Fiddleheads Violin Shop Testimonials & Feedback: Trials

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I cannot think of a more conscientous and considerate person to help us select a violon of quality than Rhiannon Schmitt. She is knowledgable, generous and honest.

Borrowing a violin on trial from her was much easier than I expected and gave us the time to make a sound and informed decision.

What more can we ask when we are about to make such an important purchase?

- Jean-Claude, Vancouver

I want you to know that the violins arrived safe and sound. I’ve spent the past few hours playing scales and tunes and with different violin/bow combinations [Kocheff & Moneff Violins; Prism, Aspire & Tabary L'Original Bows] and enjoying a grande time of it.

I’m keeping an open mind and trusting what feels right. One thing I do notice is how different your violins “fit” compared with my ultra beginner violin. They feel a bit lighter and seem, somehow, a little easier to play. And they sing.

Thanks again for all you have done for me to make this purchase as open and well rounded as is possible, especially given the distance. And, most especially, given the fatigue and discomfort of a difficult pregnancy. You’ve been terrific. I know I’ll probably have questions as I work my way through the decision making process.

- Deb, Nanaimo, BC

Thank you, Rhiannon, you have been very helpful and nice. Your great enthusiasm and customer relations is unbelievable. You don't get this service from a lot of shops / entrepreneurs...

No matter which violin I buy I will always recommend your shop. You customer service is outstanding.

- Michael, Montreal Quebec

It was wonderful to have someone who was so keen on helping us get the exact violin that would suit our son. With just a few bits of information about the style of music my son likes to play we had three suggestions for trial. Believe it or not, all three were suitable.

I had previously ordered violins from another shop and none were acceptable (by teacher's standards). But with the options from Fiddleheads, she said any of the three would be a good choice for our son.

We kept the violins for over a week while he played them and once he decided on the one he liked [a Bellissima violin] the purchasing process couldn't have been easier (including the return of the "rejected" violins).

Rhiannon was great throughout the whole process, keeping in touch and offering help if we needed any.

I thought the purchase of a violin was going to be a long, drawn out process. I should have call Rhiannon first, it would have been even quicker. Bows are next, and we will be calling Rhiannon.

- Carrie, Fort Frances, Ontario [Read her son's feedback on the Bellissima violin]

Alright, you talked me into it. Let’s give [the used violin] a try. I’ve already read over your trial page and I’d be happy to pay the 50% down-payment and shipping by PayPal.

You weren’t pushy, you were enthusiastic. If anything, it helped me trust you. I’m sure you know better than most, when you’re talking business over the internet, you never really know what kind of people you’re dealing with.

- Owen, Canada

[I] missed the first moment that Nathaniel laid eyes on the violin. My husband tells me it was like Christmas! Apparently when Nathaniel was getting ready for bed that night he told my husband that he felt so happy that he felt like he would cry and said, "I love my violin. I'm so happy!" What a kid!

We're very pleased with the instrument, and with the service we've received. We were glad to have the trial period and I'm glad to say the instrument suits us, because how could we ever give it back now that Nathaniel loves it so much? I think it's meant to stay here.

- Heather, Ajax, Ontario

About a year ago, I started playing the viola and taking lessons using an old instrument we have had for several years. I've longed for one of my own.

I had a difficult time finding the viola I was looking for, but I finally hooked up with a dealer in British Columbia (Rhiannon Schmitt, http://www.fiddleheads.ca/index.htm) whose website featured several [Polish] makers.

[Rhiannon] was able to arrange for us to visit [the distributor] and try their violas, which we did on December 15. [Rhiannon's rep, Kris] was super helpful and had set out several instruments for us to try. They had a ton of great instruments, including violas by Wojciech Topa.

I chose 2 to bring home; one a 16-inch by Andrzej Glodek and the other a 16.25" by Jarek Wojciechowski. Both sounded tremendous, but were very different.

My daughter that plays viola preferred the Glodek, as did her sister and cousin Kim. I favored the Wojciechowski, as did my teacher Sharon Dennison and several others. My wife wanted the one which would make me happy and stop pestering her about which viola she preferred.

Finally, yesterday we travelled back...with the Glodek (a fine instrument), keeping the Wojciechowski. I hope over time to be able to do it justice with my playing.

Pictured, Tom with a 1/32 violin

- Tom, West Hartford, CT

Thank you so much for all you did for us. The violin arrived yesterday at our home in perfect condition! It is beautiful! We have both been playing and my daughter loves it so much. The pin that you sent along is also beautiful!
Again, thanks for all your help and service! We'll keep you posted with the violin!

- Heather and Kaylee, Utah

You were kind enough to lend me these two violons. I will gladly refer young musicians your way if ever I meet people interested in purchasing a violin. 

Hope you are well and the business is doing ok. Thank you again, Rhiannon. You are wonderful!

- Jean Claude, Vancouver, BC

Hi Rhiannon, thanks for letting me trial the violins here at home. Its helped in the decision making process considerably, especially since I'm sailing in uncharted territory! I do like the sound of this [violin] and it definitely has some character so I'm quite happy with it.

Hopefully with practice my sound will improve so the cats won't run and hide anymore.

- Ian, Salmon Arm, BC

I appreciate your prompt follow-ups. I look forward to purchasing this violin from you and await your reply.

- Keith, Spokane, WA

Thank you very much for being cooperative and being able to purchase a violin my daughter is very excited about [Zhu VN-903]. 

- Deirdre and Jenna, Oakville, ON

Hi Rhiannon! Look what happens at our house with an extra violin kicking around!

(See Photo)
 
By the way, Dominik has definitely decided on the "red violin".  Let me know the total so I can write you a cheque.
 
See you Thursday! 

- Karin, Salmon Arm, BC

I unpacked "Bruno." I do like the tone. The high string is far, far sweeter than the horrid practise fiddle I was using. Evrn my lousy bowing sounds much better on these strings!  I like the weathered, "experienced" feel of the neck. I like the instrument's looks and character very much.  It is quite endearing and "personal." Thanks very much for the trial period!

If I ever manage to play a recognisable tune with no major errors I will record it and send you the mp3 :-)  That's a promise!

- De, Nanaimo, BC

Thanks so much for your prompt reply - I certainly will recommend you to others who are looking for an instrument. Thanks for being so considerate to work with!

Yes, go ahead and ship [the cello] with the case.  I can't see me not liking it after what you've said about it, and if I do really dislike it, then it is better to pay the shipping costs than to spend thousands of dollars to save a few hundred (if I'm making any sense!)

- Bev, AB

I would never have dreamed I could get a fiddle from Canada to Alabama at Christmas in 3 days for $60. I should pay you some gas money for bringing it along on your vacation [to speed up delivery] 

The one piece back is definitely a special violin it's just not my violin if you know what I mean. I really appreciate the time and the great price you offered me. Although we have only talked on the phone a couple times. I feel like I have known you forever.

It was a great experience trying the violins and I so wish it could have worked out for both of us. You are right I want a $10,000 violin for $3,000! That is not going to happen I know.

I will still consider [other Fiddleheads instruments] though and I do appreciate everything you have done for me. Thanks again,

- Tommy, Alabama

I think your offer of a two week trial is an excellent idea.

I don't think a shop would let you take one of their instruments  home and play it for two weeks and then return it. Once you've bought it its yours!

Having had very pleasant dealings with you I would not hesitate to buy an instrument from you and would take advantage of your two week trial and also your tone guarantee. Too bad my violin [from another shop] didn't come with a tone guarantee!! To bad my hands didn't also come with a no-arthritis guarantee!!

- Gareth, Fort St. James, BC

It was a fast delivery [2-day]! Alli is practicing with the violin and will take it to her lesson to get her teacher's opinion. Thanks for the trial period. We'll keep you posted.

- Sheri, Council Bluffs, IA

The violins made it here today. I can't beleive how different they sound; both beautiful. I'll let you know as soon as I decide and put the other back in the mail. Thanks again and have a great evening.

- Sharon, Conway, SC- Web

It is up to you to decide to ship me one or two MJZ violins [for trial], I trust your expertise, you can choose one.

- Victoria Strochkova, Violin Teacher, San Ramon, CA - Website

Not a problem [for writing a day later],  I am surprised to get an answer on a Sunday!  I love that you are a mom involved with your kids, work/home life balance is important.  

I appreciate the time you took on the phone to discuss the violins and I enjoyed our chat.  The extra bow is great, it will give us another option, and thanks for sending the shoulder rest to try out.  Lauren is not liking the Kun, it sounds like this [Bon Musica] will be more comfortable for her small shoulder.

Sent the paypal deposit so you can get the package done up.  We are very excited to try these two violins, hopefully we will only be shipping one back to you!  Have a great evening, let me know if you need any further info from me.  

[Having] the tracking number [was] perfect. Even more perfect just received the violins, delivered to my door just a few minutes ago.  Looks like they did the trip well except for a loose E string on the one, which I can just rewind into the peg.

Great timing, as we have a lesson this evening so our teacher can take a look at them too.

Thank you for the pin, my daughter will love it.

Kathy, Calgary

These are the best sounding violins I've ever had the pleasure to play.  Both violins were a pleasure to look at, and the 909 was especially easy to play.

Thanks for all your help!I really think you are a helpful honest dealer.

I truly appreciate the time you've spent trying to help me find the right violin, and who knows, if I ever upgrade again I would look to your store as a terrific place to start because of your enthusiasm and expertise.

- Stacey, Ontario

We have really enjoyed playing the bows.   Have decided to keep the prism.   I have the other two packed and ready to ship back to you.  Thank you for allowing us to try the bows.   

- Kate, Louisville, KY

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