Stankov

Beautiful instrument!

It *is* a beautiful instrument... and I am amazed it got through all the hideous weather.

January 8, 2022

Much better than any violin I’ve tried in Toronto

One of the best places to buy a violin in Canada

The violins arrived perfectly, and they look even better in person than I expected. I have been playing the three violins for a few days now.

909: Easy to play. It does have a slight metallic / sonorous sound. I am guessing this is owing to the break-in period.

Moneff: Clear, and sweet tone. Wonderful violin.

Stankov: Clear, and vibrant, specially on the E-string. Excellent violin.

I find the Moneff and Stankov quite similar. They are both very clear, and deep. Much better than any violin I’ve tried in Toronto. I think I am going to focus on these two, and show them to my teacher this Monday before deciding. I noticed that the E string on Stankov projects more than the E string on Moneff.

[Update: 1 week later] Good news! I have decided to keep the Stankov. It’s such an amazing instrument.

[Official Product Review]

I tried over 20 violins in Toronto, and couldn't really find one that spoke to me.

Getting violins on trial from a website was a strange concept, but I gave it a shot. I tried three violins sent by Rhiannon, and they absolutely blew away what I had tried locally in Toronto until then.

I always like to know about the source of materials used in the things I purchase, and, at least in Toronto, it was common to come across violins that use unethically obtained animal parts like mother of pearl. It was a relief to learn that Rhiannon runs an eco-conscious store, and doesn't sell violins that use animal parts.

In the end I decided to go with a violin made by Ivan Stankov. It's a beautiful violin, with a very deep and rich sound.

Rhiannon has been very helpful with her advice, and keeping me on top of everything. I can highly recommend Fiddleheads, and the violins they sell.

I really hope you win the [environmental] award. About time they start giving awards to socially conscious businesses. I have had a great experience with Fiddleheads.

September 1, 2021

Our second violin from this maker

We purchased a Stankov 4/4 for my daughter with a VN-65 bow when she made the transition [to fulll size] in 2016. She is still enjoying it, studying at the University of Western Ontario, and involved in orchestra, etc.

We just purchased another 4/4 Stankov violin, this time for my son who is currently using my daughter's old 3/4 VN-909.

December 9, 2020

All my worries about shopping online melted away

Since receiving my new Ivan Stankov viola from Rhiannon's Fiddleheads violin shop, I have been dancing on air. Let me tell you why, and why I can warmly and highly recommend Rhiannon's help in your search for the perfect violin or viola.

I'm over 70, and have been playing violin for a number of years (about 10), but wanted to switch to viola as I like the alto register better. Since my violins were family hand-me-downs I really knew nothing about how to find the perfect instrument. After searching the internet, I ran across the Fiddleheads' website and decided to just ask for information.

One of my biggest concerns was about shopping over the internet for something so complex and even more about shipping of such a fragile instrument. (I live in a semi-remote area of Alaska, and packages most often arrive late, crushed, or damaged.) Added to all this, I had limited income and a strict budget.

Rhiannon was wonderful, warm and personable throughout the entire transaction, from search to purchase. She answered all my questions large and small, took all my conditions and found a gorgeous viola with an amazing voice for me.

She arranged for photos and worked with the maker, Ivan Stankov, to provide a video recording so I could hear the viola's sound. Even after all this, I was hesitant about shipping, but Rhiannon described the lengths that would be taken to package the instrument safely. Not only did it arrive incredibly quickly, it came through unscathed – from Bulgaria to Alaska! The packaging was superb. The outer box had a couple of dings, but inner was fine.

As to the Ivan Stankov viola itself – first of all, it's beautiful. It's a 16" Guarneri model set up with rosewood fittings. But even more importantly, its voice is dark, warm, and resonant (a friend described it as having a dark chocolate tone). Switching from violin to viola can be, I'm told a bit difficult, but the setup was so great I've found the changeover to be very easy. I love it!

Reading the alto clef is a bit of a challenge, keeps the brain active for sure. It traveled very well, and is doing even better as days go by. As she recommended, I am playing it lots. Truly, I can't thank her enough. I am so glad Rhiannon found this viola for me!

I am so happy!! And I am dancing. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!! Multiple hugs!!

If you want to find the perfect violin or viola, I highly recommend that you ask for Rhiannon's help!

November 4, 2019

Help for customer with hearing difficulties

I have a problem with hearing loss which complicates matters. Because I have more trouble with hearing, I typically need more volume to hear things and that goes especially when I’m playing in a group.

I specifically wanted the Stankov because Rhiannon said it had wonderful projection. As she said, “it is more violin.”

Rhiannon requested special adjustments from the maker and also a diagram from the maker directly so I can make adjustments to manipulate the sound better (the dynamics) to hear it better.

I am feeling a lot better about having it adjusted for my hearing now.

I will keep the violin because it’s so much easier to play than my violin now.

October 14, 2014

The sound has opened up even in the little bit I've been playing!

And thank you, thank you, thank you! You made my day [by accepting payments]! Actually, probably my whole year! I am going to try and get that money together as soon as possible.

[UPDATE] Played a gig today. And the violin sounded great! The sound has opened up even in the little bit I've been playing it.

So I am falling for it, I think we'll have our happy ending. :) Thanks again, sooo much, for your help and flexibility.

February 12, 2013

Smooth purchase of a beautiful violin

I got the Stankov in the mail very quickly.

No extra costs from customs, thanks for doing the paperwork so all I had to do was receive it at my door.

Love the violin!! It's a beautiful thing. Beautiful woods, even better than the photographs.

I showed it to the finest fiddle players in the northwest and both of them played it and they both really liked it. It's a dandy!

Thank you!

August 15, 2012

Buying another one

Thank you so much for contacting [the maker] and getting the information.

I will buy an instrument made by him, because my daughter loves his instruments.

July 6, 2011

Lots of overtones, volume and confidence from this violin

Wooo hooo. This is so cool. I like the way it looks in the pics. It looks better in person.

I like it!!!!! Stankov nailed the "looks" of it and it has just enough shine to protect it. The family likes this violin a lot - they like it better than the last workshop violin I bought from Fiddleheads. It's really nice - much nicer than the pics.

The G & D strings just sound awesome. Lots of overtones, volume, and confidence. The A & E strings seem muted or stuffy. I'm guessing they need to be played. Now that I say that - the instrument needs to be played. New strings. New violin.

After playing the new one I picked up my other one and what a difference.

Violin vibrates something crazy - but it's cool. My other one doesn't vibrate all that much and sounds "held back." Also, I like the string sensitivity and volume control. So far I'm pleased and can't wait to break this one in.:)

[UPDATE: 4 weeks later]
As for the violin - it sounds great now. Infeld Blue strings and I'm happy. The Evahs were way too high tension for me. My fingers were hurting too much.

But the Infeld Blue's sound as loud and nice without the high tension.

May 10, 2011

With Fiddleheads, you are not simply purchasing a violin from a dealer

(Rhiannon, I wrote up a small recommendation of you for the site - it was easy though - you represent the easiest and most knowledgeable dealer I've encountered, and I think prospective buyers need to understand this as well!!)

Perhaps one of the most difficult and daunting tasks facing a musician is purchasing a violin. Rhiannon has, however, turned this into a very positive experience by virtue of her personalized service, knowledge and honesty.

You are not simply purchasing a violin from a dealer: Clearly an astute business person, Rhiannon is also an award-winning violinist and music teacher. As a result, she sells instruments that actually meet the buyer's needs and expectations.

I purchased a Stankov violin from her, and after several wonderful communications, I made the wise decision to purchase this incredible instrument - I cannot thank you enough, Rhiannon!

January 24, 2008

Superb response, easy to play

Look at the beautiful back!

The violin responds very nicely and I don't have to alter my playing to get the sound I want.

January 1, 2008

This maker is a well kept secret - his violins get better with time

Just a word or two to let you know that by adjusting the bridge on the violin, the sound on all strings became marvellous. The violin has a wonderful projecting sound and great sustain.

It's an easy instrument to play. The response is great. The bowing to achieve a great sound requires less pressure on the strings to achieve a very noble sound than other violins.

the violin sounds better every time I play it. This guy is a well kept secret. His violins are in the $12,000-$15,000 class easily and get better with time.

I'm glad I bought this violin and appreciate your speed in getting it to me.
Best wishes for a great holiday season.

December 12, 2007