Recommended

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]

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!

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!

Gorgeous! One of my go-to accessory pieces of jewellery!

Fiddleheads' handcrafted Violin charm bracelet is stunning.

I love all of the music notations, instruments, and floral designs, etc. It's adjustable and very comfortable to wear, with no skin irritation.

It also makes for a great gift for someone special like friends or family. My mom has one too, and she doesn't even need to play violin to appreciate it.

Every time I've worn this piece I got loads of compliments…highly recommend anyone to pick up this gorgeous bracelet!

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.

I was so excited to see left hand violins in a quality venue. Hard to come by as I had a "Carlton" from Long and McQuade and when I was ready to up my commitment they had nothing.

The Fiddleheads Sun VN-103L left-handed violin came two days ago can't lay it down.. so much more response...forgiving...it sings to me...a voice..it can make me cry.

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] I must say my experience "very much" exceeded my wildness expectations, from the time I engaged in (expertise guidance) through my situation and custom needs (left handed player) to the choice made and arrival of my AMAZING Violin 103L, I knew well I made the right choice.

How could I go wrong with the support I had been given by "fiddleheads" it felt like they were behind me during the whole process "Great Feeling".

The violin is very responsive... very forgiving... sounds like she sings out to me. Can't wait to hear her 'offering" in a few months of playing. I'm so excited.

Thank You Rhiannon for the "personal nudge" into the right direction. Much Appreciated.

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

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!

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!

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

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.

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] When my violin got stolen, Rhiannon was quick in helping me with insurance and providing original receipts and cost for a replacement.

One more thing, I travel the world a fair bit and I have not come across a violin yet in my price range, with such a quality fit and finish like the one [Bellissima] I originally purchased from Rhiannon.

To conclude, I will definitely purchase my replacement from Rhiannon.

My only regret is not buying another Bon Musica shoulder rest shoulder rest as I seem to misplace the ones I have all the time.

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

I hesitated, hummed and hawed over this [deluxe case] for days. In the end, I'm really glad I got it. I had quite some back and forth with Rhiannon about it on email, and she's very patient and helpful. See my review on the

I was going to go for the [flawed economy] cases that she's selling at a discount, but as I had already decided to go for a better violin, I thought I should get the better case to go with it. It felt right in the end, and it was.

It's heavy, strong and perfectly padded, yet I like the quality feel of even the velcro that holds the violin neck, and the elastic straps that hold the lids of the compartments closed.

Of course, the ambient instruments [thermometer and hygrometer] are a plus, and I need to keep an eye on the humidity, it can get to 15% RH around here.

I have one tiny, tiny very personal and not important issue. I'm somewhat environmentally sensitive, so I expect often with new products that there'll be an amount of residual off-gassing from manufacture, usually leaving them to air, (or if appropriate) in the sunshine a couple of days does the trick. The two soft plastic/rubber pads (I don't really know what to call them) on the straps however are made of that really heavy smelling material, and it doesn't stop.

But it's no problem as I just removed them and put them far, far, far away from me.