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Testimonials
Please feel free to send us your own testimonial to add to the ones below. If possible, we would like a photograph of yourself with your instrument. Email us at cardiffviolins@btconnect.com
We would like to thank all of those people who have so kindly given up their time to write about their experience with us and wish them all the best for the future.
If you wish to send us a photograph of your child playing a Cardiff Violins instrument, we need to have a consent form signed by yourself and your child to use the images on our website.
Please click here for the consent form. Print the form, fill it in and return to us (see our address in “Contact”).
Ruth Elder
http://www.myspace.com/ruthelder
"It is rare to find a shop where you feel you can relax and take your time; at Cardiff Violins they respect that choosing the right instrument can be a long process and requires a relaxed environment in which to make these important decisions. The staff are so welcoming, always at hand to help and advise or simply to bring you a fresh cup of tea, and they also know when to allow the customer some privacy in order to get to know their instrument of choice.
I had the luxury of being able to play the wide range of instruments that Cardiff Violins offer on a regular basis as I was once on their team of staff. Having gone through their extensive collection I simply could not take my mind off one violin in particular, which sadly at the time was out of my reach financially. There came a point when I could no longer bare showing other customers the delights of this violin as the thought of it being sold to someone else was too much, and neither could Chris or Cecile who very kindly allowed me some time to save up to be able to buy the violin of my dreams.
At the time I had only recently graduated from music college and this new violin certainly helped me to kick start my career, accepting a place at Southbank Sinfonia in London which has since led on to many wonderful opportunities. Having an instrument that you feel proud of and helps you to play at your best is so important and is something that all at Cardiff Violins are fully aware of. My violin and I have since performed at the Wigmore Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, the National Theatre, the O2 Arena, Glastonbury Pyramid Stage, not to mention various TV appearances, many theatres across Europe, and at Buckingham Palace for Her Majesty the Queen.
Therefore I am very grateful to Chris and Cecile at Cardiff Violins for their patience and understanding that enabled me to purchase my lovely violin which allows me to be the best I can be."
Dr. John H. Watson 
on behalf of Sherlock Holmes
221B Baker Street
LONDON
NW1 6XE
July 28th, 2011
Cécile and Chris at Cardiff Violins,
I just wanted to say thanks on behalf of my friend Sherlock Holmes for the violin he recently purchased from you. He would thank you himself; only, well Sherlock doesn’t really do that sort of thing.
You were extremely patient with him, much more than he deserved which I should also thank you for, as a lot of people find him ‘difficult’. Thought you handled the situation very well, especially when he insisted on deducing the history of each instrument he picked up, in addition to identifying the rosin dust from each bow that had previously been used! Anyway sorry about that, he’s always like it and yes it does get annoying, but at least you don’t have to live with him.
I don’t know much about violins myself, but it looks a lovely violin to me. The sound it makes when Sherlock plays it is beautiful and the other evening he treated me to a rendition of Bach’s Partita No.1, which sounded particularly marvelous on it. He seems very pleased anyway, that is to say he hasn’t complained at all and tells me playing it helps him think, which believe me is high praise indeed.
Yours Sincerely,
Dr. John H. Watson
www.johnwatsonblog.co.uk
Hartswood Films Ltd
Julia Hwang
http://www.juliahwang.com/
"I have bought my wonderful Benoit Rolland and Joseph Arthur Vigneron bows from Cardiff Violins over the years, and I could not thank them enough for the enormous help and kind support they have given me. The bows are perfect for me, and make me enjoy practicing and performing even more.
My Vimercatti violin was acquired through Cardiff Violins four years ago. I was looking for a violin at the time and was contacted about an Italian violin which had just come in. It was made in the 18th century and has a beautiful rich tone. I am very happy with it and very fortunate to have it in my possession."
Conor Gricmanis
Finding the right instrument for one’s self is probably the hardest thing to do, for a Musician. I have always taken the Violin seriously, it’s something I’m completely devoted to – I want to study the Violin as far as I can, and I want it to be my profession. Not only has looking for ‘The right Violin’ been a long, exhausting journey all over the UK, it has also been a huge emotional journey. Stringed Instruments are not cheap. When I started Violin lessons with Michael Bochmann (leader of the English String Orchestra) I realised I needed an instrument that could give a promising tone, and help me advance as a soloist. After about a year-and-a-half of searching for ‘The right Violin’, I found Cardiff Violins. We gave them a ring, and we shortly agreed on a day to try out the stock of Violins. After being dis-heartened from so many other Violin shops, I thought the same would happen again.
How wrong I was. I was greeted SO warmly by the entire team, and they made me feel at home. I was so impressed by the amount of instruments they had in stock. The atmosphere was brilliant, and I was very relaxed whilst playing numerous Violins – the service, and the advice I was given by everyone who works there was so wonderful, and I’m ever so grateful for it. In the end, I found ‘The right Violin’. An Alfred Vincent, 1936. The condition and tone was perfect. But, that worried me! The price! I had the awful feeling it would be over our budget. Yet again, I was wrong. The price was within our budget – it made me realise that Cardiff Violins give honest prices, advice, and opinions on their instruments. Quality instruments, quality prices, and quality service. I have made a wonderful friendship with the team from Cardiff Violins! I can’t wait to take my Violin everywhere! I haven’t had it long, but it’s got a very fun life ahead of it. '
Where I play, and what ensembles I am in…
I have started a duo called ‘Baron Renarde’ with a very good friend of mine, Mr Daniel Payne – a fantastic Guitarist. The first time we played music together it happened to be improvised, and recorded. What was recorded is now known as our favourite piece ‘Islay’. This was on my Alfred Vincent Violin! I’m the lead Viola player in the Shropshire youth Orchestra, lead Violinist of the Bishop’s Castle Orchestra, Lead Violinist of ‘Po’s Stringendo ensemble’ leader of many ‘youth quartets’. I won a quartet competition to have a master class with the Wihan Quartet. I have also played alongside the English String Orchestra in a workshop. I also play violin, and dance, for the Shropshire bedlams Morris Dancing team, through this I was given the opportunity to play the Cello on the T.V series ‘Victorian Farm’ for their final Christmas episode: http://www.bbc.co.uk/victorianchristmas/activity/carol-singing.shtml.
Teresa James
I accompanied my son Sam to purchase a violin from your shop and it was a lovely change to be greeted by welcoming and knowledgeable members of staff, and in particular Laura, whose passion for both the violin and customer service was clearly evident, as she spent over an hour with us to ensure my son was able to select the most appropriate violin to suit his level and style of playing.
Refreshingly, we did not feel pressured and we did not feel intimidated; instead we left feeling valued customers and confident with our purchase…….. and that is quite a rare thing today!
So, once again, thank you very much for your expertise & outstanding customer service and we look forward to shopping with you again in the future!
Ken Watkin
I just love my Luis & Clark viola. The sound is amazing and it plays easily and consistently. Each string is evenly balanced and equally rewarding, and the machine is physically a joy to work on.It blends in perfectly with tradition instruments and is just as responsive whether playing loudly or softly. A bonus is that Cardiff Violins have provided excellent support service and are always willing to advise and help. I look forward to many happy hours of playing this super viola.
Allan and Wendy Betts
We would like to let you know how delighted we are with our violas by Don Tatem. Wendy bought her instrument form Cardiff Violins in June 2004. It bears the name "ANNOWRE", No 291 and is dated 1990 and has a full, rounded, smooth tone. The back-length is 15.5 inches.
When I needed to change my own viola a few months ago, I tried out a number of instruments from Cardiff Violins at home, and settled on another instrument by Don Tatem which I purchased in September 2011. This viola is No 427 dated 1998 and the label bears the name "JOANNA" The back-length is 15.75 inches. 
Since I acquired my viola we have played about six concerts, amd innumerable rehearsals, with two busy local orchestras. I am equally delighted with the sound produced with my own instrument, having been Wendy's desk-partner, and admired her powerful smooth tone for years.
We would not hesitate to recommend Don's instruments to anyone. Try one and see. We cannot praise the beautiful sound and appearance of Don Tatem's instruments highly enough, and on our recommendation, an orchestral friend has recently bought a Tatem violin, with which she is very happy.
Our thanks and best wishes are due to all at Cardiff Violins who have been so considerate and obliging when we have wished to try out instruments.
Edgar Bailey
I first met Chris and Cécile at Cardiff Violins about six years ago when, as a music college student in London, I replaced my first full size violin.
They are extremely friendly and helpful and their expertise is second to none. They have an extensive range of violins, bows, cases and accessories and I know that they are only a phone call away if I have a string emergency!
I am now a professional violinist and I have continued to use Cardiff Violins as my first point of call.
Nicole Wilson
Principal Second Violin, English National Opera
I bought my Gagliano violin from Cardiff Violins several years ago and was thrilled with the service they provided. Not only did they patiently help me through the very important and nerve wracking process of choosing the perfect violin but after the purchase they gave me wonderful support setting up the violin so it had the optimum set up for me. My Gagliano is part of me now - I can't imagine my life without it. Thanks Cardiff Violins!
Hans Bonzel - Violinist, Rotterdam, Holland
Destiny or coincidence?
My wife and I were having a short holiday for the first time in beautiful Wales early 2011. The week started in Dolgellau and the last day we spent in Cardiff. Walking around in a sunny but cold Cardiff we heard some violin music floating in the air in a shopping street! Like a magnet we were pulled by the music or was it also by the warmth, which came from somewhere upstairs in a shopping mall. The violin shop had a small entrance and a friendly man (Chris we heard later) asked what the purpose of our visit was, and that was basically none! After some stumbling words, Chris asked me whether I played violin, and yes I did (although I hadn’t played for a while). Immediately I was offered the opportunity to try out three beautiful instruments, which I accepted since we enjoyed the friendly and hospitable approach. It took a while to get my fingers warm, not only from the cold but also from not playing for months. One of the violins was a beautiful Sebastian Klotz violin mid 18th century, which I loved at once. A violin however is not something you normally buy as an impulse investment, so after a very nice hour or two of trying we left with doubt in our hearts. Back in the Netherlands I realized that I really was keen on the violin. I did some research on the net to find out more about Sebastian Klotz and expressed my interest to Chris and Cecile. On Easter monday I returned to Cardiff. Chris and Cecile were so kind to open the shop especially for me during their Easter holiday, and I played most of the day. Even their daughter came in and played for me so I could also listen and compare from a distance. It was a wonderful experience with a very friendly welcome in Cardiff. I bought the beautiful violin and with it a nice bow. Chris and Cecile, thanks for your warm hospitality and we hope to see you again when we are over in Wales!
Warm regards.
Hans Bonzel and Jàn Hooper
Cara Williams,
Violinist, Birmingham Conservatoire
"When it came to the time to buy the instrument to begin my journey through music college, I needed help and advice from someone I could trust. After an exhausting search across the UK for my perfect violin, Cardiff Violins really stood out - in all the right ways. From the moment you enter the shop you’re made to feel at home, and the staff are kind, honest, and always catering to your every need. The vast range of beautiful violins across all price ranges meant I was spoilt for choice, but when I was handed a beautiful Hubicka violin by Chris and played it I knew it was perfect for me, my decision was made! I couldn’t be happier with my violin and I love it more every day. I'm eternally grateful for the generosity and help that everyone at Cardiff Violins has given me. It’s not just a single purchase - it’s an ongoing relationship. Even though I’m away studying at Birmingham Conservatoire, Chris and Cecile always like to know how I’m getting on with my violin and would help me at the drop of a hat with anything I needed for my playing! They offer me support with everything I do.
Not only did I buy my violin from Cardiff Violins – but also my bow, case… even my shoulder rest, rosin and strings! They really have everything you could need, which means I would never need or want to go anywhere else. I couldn’t possibly recommend Cardiff Violins enough, and I look forwards to maintaining my relationship with them throughout my entire career as a violinist.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional or anything in between, I completely believe there’ll be an instrument for you at Cardiff Violins and I know it’ll be an experience you’ll enjoy."
Philip Aird
The folk at Cardiff Violins are simply the most professional, knowledgeable and friendliest team you could hope to meet, and I will be forever in their debt for the help, advice and patience they have shown me over many, many years.
I never hesitate in recommending colleagues, pupils or parents to the shop for whether buying, browsing or just in need of some advice. Customers will always find a warm welcome awaits them.
For the beginner, student or professional it’s a wonderful environment with the time and space (plus plenty of tea and coffee) in which to try out instruments - and you never feel rushed or hassled! They found a wonderful violin for me and have kept it in perfect playing condition ever since.
Thank you Chris & Cécile
1st Violin: Royal Ballet Sinfonia
Director: English Mozart Ensemble
General Manager: European String Teachers Association
Trevor Maplestone
Violin and viola teacher, Cwmbran
www.thestringquartetcompany.co.uk
In a violin, I look for a working musicians tool. I need an instrument that is clear and resonant. An instrument that rings and responds back to you. I found such an instrument at Cardiff Violins, as a new violin made by Elspeth Rowe. Already designed and set up with no further adjustments necessary. I can project in a performance environment, and yet play so incredibly quietly as well. A good violin makes you a better violinist.
I recommend Cardiff Violins to my students too.Good instruments do not have to be old or expensive for a student to improve. Students need to be motivated and inspired by the tools they work with. What is important, is a good set up with all the upgraded parts in easy working order, comfortable to play, and a resonant sound.
One of my students has bought a new bow from Cardiff Violins and we can’t believe how much it has improved the sound of the violin! Previously, I was asking the student how old the strings were etc. because the violin was sounding a bit mellow and dull, when all along it was the bow. Her two previous bows had felt so soft, soggy and wrong. Amazing result!
Nicola Ramirez
Sentica Ensemble, Conservatorio de Castello Branco, Portugal
I have known Chris and Cécile for almost 15 years now and even though I now live in Portugal, I am still able to enjoy their friendship and their never ending knowledge about violins.
As a student, I purchased several instruments and bows from their excellent selection. Although making such an investment is always a stressful thing, I always loved the fact that I was able to stay for as long as I needed, playing as many instruments as I wanted. I cannot think of any other shop in the UK where one would be able to do this. There is not such thing as a perfect instrument of course, but should one find a violin close to the ideal but with something missing (perhaps not enough bass sound or maybe too bright E string) Chris would then spend long hours on a one-to-one session fiddling around until finally a miracle would happen.
One such happy ocasion happened a few months ago, when my group, the Sentica Ensemble, gave a couple of concerts in Cardiff and London. I went to visit Cécile and Chris and took my Portuguese colleagues with me as they were looking for bows, wanted a check up on their instruments etc. We didn´t spend more time only because we had to catch a plane back! Chris and Cecile were absolutely wonderful and my friends were over the moon being able to spend time with two luthiers who shared their knowledge with such generosity. I was of course, very proud!!!!
I taught in Cardiff for 13 years and I believe over 500 individual students had lessons with me at one point or another. Of them perhaps half owned one example of the incredible range of student violins Chris and Cécile have at the shop. I can say with absolute certainty that it is not possible to find anywhere in the UK (or in Portugal for that matter) violins that have been worked on so, so well, that their sound is unbelievable and at very affordable prices. I miss their friendship and their expertise a lot. Having Cardiff Violins is one of the things the city must be proud of, and I hope many trips come by in the future so that I can pop in and spend some happy times at the shop.
Gwen Lewis
I really enjoyed my experience in Cardiff Violins. There was an extremely friendly service and no hurry to choose your violin or bow. I bought a beautiful old violin which has gone from strength to strength, and I’ve several compliments on its wonderful tone. I currently use my violin for solo, chamber and orchestral playing as it is so versatile – just what I wanted! I would recommend Cardiff Violins to anyone for knowledgable and helpful advice and plenty of choice of instruments, bows and cases. I couldn’t be happier with my violin, and I only have the staff at Cardiff Violins to thank.
Alan McClure
I am a freelance violinist /violist and am a bit hard to classify…
I enjoy being versatile as I love many styles of playing in many different contexts. I regularly work as an orchestral player, recitalist, baroque violinist, jazz violinist/violist, quartet and session player. I have always been interested in string playing from many parts of the world, from Cape Breton fiddling to Indian ragas!
I have just purchased a marvellous bow by American maker Lee Guthrie. Beautiful craftsmanship, powerful, superb playability and draws out colours and sonorities from my instrument I didn't know were there! Cardiff Violins have been extremely helpful and a pleasure to deal with. The Lee Guthrie is the third fine bow they have sold me. The others are a wonderful Baroque bow by Jacques Poullot, gorgeous and full of nuance and the renowned "Spiccato'" by Benoit Rolland- powerful, smooth and versatile. I use it for many styles including jazz..
Alan McClure is well known in Northern Ireland as a freelance violinist and teacher. He began playing the violin at the age of 14 after hearing Arthur Grumiaux play Beethoven's violin concerto. He eventually performed the work as part of his music degree several years later. This led to further performances in the United States and several performances of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" with the Ulster Orchestra.
Alan has since delved occasionally into other kinds of music such as jazz and rock, often playing on electric violin and is now a fluent improviser in many styles. He is also well known as a gospel musician having recorded extensively for many gospel artists and has recently released his own solo project for Kingsway Music. He is a keen chamber musician and plays both violin and viola regularly with the Ireland String Quartet.
Alan has performed with the Irish Film Orchestra, RTE Concert Orchestra, Castleward Opera Orchestra, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, the Ulster Orchestra, Camerata Ireland, the West Ocean String Quartet and Contempi String Quartet. He has recently taken part in “Compose Yourself”, a six- part television documentary masterminded by Barry Douglas which followed the progress of some beginner players who eventually played with Camerata Ireland! It was broadcasted on BBC2 earlier this year.
Alessia Beebe
It was three years ago that I first visited Cardiff Violins. I was overwelmed by the choice of string instruments and accessories on offer. Already an accomplished violinist, I was looking for a new bow of excellent quality to complement my violin. I didn’t have to go any further as Cardiff Violins stock a wide selection of bows. I finally set my eyes on a Manuel Francisco bow of exceptional quality. After trying a number of bows at my own pace and taking Chris and Cécile’s excellent advice, I never looked back. I was also conscious about taking care of my violin as I travel considerably and Cardiff Violins also stock a significant selection of high end cases. I chose a HIMA violin case because it was robust and practical for air travel. Additionally, it has a special music slot inside the case which was just what I was looking for.
I am a qualified musician having recently graduated from the University of Southampton and am a regular player with local orchestras in Guernsey. Since being back in the Island, I have performed as a soloist as well as string quartet events for various functions. Being a primary school teacher by profession, I also provide private tuition lessons in piano and violin.
Kate Bresner
My relationship with Cardiff Violins dates back decades to when I traded in my first ever cello for a beautiful old Saxon cello. My first instrument was reworked and remodelled to bring it to its full potential, and I considered buying it back. Years later I traded in the Saxon cello for a more robust modern instrument. I followed Chris's advice and tried a handmade Chinese cello and, without a doubt, it is one of the finest instruments I have played. I would never have found my perfect cello if I had not been willing to 'think outside the box'. Since I bought it I have returned for routine maintenance and tweaking to maintain the best possible sound.
It is always a pleasure to pop into Cardiff violins for a cup of coffee and a look at their latest acquisitions. As well as being a first class instrument dealership, Chris and Cecile love to share new innovations and ideas (as well as the latest music sensation trending on YouTube). They make every visitor feel very welcome and ensure that they will return time and time again. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to musicians of every level. Not only will you receive the best service, but you will probably make friends for life in the process!
Brigit Forsyth
My first visit to Cardiff Violins was to play on a wonderful cello that had belonged at one time to the cellist Beatrice Harrison! How this came about is a whole separate story, far too long to put here. Suffice it to say, I had a wonderful day there with Dale Culliford, who was my teacher and had suggested I do a show about Beatrice Harrison. I shall never forget playing that cello. On my next visit, a couple of years later I think, I fell in love with a Banks cello and ended up buying it in part exchange for my Kraske cello. The visit after that I bought yet another cello, a Kennedy, as I felt I needed two! It is a dangerous place, Cardiff Violins. Cecile and Chris are utterly charming and have created a wonderful relaxed atmosphere in the shop where you are surrounded by lovely cellos and violins, which they let you play for as long as you want. Very seductive. I play in a band called the Fircones, and love the sound the Banks cello makes with the guitars, mandolin, violin and the bodrin. I am not sure I can visit Cardiff without calling in to see Cecile and Chris, but think I must try and not buy any more cellos. There was a lovely Smith last time….oh dear!
Brigit Forsyth, cellist, in The Fircones
Nicky Enderby
By the time I went to Cardiff Violins I'd already been looking for a new violin for nearly six months with no luck. A couple of friends recommended that I try Cardiff saying that they were sure I'd be able to find something. Chris, Cecile and the rest of their team were all incredibly friendly and absolutely fantastic. Choosing the right instrument takes a long time but I never felt pressured to hurry the process. I'd come so close to finding the right instrument on several occasions but there was always something that wasn't quite right and I was delighted that that wasn't the case at Cardiff. I found an absolutely beautiful 1780 Viennese violin that I just fell in love with straight away - it just felt like the right instrument. I simply couldn't believe that it hadn't been bought before. Chris and Cecile were fantastic after I had bought it as well, checking to make sure that I was still happy and hadn't had any problems. Since I bought it, I've used it for operas, recording sessions, solo recitals, auditions and everyday orchestral playing and I couldn't be happier. I'm incredibly grateful to both Chris, Cecile and all of the team at Cardiff Violins - I couldn't imagine playing on any other instrument now!
Chiara Beebe
Growing up in Guernsey, it could be difficult to have access to a variety of quality instruments and services and it was completely by chance that I came across Cardiff Violins. My parents found the charming shop whilst visiting the city of Cardiff a few years ago and insisted I visited. I was so glad for my parents’ accidental discovery and the trip to the shop was well worth my while. Cécile and her team were absolutely fantastic in helping me try out different instruments without ever being intrusive or putting any pressure on me. They have a great understanding of the importance of each individual’s particular needs and were able to guide me to finding my perfect cello. I spent two days in the shop but came out with a fantastic instrument and case which I am as happy with now as the day I bought them.
The Ian Ross cello I bought from Cardiff Violins has been with me for a few years now, at first helping me perform locally in the Guernsey Eistedfodd where my solo cello performance won me the Prix D’excellence award, and getting me through my grade 8 exam with distinction. I also played the Saint-Saëns cello concerto with the Guernsey Youth Orchestra. Straight away people noticed a difference in my playing and the beautiful tone the instrument produces. I am now studying music at Manchester University where I have lead the University Symphony Orchestra and play with a variety of ensembles. I currently study with Simon Turner from the Hallé and am looking forward to my solo recitals as part of my course on the instrument. My Ian Ross cello has been to Prague on a recent tour and will soon be accompanying me to Europe again for the next summer tour. It will also have its first outing to the Bridgewater hall when my quartet plays in the lunchtime concert series there.
Performing cello will always be a big part of my life I see no reason why the cello I bought from Cardiff Violins should not accompany me through all of it. I highly recommend Cardiff Violins to anyone looking for personal service, quality and choice.
Gwen Richards
1st violin in BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Cardiff Violins has been part of my life since a young age. Cecile and Chris have always provided helpful assistance, a happy atmosphere and a varied and vast choice of bows and violins to try. I’ve been very fortunate to find my bow made by Benoit Rolland and Hopf violin (dated 1790), both of which I love and found through Cardiff Violins.
The shop is in a great location in Cardiff, making it very accessible to and from London where I was a student at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Chris and Cecile have always been exceptionally supportive and have always been helpful at every step of my musical development. They understand that taking time to find the perfect instrument and bow for you is important and needs patience, time and several cups of tea! Thanks to Cardiff Violins, I’ve found an instrument and bow that I adore playing every day in my work as sub co-leader of BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
Elen Richards
2nd violin in the Royal Philarmonic Orchestra
I have been a customer at Cardiff Violins for the past 15 years and they have always been the first port of call for any instrument purchase. Chris and Cecile have a wide range of instruments and bows, for any price range, and any time in your musical career. My first violin and bow from Cardiff Violins helped me obtain a place at the Royal Academy of Music, London and my current purchase of a Benoit Rolland bow is a great asset to my work in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Chris and Cecile are so welcoming and accommodating. When I come home to South Wales I will often pop in to visit and they let me indulge for hours playing the instruments and bows they have on offer.
I can without any doubt highly recommend their work and I will continue to visit Cardiff Violins again for future purchases.
