Playability/Ease of Use

Worthy upgrade from Everest rest

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]

September 7, 2023

It still am awestruck by its beautiful sound!

I still love my violin! [heart emoji]. I'm so happy with it!

It still am awestruck by its beautiful sound!

I changed the chin rest for a better fit and it's more comfortable now.

Thank you for your [valuation] letter. Very impressive!

June 20, 2023

I found the perfect bow

Over the years I've played on a number of different bows, some from Asia, and also some from Europe; but I've always been seeking to find "that perfect bow".

I have to say I think I've found it!

The Voxy Astute Bow is the perfect bow of both worlds, with that carbon fibre core and pernambuco wood cross over. The pernambuco on-lay gives you that traditional look and function that many players desire to have.

The first thing I noticed when picking up this bow, in my hands, was how light it is.

With the carbon fibre core being light weight and flexible I find the bow does not hold you back from different techniques you maybe trying to integrate into your bowling style. It sails smoothly through all styles of playing, various pace, pitch, and phenomenal handling.

I give the bow 5 stars!

The sound production I get out of my violin [read my review] is phenomenal with this bow! My low strings resonate with warmth and my high strings have a beautiful harmony with the Violin's natural resonance while using this bow.

I've had some bows in the past hinder my violin's sound and not allow me to get from piano all the way to forte. This bow does not hold you back...

I feel like a soloist, prima donna, diva when I have this bow in my right hand.

May 29, 2023

Really nice build quality

Everything [arrived] safe and sound. Nice build quality. Really happy overall.

Thank you for the upgrades/extras, they are appreciated. I really like everything I received.

The violin is for myself, and it's my first violin. I'm a hobbyist sort of going down a composer path, and I play a bit of piano, but I decided learning some violin would be fun.

I was able to start playing a bit and I'm really happy with the sound quality, especially considering I just started!

Sounds fantastic with the Evah Pirazzi strings. I think the [upgraded] Evah Pirazzi's were definitely a good idea.

PROS: Exceeds Expectations, Fast Shipping, Rhiannon's Expertise, Beats the Competition, Beauty & Aesthetics, Comfort, Playability/Ease of Use, Quality Craftsmanship, Recommended, Tone & Tonal Improvement, Value/Good Price, Packaging & Safe Arrivals

March 21, 2023

I'd fully expect to pay double or even triple at another vendor for this level of instrument

This violin is the upgrade of my dreams!

The fact is, being left-handed is expensive.

This is especially so with musical instruments. I'm sure a lot of other lefties here were, like me, constantly told that you SHOULD be great at stringed instruments as the fingering is done on the left and were encouraged by your teachers to buy right-handed instruments at regular prices.

But to me, the bow is what gives the violin its "voice" and it just makes sense that this voice should come from the dominant hand and it doesn't feel right playing the other way around.

I got my left-handed starter violin from a different vendor; it was a "cheap" starter but still priced at a HORRENDOUS mark-up from the identical right-handed version. The squeaks, screeches, sticky pegs, and cheap wood were definitely not worth that kind of price tag just for being constructed left-handed.

However, when I saw the Sun VN-102L intermediate violin on Fiddleheads, I knew this was the ideal upgrade.

It arrived today and it sounds GORGEOUS; beautiful, smooth, mellow tones and high-quality components - it's an absolute joy to play.

I almost feel guilty for getting a custom build, left-handed violin of this quality at this price.

I'd fully expect to pay double or even triple at another vendor for this level of instrument.

Rhiannon's service was immensely prompt and courteous.

My violin outfit was very well protected for its long journey across the country and even came with some cute little freebies!

I want to thank Rhiannon for her excellent service and her fantastic selection of gorgeous left-handed violins for all levels of players WITHOUT the prohibitive lefty mark-up that so many other vendors have.

I will be purchasing all my future violins, bows, and whatever else I need from Fiddleheads from now on!

[Email to Rhiannon] I've already left a review at the website but I just wanted to thank you personally as well. I received my Sun VN-102L today and I cannot get over how gorgeous it is.

It sounds beautiful (and here all this time I thought I was just a bad fiddle player! Turns out I was limited by my previous cheap instrument!)

As I said in my review, being a left-handed musician is a constant headache, mainly because of the severely limited options at an obscene mark-up.

This violin really is the upgrade of my dreams and I just wanted to say a massive THANK YOU for providing so many lefty options at such a reasonable price.

You've gained a lifelong customer in me and I'll be sure to send any family members looking to upgrade your way as well (we're Irish so there's a LOT of us and we're all musically inclined...you know how it is!)

Playing is my passion so being able to afford this violin and have my music actually sound good for once has made me so happy in the midst of a trying time for me.

I just wanted to let you know what a valuable service you've provided.

Sláinte!

March 11, 2023

I'm besotted by this violin - stunning looks, stunning sound

Before buying, the only thing for certain at the moment is that I think you're great, Rhiannon, and I want to buy a fiddle from you (despite our discovery that the import duties/taxes will amount to almost a quarter of the final price!!)

Your approach is so honest and open which contrasts greatly with the opaqueness of others in the trade!

My lovely wife Heather spent almost 2 hrs devouring your website last night. I have every confidence that this will be a perfect fiddle for my remaining years as a regularly performing fiddler.

[UPDATE: Jan 7, 2023]

Hurray, Hurray, Hurray!!!! The Messiah Kowalski is here and I'm/we are over the moon!

As I think I might have said along the way, we wanted to check out two main properties of the sound - "sophistication" and "will it sound raw and new" (not according to the sound clips you posted but you never know... until the instrument is under the chin) - as the sound clips suggest it is smooth and silvery!!!

It is a wonderful match to my wife's violin - similar tone, and loud enough for her to hear what I'm doing without being overpowered.

[UPDATE: Jan 21, 2023]

I have just put the Messiah to bed properly for the first time since it arrived...

I have bought 4 bench fiddles at around the £6,000 to £8,000 mark over the years, but never before have I had one so refined from the get-go.

What we have is a fiddle with a self-assured, rounded creaminess - no hint of that new fiddle rawness that requires a couple of years playing in, and certainly not a 'now' fiddle with that big open (but rather hollow) sound.

I'll certainly be letting the world know how pleased we are via your website etc. With massive, grateful hugs,

[UPDATE: Jan 22, 2023]

The fiddle continues to grow in stature and is so surefooted and sumptuous!

[UPDATE: Jan 23, 2023]

This afternoon we had a 3 hr. session with a great 83 year-old local mouthie (mouth organ) player who has been immersed in this music (fiddles and pipes) since childhood.

At the start of the afternoon he said it was a 'good sounding' fiddle' - halfway through he said it 'sounded really nice' the when we finished he said 'what a great fiddle'!! We have played together on and off for 15 years or so in this set up but have never sounded better!

[UPDATE: Jan 25, 2023]

The Kowalski... is singing magnificently.

I'm knocked out by the degree of resonance - not just in the obvious, expected places (fingered G, D and A) but in other associated notes the first finger E on the D string for example...

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] I have played fiddle for over forty years and bought (and sold on - usually at a loss) a wide variety of instruments from improver level to bench-made instruments.

In all these 40 years I have never come across anyone as helpful, patient, enthusiastic and knowledgeable as Rhiannon!

In October last year I gave my lovely Tarquin Bolton violin to my son in the erroneous belief that I could see out my final years (I'm 74) with a lesser instrument.... after 3 months I began the search for an instrument which would match the Bolton fiddle!

What won me over to Fiddleheads against the UK competition was the complete transparency of approach and detail on the Fiddleheads site.

I'm now the proud and delighted owner of a Kowalski Strad model which, as it happens, matches my wife's violin more closely in tone and expression and upped the overall effect of our duets. She can barely believe that an instrument only months old could have such a mature and beautiful voice!!

I have no hesitation whatsoever in giving a 5 star review to Rhiannon, her business and this amazing Kowalski violin.

[UPDATE: Feb 5, 2023]

I should have emailed much sooner but the fact is I've been besotted with this gem of a fiddle, and I've played it lots for lots of people; the comments are consistently along the lines of 'what a lovely sounding fiddle'.

As I've explained before I am not the best fiddler in the world, but am privileged to play alongside some excellent fiddlers and this fiddle allows me to add a beautiful, full, creamy sound to the mix.

After all these years of searching I have found my perfect instrument!

A thousand thanks again for your amazing patience and wonderful encouragement.

[UPDATE: Feb 14, 2023]

I'm besotted by this violin - stunning looks, stunning sound. My wife has a beautiful violin with a £30,000 sound, and this Kowalski matches it.

[UPDATE: May 7, 2023]

Just to say the Kowalski continues to develop and delight.

If I had the money I'd buy the lot off you, and give them to my friends to play- what a glorious sound that would be!!!!

Love and thanks, xx

January 3, 2023

Great service, quality bow

The customer service was great.

I was experiencing technical issues and the owner, Rhiannon was very helpful in solving my problem.

The bow is great quality and handles very well.

Highly recommend.

January 2, 2023

Masterful violin beyond my dreams

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.

December 15, 2022

Sweet and powerful resonance beyond anything I have ever played

The Topa (I named it "Rhia") is slowly starting to show its true colour, it has a sweet and powerful resonance beyond anything I have ever played.

I spend at least an hour with her every day, and every day it sounds even better. It has also enabled me to actually leave the house with my MJZ 909, which has become my main "lesson"or recital instrument.

Just want you to know this whole on-line shopping experience has been a pleasure. Outside of a house or car, this purchase is probably the most expensive thing I have ever bought.

Thank you for taking the time to help me through this process. I am certain I would have never done it without the reassurance and peace of mind you have given me.

December 14, 2022

This is really helping me unlearn bad habits

I've never played with a shoulder rest before, and I've always had problems with bad habits and getting tired quickly, this is helping a lot.

Like so many people say about this, it feels really secure, the way it hooks over your shoulder.

I think I still need to try some further adjustments to the curve and maybe the height to get it perfect, but that's a thing about it. It's very adjustable.

The way I have it at the moment, it doesn't quite fit perfectly into the case without bending it a little more, and other people have said it does for them, so I'm wondering if I'm doing something "wrong" or maybe it's just my shape.

November 17, 2022

Works for me!

I have wondered... I dunno, it's Rosin. How much difference can there be? Probably quite a lot actually.

I've only lightly rosined my (Voxy Vogue) bow with this Kolstein Rosin and it feels good, it "grips" well.

When I say lightly, I mean that there is no extra rosin coming off the bow onto the violin, which I had a lot of before (although that can look cool, also rosin clouds on stage, very dramatic, possibly not great for the violin.)

Rhiannon's recommendation works out for me!

[PROS: Rhiannon's Teaching, Trustworthy]

November 17, 2022

Much more violin than I expected

My new baby arrived today. Was amazed how light it was and how warm and sweet the tone is.

Rhiannon was right about how I would notice the difference between the Fiddleheads MJZ 909 and my Eastman Ivan Dunov. It is a nice step up for me.

The violin itself was everything I expected and more.

That being said, my next one will be my last one, and I hope to look for a "bench" made violin that I hope Rhiannon will help me find. I will report back again after I have spent a few months opening her up a bit.

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] Recently purchased my 2nd violin, upgrading from my Eastman Strings Ivan Dunov to Rhiannon's recommendation for me of the MJZ 909. Also purchased a new bow; VN65 and deluxe oblong case in blue.

First of, the customer service from Rhiannon was outstanding. She was very patient answering questions on the phone and via email until I was certain about everything.

The violin itself was everything I expected and more.

The projection and tone was both powerful and warm, and a nice step up from my student violin.

I am sure that in the next few months it will open up even more. The bow was nice, but for some reason, I seem to prefer my old one, perhaps because my old one is octagonal and feels easier for me to handle.

Thanks Rhiannon for all your help, hope to do business again when I upgrade to a bench made (I need to improve a bit first lol).

[UPDATE: 3 weeks later] FYI, My MJZ violin is only now starting to sing, and my god it sounds wonderful.

[UPDATE: 1 Month Later] I am writing once again to thank you for your incredible assistance in purchasing my MJZ 909. It truly is performing beyond my greatest expectations...

I am not a great violinist, (not even close) but I spend 3 to 4 hours a day immersed in practice, and it brings me more joy than I can explain.

My MJZ violin is only now starting to sing, and my god it sounds wonderful. My instructor, who is a lead violinist at symphony Nova Scotia, believes that... I may never outgrow my MJZ 909.

I just put MJ to bed after my final practice of the day. She never gives me trouble and always sounds sweet.

[Official Product Review] Buying a violin is leap of faith for many of us, especially in an on-line market place.

Needless to say, I did a ton of research which led me to Fiddleheads and Rhiannon. After much deliberation and consulting on what would suit me for an upgrade from my Eastman Ivan Dunov, the MJZ 909 became the prime candidate.

It arrived packed secure and safe in its case, and my first impression was how light it felt.

After drawing the bow a few times across it I knew right away Rhiannon was right about it being a good upgrade. The resonance and richness of its tone was the next thing I noticed, and this was just the beginning.

After a few weeks of playing it starting to really open up and show its true potential.

It seems is very playable and quite forgiving, especially for someone like me whom I would consider still a beginner after only a couple of years.

The sound quality is such that it makes me want to practice longer from the way it sings to me.

Although I am learning classical, I love to play fiddle tunes also, and my MJZ does both exceptionally well.

I had shopped around this model and Fiddleheads price was unbeatable, and the service and attention I received both before and after the sale was remarkable.

I think I have covered everything, but this process was as smooth as the perfect bow thanks to Rhiannon.

[PROS to Shopping at Fiddleheads] Award-Winning Owner, Eco-Friendly, Shop Exceeds Expectations, Fast Shipping, In-Home Trials, Ethics & Integrity, Expertise, Packaging & Safe Arrivals, Personal Connection, Proudly Canadian, Rhiannon's Entrepreneurship, Rhiannon's Musicianship

[PROS to this Product] Beats the Competition, Considerable Upgrade, Product Exceeds Expectations, Improves Playing, Luthier Setup, Playability/Ease of Use, Quality Craftsmanship, Tone & Tonal Improvement, Value/Good Price

November 8, 2022

My teacher and I picked this bow

The VN-65 was [my teacher's and my] favorite bow of the three choices (VN-45, Voxy Astute) on trial. It pairs well with the 909.

August 23, 2022

Truly a work of art, absolutely stunning

I'm an adult progressing beginner player, having played for 2 years on my starter violin. My first violin is a Fiddlerman Apprentice and has served me well for the price, but I'm ready to upgrade to a nicer instrument.

My teacher and I went to the local violin shop in Tacoma, WA and tried several options but couldn't find the right fit.

I was considering an in home trial with Fiddlershop when I came across this site. I must say I was impressed despite the potential cross border complications.

I appreciate Rhiannon's commitment to [her] work, getting back to me so quickly after her procedure, however, as a physician, I hope she gets the rest she needs!

Thank you for putting human connection at the forefront of your business, Rhiannon. Not to get into it too much here, other than to say that is something I feel strongly is desperately needed in the world these days.

She wasn't kidding about that [Stankov] violin. That is a (*expletive*) beautiful instrument. Truly a work of art, absolutely stunning. One may never forget a first love, but can learn to love again!

I received the violins and had a chance to try them out with my teacher. We both agree that the Fiddleheads 909 is the winner! Sounds much nicer than the violins we tried at the local violin shop recently.

It pairs nicely with the VN-65 which is our favorite bow of the three choices.

It has been a pleasant experience working with Fiddleheads. I do really appreciate the personal attention and care.

My teacher was impressed too and interested in your website info, which I provided her. I wouldn't be surprised if she referred some of her students to [Fiddleheads]! She apparently has played up in Kamloops previously.

Thank you for the detailed instructions [packaging up and shipping back the other violin on trial].

[UPDATE: 1 week later] I wanted to try the 909 one more time with my teacher, and she was again quite impressed with it, as am I :)

August 23, 2022

I LOVE IT,  I LOVE IT,  I LOVE IT (and it arrived in tune!)

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.

 

July 15, 2022