Fiddleheads Violin Shop Testimonials & Feedback: Trials

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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

I want you to know that the violins arrived safe and sound. I’ve spent the past few hours playing scales and tunes and with different violin/bow combinations [Kocheff & Moneff Violins; Prism, Aspire & Tabary L'Original Bows] and enjoying a grande time of it.

I’m keeping an open mind and trusting what feels right. One thing I do notice is how different your violins “fit” compared with my ultra beginner violin. They feel a bit lighter and seem, somehow, a little easier to play. And they sing.

Thanks again for all you have done for me to make this purchase as open and well rounded as is possible, especially given the distance. And, most especially, given the fatigue and discomfort of a difficult pregnancy. You’ve been terrific. I know I’ll probably have questions as I work my way through the decision making process.

- Deb, Nanaimo, BC

Thank you, Rhiannon, you have been very helpful and nice. Your great enthusiasm and customer relations is unbelievable. You don't get this service from a lot of shops / entrepreneurs...

No matter which violin I buy I will always recommend your shop. You customer service is outstanding.

- Michael, Montreal Quebec

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 we had three suggestions for trial. Believe it or not, all three were suitable.

I had previously ordered violins from another shop and none were acceptable (by teacher's standards). But with the options from Fiddleheads, she 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 [a Bellissima violin] 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 first, it would have been even quicker. Bows are next, and we will be calling Rhiannon.

- Carrie, Fort Frances, Ontario [Read her son's feedback on the Bellissima violin]

Alright, you talked me into it. Let’s give [the used violin] a try. I’ve already read over your trial page and I’d be happy to pay the 50% down-payment and shipping by PayPal.

You weren’t pushy, you were enthusiastic. If anything, it helped me trust you. I’m sure you know better than most, when you’re talking business over the internet, you never really know what kind of people you’re dealing with.

- Owen, Canada

[I] missed the first moment that Nathaniel laid eyes on the violin. My husband tells me it was like Christmas! Apparently when Nathaniel was getting ready for bed that night he told my husband that he felt so happy that he felt like he would cry and said, "I love my violin. I'm so happy!" What a kid!

We're very pleased with the instrument, and with the service we've received. We were glad to have the trial period and I'm glad to say the instrument suits us, because how could we ever give it back now that Nathaniel loves it so much? I think it's meant to stay here.

- Heather, Ajax, Ontario

About a year ago, I started playing the viola and taking lessons using an old instrument we have had for several years. I've longed for one of my own.

I had a difficult time finding the viola I was looking for, but I finally hooked up with a dealer in British Columbia (Rhiannon Schmitt, http://www.fiddleheads.ca/index.htm) whose website featured several [Polish] makers.

[Rhiannon] was able to arrange for us to visit [the distributor] and try their violas, which we did on December 15. [Rhiannon's rep, Kris] was super helpful and had set out several instruments for us to try. They had a ton of great instruments, including violas by Wojciech Topa.

I chose 2 to bring home; one a 16-inch by Andrzej Glodek and the other a 16.25" by Jarek Wojciechowski. Both sounded tremendous, but were very different.

My daughter that plays viola preferred the Glodek, as did her sister and cousin Kim. I favored the Wojciechowski, as did my teacher Sharon Dennison and several others. My wife wanted the one which would make me happy and stop pestering her about which viola she preferred.

Finally, yesterday we travelled back...with the Glodek (a fine instrument), keeping the Wojciechowski. I hope over time to be able to do it justice with my playing.

Pictured, Tom with a 1/32 violin

- Tom, West Hartford, CT

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