Beginner/Novice

After using the Everest 4/4 for a good 7 months, I decided to make the switch to the Bon Musica shoulder rest. And, boy, am I pleased with my decision!

It's a noteworthy upgrade, especially for someone like me who has a relatively long neck in proportion to my height. The adjustability feature on the Bon Musica is a game changer.

What I particularly appreciate is the ability to mold the rest to my body's contours. Instead of feeling a localized point of pressure on my shoulder, I can now bend the surface of the rest so that it distributes the weight over a larger area. This not only adds to comfort but also ensures I can practice for extended periods without feeling discomfort.

Lastly, a notable shout-out to the adjustable chest area feature. For female players, this adjustability brings a whole new level of comfort. It's a subtle touch, but it makes a significant difference.

A light-hearted limitation: Please don't be like me, spending an entire hour adjusting the Bon Musica shoulder rest only to practice for a mere 5 minutes. Sometimes, achieving 80% of the perfect adjustment is more than sufficient. Enjoy the music and the experience!

In summary, if you're contemplating an upgrade or simply seeking more comfort and adaptability, the Bon Musica shoulder rest comes highly recommended. It's not just about the violin; it's about the whole experience, and this shoulder rest undoubtedly enhances it.

[Benefits: Payment Options, Proudly Canadian, Woman-Run 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.

Everyone that I show the instrument to that has any idea about violins is super impressed!

Wow you are absolutely amazing thank you so much! You really did not disappoint :)

I guess there is a reason why you are rated 5 stars on google! I'll make sure to leave a review as well!

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars]

The best service ever! I finally got a left handed violin!

Very hard to find because most luthiers say left handed players get used to playing on the right side. But not Fiddleheads!!!

They are so nice and the experience was amazing even though it was fully online :)

Highly recommend!

[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!

I recently bought a violin from you! I really liked it and could tell that it was very good quality!

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] Rhiannon was easy to work with, helpful, and flexible.

She was very good at answering any questions and her customer service was above and beyond. She only charged what was necessary, and she was very friendly!

Rhiannon put lots of time into answering emails and she sold good quality violins!

I definitely recommend; outstanding service and quality!

I played all day since the package arrived around 10:30 AM. I did my lesson with my online instructor and blew him away.

I played for another three hours. I can't believe the difference between it and my old Klaus Heffler... I knew there would be a difference, but I had no idea just how much. We're talking apples and oranges here.

The G-string on my Heffler sounds terrible, and I have tried two different strings (Peter Infeld, Dominant Pro), and there is just no "ring" to the G.

Today the first thing I did with my new Kowalski is play a D on the G string, and the "ring" was definitely there, a clear sign of sympathetic vibrations.

On my Heffler, the G string just sounded dull and "gravelly." The Kowalski sounds better when I play my Arcus T7 carbon fiber bow.

You did it again, Rhiannon - score another one for the Violin Cupid!

We certainly appreciate all you have done for us! We both consider you a friend and not just our instrument dealer.

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.]

Thanks for your patience with a beginner enthusiast. God I sure love it. I'm still pretty crappy at it and my poor wife and grandkids are still very supportive!!

Thanks so much for your support. I can see how the violin and its ability to open a new passion within yourself can just seem to take over. It's all I seem to think about.

We purchased a violin from you almost ten years ago, a Zhu vn909. My eldest is no longer in music school, already now in university, but still loves that violin.

You might remember the mom who asked you to write that the violin's name was Bella. My kid was so impressed. That was so sweet of you.

I really appreciate that you would have ordered a Zhu cello for me. No one seems to sell them in Canada and they really sound amazing even at that price.

I saw that you received awards on your website since we got the violin, congrats.

Reading up about makers online, I also saw your name come up a few times in blogs, discussions, etc., in a positive manner, almost like a reference.

You really are doing great!

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!!

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!

Well, Thanks so much to fiddleheads opportunity for great product line of violins and supplies.

I am a lefthanded player that recently purchased a lefty violin model Sun VN-103L intermediate violin custom lefthanded version. Wow. What a great instrument.

I am a guitar builder and player of the lefthanded side, so I build mostly lefthanded acoustic flamenco style nylon string instruments.

Am so impressed with the intonation and sound quality of this new violin. I am new to the violin world, but I do know a good sound when I hear it. Basically, being a beginner in this new journey of mine has shown me how much respect I do have to those who play this amazing instrument.

Rhiannon has taken this opportunity to a whole different level by offering so many great choices to lefty's or righthanded violinists. Amazing what she has singlehandedly done. I am so blessed and happy to be part of this new world of hers.

Back to the violin. I have carefully examined the playability and sound quality of each string and found that the low G string is a nice perfectly balanced to the rest of the open notes on this violin.

I can see that a lot off effort has gone into the setup to offer the best results as a beginner, I feel there is some forgiveness for my abilities in this setup and this model can make you shine.

I am so glad I went with a high-quality instrument at the beginning. I am very serious about being able to play well and I can now see that this can be accomplished.

Thanks to the Fiddleheads team I will be in a very capably place to succeed at playing left-handed violin. I must admit without Rhiannon's website and beautiful shopping experience, I would have never been able to complete this journey of playing a true left handed violin.

I totally recommend Fiddleheads to anyone interested in the true violin experience. It has been a true pleasure to deal with them. Thanks again!!!!!

I placed an order for a fiddle for my daughter (21 years old)... we are looking forward to Christmas morning as it is a gift.

Thanks for your help last winter, I am really enjoying learning to play & lessons are often the highlight of my week :)

Violin wise, I am working the the 1st Suzuki book, as well as French folk song, rosin the bow, a bunch in the learn to fiddle book, edelweiss & now a few Christmas tunes... so much to learn yet, but I am happy with my progress :)

So excited to gift my daughter this instrument! I have twin girls - the other is getting a guitar. Need to keep doing joyful things in these strange [Covid] times.

All the best, your new website is lovely.