Value/Good Price

I trusted Rhiannon to choose this violin for me

Thanks for making the process easier, especially with all of the outfit components.

My earlier part of the journey was longer and didn't originally include the 909 (originally was 903 and below).

It took a lot of listening sessions from various video sources to sort things out. One odd item that stood out was that one video [from another shop] seemed to intentionally play differently on the 909 perhaps to showcase their own product (as they didn't even carry the 909).

Thankfully, my long list of questions got sorted out along the journey [thanks to Fiddleheads' site]. I trust your eyes on [the selection] that more than I trust mine. Normally audio would be more important but I already trust your ear way more than mine.

Your stories and achievements are quite inspirational.

May 23, 2023

A voice that made me cry

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.

April 11, 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

Outstanding service and quality

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!

February 20, 2023

Your specialty in Zhu violins and wood seasoning/curing stands out

I am a professional musician from Michigan. I've had a career in roots music for the last 12 years.

I came upon your website while doing research for a new main instrument, and your specialty in Zhu violins stuck out to me, so I looked forward to reaching out to learn more about the violins that you have on offer, and consider doing a trial of some instruments at home.

The other factor that was attractive was that your shop is located in a place that deals with winter, and dryness, and I thought that bodes well for instruments that will be suited to resilience in the changing seasons where I live, despite careful work with in-case humidifiers.

The one violin that I have played [most of the time] is a Ming Jiang Zhu instrument (VN903). Non-temperamental, reliable throughout the seasonal changes.

It became my secondary instrument, one that I now use for very low tunings, when I acquired a 100 year old instrument made in Michigan that had a particularly moving sound and distinctive look, but the Zhu violin has always remained in the fold, and these days it is the one I want to pick up more.

January 31, 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

Yet to find a violin like this anywhere else

[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.

December 11, 2022

This is a very nice, very special violin

I sometime wonder about whether as a left-handed musician, choosing an instrument is actually a lot easier.

As a guitarist, I often walk into guitar shops, and the first thing I do is scan the walls, full of guitars, sometimes hundreds of them, but within 1 minute I have walked out the door again.

"Nope, no guitars in there".

What must it be like as a right hander? How can you choose from that myriad of options?

So when it comes to looking for a violin, years ago when I first looked I went through the usual:
- "Such a thing does not exist"
- "There is no such thing as a left handed violinist"
- "I advise you to learn to play the violin 'properly'" etc, etc..

Fiddleheads already had my attention just by OFFERING left handed violins, I REALLY appreciate that.

Next comes initial contact, a few questions, and I am delighted by Rhiannon's responses to my emails. (even checking, to be sure, that I do really want the left-handed model)

I don't know so much about violins, when you're left handed you don't always get to try out other people's instruments.

My first violin was certainly very old, the seam on the back was coming apart. I flipped the strings, fashioned a new bridge for it, swapped the bass bar and sound post, yes, I unglued the back and carefully removed the bass bar... But it never really sounded very good.

Some years later I bought a 5 string left-handed model on ebay from china, then I found out just how much the 1st string peg on the wrong side was getting in the way of my right hand. This new one didn't sound so great acoustically, but anyway I "optimised" it for pickup use and mostly played it through guitar pedals.

All this rant about this past is kind of a "full disclosure" if you like, because otherwise what is my opinion on the VN-103L worth?

But even so, I'm going to tell you, this is a really, really nice violin.

I'm finding tones, noises, feelings in there that I simply cannot put into words.

Originally, having gotten separated (certain events of 2020-2021) for the time being from those other two violins (maybe a good thing) - I decided to look on line for a something affordable, anything at all that I could use to improve playing, or at least not allow it dis-improve.

As I said, I found Fiddleheads left hander section and starting talking to Rhiannon. She inspired me to up a level to the 103 (and the rest of the kit) - with the great value packages, free advice, and throwing in a few gifts, and assurances about shipping and import to Mexico - that all came good.

Yes, I ended up spending about double what I had envisaged. I am really, really happy that I did, that she helped me see the wisdom in that.

I think this VN103-L is a very special instrument, and I have not even broken it in yet!

November 17, 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

More affordable than local options

Your Baroque bows do offer a price category I have yet to find locally.

November 16, 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

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

A master in her craft and her thoughtfulness, kindness and honesty makes Rhiannon stand apart from other violin shops

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!

July 6, 2022

This is the best intermediate violin I have ever played

Summary: This is the best intermediate violin I have ever played.

Well worth the money, and it would be hard to find its equal... anywhere near the price, and most often quite higher.

Recommended for any beginner or intermediate player of any level.

Review: I have only received this violin 45 minutes ago. And I already know I am ready to leave a review.

I will be totally honest, and I will be comparing this to my main violin which is a right handed professional violin antique from the late 1800's which I have never personally found its equal.

I wanted a left handed violin, because I have learned to play the violin like a cello and backwards because I am missing the middle finger on my left hand. And I have developed a skill I am quite happy with. However, I want to play the traditional way as well, up on the shoulder.

About the violin. It is charming looking. Well made. No quibbles about construction.

Immediately upon picking it up, I noticed it was heavy. At least compared to other fine violins which I have made or used. I am also a new luthier. However the weight is common in beginner and intermediate instruments, especially from China.

I will one day be making my own left handed personal violin, but I wanted to learn how to play in a standard way knowing that this violin would not be my lifelong violin, but a tool that I can enjoy to teach me how to play.

And I wanted tone. I need to feel pleased and enjoy making music from it, and not be offended. lol. So I am very picky about tone. I have tried literally hundreds of violins, all of them in the thousands, even to $10,000 range, and I am serious when I said, I found all of them unsatisfactory in general.

So onto the review of the Sun 103 Lefty Violin. When I played the first note, I was actually very surprised. The tone was actually quite nice and rich and full. Unlike almost all the other violins I have tried. Which is frankly miraculous considering this is a China factory violin and I have tried hundreds of supposedly fine handmade violins in some serious violin stores.

With the Sun, the G string had a full sound right out of the box (which by the way the packing was perfect, and immaculate).

I would describe it as deep and full. Not bright, but warm. The G string is the string I care about the most, and in most other violins I find it tinny weak and lacking on most violins I try, and I won't even go further. On this one this was not the case. The other strings were fine as well. Actually pretty similar quality along all strings.

The projection of this violin, to me is not up to snuff, although I am comparing it to my professional violin, which would be satisfactory in a concert hall. However, the interesting thing is even though the SUN doesn't have HUGE projection, it still somehow doesn't sound congested or tinny. Its just a nice warm sound that you can lean into, and for an intermediate violin in this price range, unless you are going to be doing solo work, the projection is fine. I would say it is COMPLETELY fine for orchestra work, and very pleasing for home and small groups and impressing your parents ;) .

I also am not looking for completely projecting fill up the concert hall sound. I want something I can enjoy. And enjoy this violin I CAN. All of the strings have a nice warm full tone. And I mean it when I say it sounds better then most other violins WELL above the price of this one. Normally, when the violin is a bit heavier, and doesn't have a huge projection, the sound is thin and tinny and congested. This is not so at all on this Sun violin. I don't know how they did it, but they did.

So if you are looking for professional open clear projection, this is definitely not the one for you, but you would most likely have to pay much more to get that. However, the projection is fine, and due to the frankly miraculous pleasing tone that this violin is able to get, for an intermediate player, it really doesn't matter, and I would honestly say that any advancing student or any amateur would be very happy with this violin.

It have some VERY little squeakiness a few times on the strings, which I have never experienced before, but it was very minor and with a few adjustments really will easily go away once I get used to this baby.

Overall, I am really pleased with this violin. It is nearing some of the qualities of a professional violin, and by far is the best intermediate violin I have ever seen or played. I'm going to really enjoy coaxing the best sound I can out of it while I work on the skills to build my own.

And as to the award winning owner. Thank you for personally speaking with me on the phone, and assuaging my hesitancy at buying this violin site unseen or heard. I am happy I did. I listened to all the other left handed violins I could purchase, and was dissatisfied with what I could hear. This was the last chance. And I'm happy I took it. :)

- -

[UPDATE: 4 days later] I enjoy thinking about this violin all the time, so I'm happy to write more about it.

[Regarding my review] I really wanted to help other make an informed decision and help them know what they are getting and not getting.

I can certainly assure you that fiddleheads at this moment is the only store I would recommend anyone to with 100% trust.

It is interesting about the weight. My luthier instinct, (and I literally mean mine, and no-one else's) gives me the impression that if I opened it up and took some material off the top and bottom plates in a controlled way, I could open up the sound some. I have actually done this with several violins, antique (worthless) and kits, and newer violins, where it was just tight closed non vibrat-ey sound... and every time I improved the sound in a very noticeable way.

However... this takes a lot of time... and love of course... but to be totally honest, I have no interest in that with something like this... because in a way, when you appreciate something, you appreciate it for what it is. Not what it isn't.

And when you care about an object, you don't really want to dissect it and find out exactly how it works, you want to just appreciate it and enjoy it and stay out of your own head. And that is the way I feel with this little guy (or gal). ;)

I will also say, the weight is not a turn off to me in anyway. I care about the tone, and it will help me build my muscles. haha.

I haven't [re-graduated the wood] on my other lovely violin as well, because they are so special to me I don't want to ruin the magic. In a way it can take some of the magic out of it by being too science-y with it.

As to the squeakiness. I carefully rosined my bow with very lovely forgiving rosin, and honestly it hasn't squeaked at all since that first 15 minutes. And I've been playing every day.

I really appreciate all Rhiannon's insight from everything she said [about real ebony weighing more than low quality or fake ebony used on other violins] too.

I felt in my review that I had something kind of unique to offer because I was consciously buying a 'downgrade' violin from the one I have now that I play in viol/cello mode. And looking for a violin that didn't offend my ear was difficult.

I even purchased another violin [from another shop], I had intended to be a backup for my main from another reputable store, and after I got it out, and from the first note, I knew I could not play it. It was back in the box 15 minutes later on its way back.

At some point, in the somewhat foreseeable future, my music playing will outgrow the current Sun violin, and I will be inspired and know that I am ready for the next. And at that moment, I will be still incredibly thankful for this violin which helped me get there that I had been and that I am playing now.

And the fact that I have this one, will help me appreciate the next one even more. Which is a beautiful thing. :)

July 4, 2022