Our Ethics & Integrity

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.

I came across your website when I was researching buying a violin for my 12-year old son.

After I explored your website a bit, it feels like you are an honest and can be trusted guide with a professional background.

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.

Your website [is] incredible. You clearly have amazing talent and a passion for your work. It's an honour and so lovely to meet you.

It seems we have many shared values. I'm also very focused on quality, ethics and honesty, inclusivity, and the environment in every way possible, including buying decisions.

It is so very special to have met you and know more about you. Your perseverance and dedication to your values are incredible, and have clearly impacted the lives of so many others.

My dissertation in graduate school was on how one person can change another's life - essentially that sometimes all it takes is one, about the power of one whatever role they may have in your life. Your work and how you engage with others remind me of that, they are that.

It's been a true pleasure to connect with you. I hope paths cross again!

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.

I congratulate you on the many awards you have received for business excellence, and especially appreciate the environmental one.

I'm a strong believer in respecting nature, and I try my best to help, even if it is as small as just caring about things I use in everyday life.

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.

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!

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!!

I am so glad that your business, Fiddleheads, is thriving. I have followed it for years.

You demonstrate such wonderful ethics and values.

I am embarrassed that I haven't written sooner about my appreciation… of your great work encouraging string playing.

I was a double-bass player for many decades and know the value of quality string instruments. (Your article on Blair Borden touched me deeply.)

Your hand-picked instruments are obviously so much better than the 'mass marketed' junk found all over the internet.

Congratulations on being awarded the Chamber of Commerce Environmental Leadership Award!

I have so much respect for you and all aspects of your business. The decision for Small Business of the Year was extremely close and truly a difficult decision, however somehow I knew you would win one award or another.

Listening and learning about your story, and how your business has grown was truly inspiring.

You reminded me of the quote, "settle for more." This is based off the fact that you have worked who hard that you have come to a point where you are truly content with where your business is.

That is really the goal that everyone tries for, and it is rare to see someone accomplish this.

Keep up the amazing work — and thank you for taking the time to meet with me.

I was searching the internet for a company that would supply foam padding for my Bon Musica shoulder rest, since that was the only thing worn out on this wonderful device. I could not find any place in Ontario the handled this so I took a chance and clicked on the Fiddleheads Violin Studio site, a company I had not heard of before.

Their site displays an amazing selection of all things violin, and to my amazement they even offer all the parts to the Bon Musica shoulder rest.

So I ordered the foam pad and clicked on all the necessary things to finish the order but to my surprise there was no PayPal or MasterCard option to click on. Instead, the instruction was to pay by cheque, which I thought was unusual but in retrospect I thought that probably saved the Fiddleheads money in fees to those credit card companies. So kudos to them.

The shipping fee for this little item seemed high but I wanted it and could not get it anywhere else, so I was willing to pay.

Well I was very surprised to hear from Rhiannon herself in an email, that she found a lower letter rate that saved me $25 in shipping!

That is certainly personalized service and I will definitely work with this company in the future.

I tried to order online from Fiddlershop, but their total freight charges was unbearable, 200% of the cost of the products!

Your shop doesn't do this to Canadian customers.

Thank you very much, Rhiannon, I was happy to make the connection to your shop. Be safe.

[REVIEW: Facebook, 5 stars] Fiddleheads Violin Studio (and Rhiannon) have recently provided what may be the single best customer-experience I have ever had (online or in person)!

In searching for a new case for my Mandolin, she helped source an AWESOME choice...and went out of her way to get it to me in advance of vacation.

But it wasn't the case itself that made the experience so magnificent. It was "Magnificent Rhiannon"!

Her rapid responses, world-class expertise, customer-orientation, friendly (and witty) service, and genuine care and concern were truly unique - and rarely seen in business (or humanity in general).

I would send ANY prospective customer her way. I would recommend her HIGHLY to anyone! Please, please, please...if you need help with fretless stringed instruments and gear, CALL HER IMMEDIATELY!

YOU, magnificent Rhiannon, are a caring, loving, empathetic person. You absolutely rock! You have been wonderful to deal with. Thank you so much for being who you are...amazing in every way! I’m certain you will want to help me get going again on a non-fretted (i.e., more “worthy”) instrument, after such a long time of “cheating” on fretted instruments.

Thanks again for all of your patient support and for your great service, Rhi!

[REVIEW: Facebook, 5 stars] How do I begin this, I wonder?

Thank you, Rhiannon, for not telling me to just stick to the status quo. I am left-handed. That is not very uncommon these days. But I also have a deformity in my wrist which would make bowing with it an incredibly laughable sight.

Instead of just shrugging me off and going "sucks to suck", she actually LISTENED to me. And the result? She supplied me with my wooden baby boy, Solomon: a left-handed violin.

I understand that quality comes at a price, though. I would have bought a cheapish 300$ beginner violin forever ago but I know how I am: the plasticky (not sure if that is a word, apologies) cardboard material would discourage me. It wouldn't feel motivating at all, I feel.

I will admit, I was beginning to lose faith once my investigation into Gliga violins fell flat not too long ago. I started to hear that they tend to sound a bit dull right before a shaky purchase.

Corresponding with Rhiannon throughout these tumultuous times [Covid-19] has been a blessing in disguise. As someone who works in retail, I believe in transparency and honesty above all. And from interacting with her, I can strongly confirm that she is a kindred spirit in that formula.

Working together with her was fun, informative, and ultimately one of the best online transactions I've ever had.

She is a spunky, delightful lady who knows how to walk the tightrope of professionalism blindfolded.

Solomon is everything I could ask for and more.