner.

Definitely, Rhiannon has an outstanding customer service. I think Fiddleheads is more than her business, Rhiannon just purely loves violins and wants to spread her joy of violins. Rhiannon, thank you very much again for everything. 

- Hiroomi, Barriere BC

Thank you for everything. I do believe that you will have fixed me up with the perfect violin for me. Now if you have any men in that store that would be perfect for me... just kidding.

I greatly enjoy talking to you too and it has been a pleasure. It has been the easiest and most fun purchase I have made.

- Nicole, PA

It was wonderful to have someone who was so keen on helping us get the exact violin that would suit our son. With just a few bits of information about the style of music my son likes to play and his level in violin, Rhiannon provided three suggestions for trial. Believe it or not, all three were suitable!

Before my trial with Fiddleheads I had ordered violins from another shop and none were acceptable (by teacher's standards), but with the options from Fiddleheads,the teacher said any of the three would be a good choice for our son.

We kept the violins for over a week while he played them and once he decided on the one he liked the purchasing process couldn't have been easier (including the return of the rejected violins).

Rhiannon was great throughout the whole process, keeping in touch and offering help if we needed any.

I thought the purchase of a violin was going to be a long, drawn out process. I should have call Rhiannon 1st, it would have been even quicker. Bows are next, and we will be calling Rhiannon.

- Carrie, Fort Frances, Ontario

- Michael Sears, White Lake, BC -- Michael's Reviews: Xuechang Sun Violin VN-103 - 2007 Angela Moneff violin

My Jovani Violin] is a joy to play and inspires me to keep practicing! Thank you so much for helping me to find just the right violin.

- Leanne Copithorne, Deerfield Farm [Alberta] - [Read full review]

Hi Rhiannon and Family, especially baby with big beautiful eyes!

Letting you know that [Caspar da Salo] violin has arrived and that I am over the moon. Still very rusty, sooooo glad of the electric tuner, but is really helping me tune my ear in again. I have occasional moments when everything comes back to me and a few notes just resonate beautifully!

What a difference to play on a good violin. I couldn't be more pleased. Thank you so much for everything. Merry Christmas to you and all your loved ones. I hope 2009 brings you much health, wealth and happiness!

With kind regards,

- Katherine and Marcus, Victoria BC

I cannot think of a more conscientous and considerate person to help us select a violon of quality than Rhiannon Schmitt. She is knowledgable, generous and honest.

Borrowing a violin on trial from her was much easier than I expected and gave us the time to make a sound and informed decision.

What more can we ask when we are about to make such an important purchase?

- Jean-Claude, Vancouver

After 2 lessons, my instructor was impressed with the look and sound of the [Jovani] viola. She liked the deep tone. She asked how much I paid for it, and said she paid more for hers and hers doesn't sound as good...

So, in summary, your customer service was amazing and the viola is everything you said it would be, a great looking and sounding instrument for the price. Thanks again.

- Jennifer, Devonshire, Bermuda [Read full review]

Thanks so much for all your assistance, buying a new violin seemed like a very daunting task to me, but you were so helpful and kind.

- Lauren, Etobicoke, Ontario [Read full review]

DRUMROOOOLLLL! The violin is here! You have truly been a help, and have kept your word every step of the way... Thanks, we got a violin…you’re not a crook! LOL!

Rhiannon I think you gave us a good deal and I appreciate all the knowledge you laid on me. When I hear of anyone looking I will send them to you.

I bet you’re a great teacher. I wish we were closer :-) :-) :-)

- Michelle, VA

I absolutely LOVE my Wulter violin. Thank you so much for all your help and guidance, I had a great time [selcting a violin]!

I love my violin and already can't put it down, I am going through the books today. It was awesome meeting and visiting with you and I will definitely keep you posted on my progress. I can't thank you enough for your help.

- Danielle, Langley, BC

I really appreciate the day you spent with me.  As a relatively new student I feel very naive about the whole business of buying another string instrument.  And of course I want to get the best instrument for me at this stage.

I know that as a seller you have invested a great deal of time and expertise with me today and I truly thank you for it. Once again thank you for the time you spent with me.  It was such a treat to have you visit and take an interest.

- Paulette, Kamloops BC

I would highly recommend to anyone who wishes to shop for a violin should consider contacting Rhiannon at Fiddleheads violins. Her personalized service and research skills are outstanding.

I have been on the web for over a month searching for a violin upgrade... I have communicated to other sites with only what they were showing on the web site with no other information. It was only with Fiddleheads that I received lots of recommendations and other selections of violins available throughout her resources.

Rhiannon did help me thoroughly along within my budget restrictions and I ended up with a bench work violin from Angela Moneff.

Rhiannon exceeded my expectations and has very good knowledge and skills for personal service. She is a very communicator and very precise with details. You can ask her anything regarding the business of violins, etc.

I will not hesitate to recommend your shop to anyone and I am thankful for the services you have provided me. Believe me that I will continue to shop at www.Fiddleheads.ca for whatever you can provide me for my new violin in the future. Thank you.

- Roger Charbonneau, Ottawa, ON [Read full review or Read this Testimonial in French]

Hi Rhiannon, 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

I was looking for a 1/8 violin for the 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 Young Maestro Violin Outfit and received it excellent condition. The violin sounds very good, much better than the one we have 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

I... knew very little about violins at all. I was directed time and again to Rhiannon at Fiddleheads.

I contacted her directly and was invited to the school. The array of violins is staggering, as is her knowledge of each and every one of them. She informed us of size, quality and cost. By the end of the afternoon we were down to two violins and could not make up our minds as to which suited my girl best. Rhiannon then so generously suggested that we take them both home and try them for a week.

...We have been quite satisfied at the quality and price of our new and first violin purchase.

Rhiannon's knowledge and expertise were invaluable to us, the first time buyer, and have no doubt where we will go when the Amati has been handed down to my littlest girl. Thanks Rhiannon!

- Vicki, Salmon Arm, BC [Read full review]

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.

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 [Read full review]

About one month ago I decided it was time to take up fiddle again after a lapse of about 50 years. While waiting for a cheap one to arrive, I found your website and with the help of email you graciously steered me in the right direction and away from the cheapie.

The fiddle you sold me was far above my expectations... Thank you so much for all the help and free advice. I'll never make the philharmonic but thanks to you, Rhiannon, I am having a ball! Thanks again.

- "Grandpa Bruce," Invermere BC

The [student] violin arrived yesterday, and Kevin's class starts tomorrow, so the timing worked out.  The instrument looks good and sounds good...  Kevin was very excited to get it, and his sister couldn't wait to get her hands on it... Thanks for your advice and for getting the violin to us on time.

- Lynn, Arlington VA

Just writing to let you know that we received the [Sun VN-100] violin... Caitlin said violin teacher loved her violin. Your assistance has been invaluable and much appreciated.

Hey, ever thought of moving to the Caribbean, specifically Cayman Islands, and teaching violin? We could do with an excellent violin teacher here. There would be a great demand here for your services! Great place to raise kids and schools are fabulous as well. Obviously I am trying my hardest here to convince you!

- Sheena, George Town, Grand Cayman [Read full review]

Thank you so much. We are still trying to decide [on a violin to purchase]. But if it is something my son wants to pursue, I will definitely send my business your way! I have already recommended you to a couple of friends. Thank you so much for the your encouragement and information. It has really helped.

- Shannon, Los Gatos, California

You really went overboard on the info. If you like, I can compile it, publish it, and probably make some money selling a book on choosing cellos and violas! Thanks for the intermittent jokes as well.

I appreciate everything you have done and are doing for me. I put myself and this entire process in your care. Thank you, with every ounce of gratitude I can offer.

- Bobby, Montana

Hi Fiddleheads! I am "stoked" ( as we say in California) to have found your website!

I am a 51 year old beginner and I was hoping to find a lefty violin... Could you tell me what you might have for a guy that can't stop thinking about playing the fiddle??

- Mark, California

I bought a wonderful violin from you. It is a 3/4 size, slightly smaller, handmade in 1912. I'm sure you remember it.

My friend, whose violin I was using [before my purchase from Fiddleheads], is very impressed with my new violin, and would like to try that make of strings on his own violin. He says, in his opinion, my new violin is "a gem, and one of a kind," which I find to be true!

Yours truly,

- Anne (one very happy fiddler!), Penticton, BC

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