VN-903

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

It's such a joy to do business with a woman that has so much passion about her art and excellent customer service

I'm a 59 year old woman who recently retired in August. I have wanted to learn how to play the violin for over 30 years, but decided to wait until I retired so that I could dedicate time to learning. I started violin lessons a couple of months ago on a cheap violin to make sure I would commit before making a good purchase, and now I'm hooked.

Rhiannon, I knew I had the right gal and the right violin shop after reading your reply! You've been so awesome and I truly appreciate your help!!!!!!!

I've been doing the internet search the last few weeks at night during my 'wine hour' and the more searching I did the more confused I became. Then I came across your website and was thoroughly impressed with all the reviews and comments I read! I just wish I was much closer and could visit in person.

My 'Baby' arrived about an hour ago..... it's so beautiful!!!

I did play a few minutes and the sound is so much nicer and wow what a difference a good bow makes as well!!!

Love the case. Tina said I need the name tag for when I start touring! (she had a good laugh after that).

Violin sounds amazing and really enjoying playing it. All about the Christmas music now.

And thank you for the gifts!!! My partner and kitties thank you for the gift of the violin mute! Tina is going to start making Xmas cookies next week and will be using the violin cookie cutter.

Again thanks for your lovely emails, it's such a joy to do business with a woman that has so much passion about her art and excellent customer service!

November 25, 2020

Narrowing down my options has been enjoyable and rewarding

This is pretty darned exciting! Thanks again for your suggestions, comments and prompt responses to my e-mails, Rhiannon.

I’m going to go with the Zhu violin - primarily because, to my ear, it seems to voice better on fiddle tunes (if that makes sense).The Bellissima Scarlatta is a bit softer and if I was going to focus on classical music I would have chosen it over the Zhu.

The violin strings are still playing in. The lower range of the instrument is opening-up quite a bit - very slightly less so for the A and E strings - but overall the sound is still even. I’ve had the tailpiece installed and tweaked the bridge a little bit to allow for more “fiddle” type bowing.

I’m going to enjoy this violin.

I’ve been taking Royal Conservatory lessons with the local Music Society and, if you believe my instructor, I could challenge the Grade 4 exam and pass relatively easily. I’ll be moving onto the Grade 5 syllabus in January. I’m also taking fiddle lessons via Zoom with an Irish player out of Washington State.

Thanks for the suggestions on the violins, how to improve the (really my) sound…, and your comment on the break-in time.

[UPDATE: 5 months later] I’ve waited 5 months after my purchase to write this review because I wanted to get over the initial excitement of having a new violin.

The violin sound is opening-up significantly and suits the type of music I play. Things have worked out really well and in summary, I have absolutely no regrets regarding the quality of the instrument, and the guidance and service Rhiannon provided was excellent.

My initial inquiries and questions were answered quickly and, after a few back and forth e-mails to determine what I was looking for, Rhiannon suggested that I try out two violins. She shipped them promptly and I had the instruments in hand within five days.

Both instruments had been strung with the same type of strings to make the comparison more valid, and were spot-on as far as quality of sound and build. It was a challenging assessment, but a good problem to have.

During the three weeks I took to decide, Rhiannon sent a couple of short, “any questions ?”, e-mails; however, I never had the feeling that I was being pestered.

I’m very pleased with the violin I eventually purchased.

I think Fiddleheads offers a very practical and needed alternative to the typical “bricks and mortar” violin store for purchasing a violin.

June 3, 2020

My student and I are happy with our violins from this shop

I'm a violin and viola teacher in Ottawa, Ontario. One of my students has purchased two violins from your shop (a 3/4 and a full size) and I've been playing on the full size for the past few years.

I'm a violist by training and have a beautiful hand made viola but don't own my own 903 and I'm looking to buy one. I also have two young children at home so it's hard to find the time to go out and try violins.

The family that I teach that has purchased from you have been very pleased with your business and I really like their violins. Since I've enjoyed playing the one my student purchased from you, I thought I might try one that you recommend from your online store. I trust your advice and appreciate your opinion.

[UPDATE] The 903 arrived yesterday and I'm very pleased. Thanks for all your help!

June 6, 2016

Our skeptical violin teacher was blown away by this beautiful violin

Wow Rhiannon! You are nothing if not thorough. The 903 violin is beautiful! I am very pleased and my daughter, Liza loves it.

It will be a few months before she grows into it, but she's all excited. Her teacher, a Chinese violin detractor, was blown away.

She was very skeptical when I told her I had bought a Chinese instrument, but she came around very quickly when she played it. Lots of raised eyebrows and looks of surprise.

Thank you for the prompt friendly, attentive and impeccable service.

June 19, 2013

2 months in- It sounds great already

The 3/4 violin is beautiful! Lisa hasn't seen it yet as we are giving it to her for her birthday but we are sure she will LOVE it.

We were totally captivated by the gorgeous violin in the beautiful violin bag. Thanks for the lapel pin as well. We will continue to spread the word in Ottawa about your awesome customer support and fantastic violins.

[UPDATE: 2 months later] Lisa loves her new violin!

She took it out of the case on her birthday and played her working piece which is one of the Seitz's in Suzuki Book 4 immediately and she never looked back from there. It sounds great already and we look forward to a year from now as we know it will only get better.

Here is a picture of Lisa from her [Christmas] recital last weekend.

October 10, 2012

Love it! Huge improvement for me

The trial violins arrived safe and sound from southtern BC to the Yukon. After playing them I chose the 903 and sent an old French violin back.

I love the violin! I work way out in the boonies and I took it with me to practice. No husband, no toddlers!

This violin is much better than my old one.

August 24, 2012

What a gorgeous violin outfit! Extremely pleased!

[UPDATE] I bought a violin, bow and case from Rhiannon for my daughter, Caitlin, a few years ago. Her violin teacher says she is now ready for a full size violin. The service and help from Rhiannon last time was fantastic hence my return to fiddleheads.

Everything arrived safe and sound. What a gorgeous violin outfit! Violin concert at our house tonight! Caitlin loves her new violin and just this last weekend passed on her old one to her little brother. He is so pleased about that - so they're both very happy!

We were extremely pleased as usual with your knowledge and service and will not hesitate to return and recommend you whenever we can.

October 21, 2011

These violins played very well during trials at my studio

First of all, thank you for shipping 4 violins to my new student. It has been an interesting experience for us all.

As they probably let you know already, they chose one of the 905 models. They brought me the other 3 violins yesterday and I have been showing them to some of my other students.

One of the 903's is very popular - it has a particularly nice warm tone. Three people were interested in it, although only one is ready to purchase right now. I told her I would give her your contact information, so she can discuss payment with you.

Another family is interested in these violins as well.

- Bethany Goluboff

[UPDATE] Thanks for the help with my other student - it is a nice 905 they got there.

February 9, 2011

The best violins I heard at the fiddle contest

A few weeks back when I started thinking about acquiring a good violin, I went to a fiddle contest solely for the purpose of listening to each player. They were all quality players of excellent skill.

When I heard an instrument with an outstanding sound I questioned the player. The Strads were easy to identify and the owners confirmed my feeling they had played a Strad copy.

The three that stood out were Guarneri copies. Two were 905 and 903 fiddles from Fiddleheads. My little research at the fiddle contest has me setting my sights on a violin from you.

October 17, 2010

My daughter and her teacher love it

Sydney loves the violin.

Her teacher was impressed too and said she will definitely tell students to check your site out if they are looking for a violin.

September 30, 2010

I will love this violin for life!

I visited Rhiannon in person. First, I was thinking to buy her 901 [now discontinued]. Even though I'm a beginner, I could tell 901 had more projection than other violins in the same price range.

But I preferred the 903 and it was not much more money to spend for the improvement in appearance.

I'm so impressed with the work. It must be a great workshop with the master's supervision. Every piece had perfect antique varnish work which is not too shy and not too obvious. I love the beautiful colour and gradation.

The 903 might be too good for me but I really liked the looks over 901. I will love this violin for life!

[UPDATE: 2 Years Later] I just went to the jam night. A lady, who had played fiddle a bit before, came to me and asked, "Is it Viola?" She described the tone of my 903 deep and mellow. Just wanted to let you know.

January 25, 2010

Clear, clean sound that rises above the others

Susanna had a wonderful Christmas practice last night on a farm (and with a wood stove). Two guitars, 2 violins, a piano and 3 voices, preparing for Sunday evening Christmas program.

I could hear the new violin for the first time in the band setting and it was beautiful. The other violinist immediately complimeted Susanna on the new instrument for its clear, full sound. Even when Susanna was standing with her back to me, I could hear the clean sound of her violin coming out above the other instruments.

We are all really happy with the new addition which you helped us with.

[UPDATE: 6 years later] Here's Susanna playing the 903.

See Full Playlist Here

December 7, 2009