Testimonials

Stepping into the past brings magnificent rewards for the future! I cannot begin to describe the surprise and joy my trip to Cardiff Violins brought. I discovered from my research on the internet that this shop was one of the best in the UK from which to buy a high quality stringed instrument, and so at the first opportunity, I travelled there from my home in Devon in hope of purchasing my very first viola. As an adult beginner, I was slightly nervous about the reception I would receive at such a prestigious establishment, but I was welcomed with an enthusiasm and professionalism, rarely found in a 21st century retail environment.

There was something ‘timeless’ about the whole Cardiff Violins experience. Firstly, the arcade in which the shop is situated has been preserved with all its original Victorian charm and splendour. Tucked away at the top, Cardiff Violins is like walking into a different century – yet somehow totally appropriate in its arrangement and tone. Violins, violas, cellos and double bases all carefully placed in their own rooms. Staff with expert knowledge, and perhaps even more importantly passion for the instruments, offering top class service.

I wished to purchase a viola and was given personal time and space to test several instruments in order to find the ‘right fit’. Then, once my accompanying friend and I had whittled it down to three choices, perhaps the most special part of the visit took place. We were honoured with a private, virtuoso performance on each of those three instruments from a young member of staff, who also studies at the world famous Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama. His performances brought tears of happiness to our eyes and we felt like something truly magical had occurred in a truly magical shop. Perhaps a little like stepping into the Olliander’s Wand Shop, a visit to Cardiff Violins is an experience one will never forget.

I bought my beautiful viola, and every time I pick it up, I think of that wonderful afternoon and the lovely staff and excellent service. I only hope I have an excuse to go there again in the future.

Since the age of 9, when I first started playing the violin, I have never strayed away from being an avid customer of Cardiff Violins. They have accompanied me on my journey ever since the purchase of my half sized violin all the way up to my Old English Violin c.1810 as well as a full sized viola and 2 bows. Chris and Cecile couldn’t be any more helpful when I've needed repairs, help or even advice. I have tried many instruments in their cosy oldie worldy rooms and the staff have been nothing short of amazing. They have always been patient, obliging and accommodating and have always made me feel like I can take all the time in the world. Studying at Birmingham Conservatoire is a long distance from Cardiff but I will always visit Cardiff Violins as Chris and Cecile's service is very professional and they without fail make time for me and my many bow re-hairs and repairs. Cardiff Violins is a truly excellent establishment for any professional or aspiring musician.

www.rachelerobertsviolin.co.uk/

I'm writing to say thank you for the safe delivery of my cello to Guernsey.  It is beautiful, and I'm loving playing it! Thank you for the superb service that you and your staff have provided. It's unusual in this day and age, and I've been really impressed. Thanks again.

Hi, I just wanted to say thank you for the great help and support you provided for my daughter, Emily, during her violin finding visit on Saturday. It was a great experience and Laura did a great job of helping Emily through it all. Whilst she has not yet decided on which instrument it will be I know that the service we had from you will be hard to beat.

What I can say is I absolutely love my violin and am very much enjoying the lessons I am having. It’s quite complex isn’t it but that is also the beauty of it. Thank you so much for my violin!

We presented Lyndon a beautiful cello from Cardiff Violins as his 16th birthday present.  I wish you could have been here to see his expression the first moments he bowed the instrument.  A huge smile of delight slowly spread over his face as he heard its first resonating sounds.  Lyndon has been playing an electric cello for the last 1.5 years and was missing what it sounds like to play an acoustic instrument.  The cello is not only beautiful-sounding, but also beautiful to behold.  We love the gorgeous colour of it. The cello was shipped to our home in Switzerland and arrived safe and sound, along with a hard case that we also bought for it. Thank you to Cardiff Violins, Mary (our cello teacher), and Andrew (our cello teacher’s cello-playing father) for helping us find the perfect birthday present for Lyndon.  It seems very fitting that Lyndon is going to play the Prelude to Bach’s Unaccompanied Cello Suite in G Major as his first recital piece with this cello.  The cello is going to bring many years of happiness to our family.  We are sending you a special photo that Lyndon’s sister took of Lyndon and his new cello, as thanks.

Hi all. Thanks again for an amazing experience two weeks ago when I came to buy my bow and thank you for adding on insurance for me.

Thank you for the delivery of the cello case - it turned up yesterday. I just wanted to say that Debrah is very happy with the cello we purchased from you, and I am equally so with the bow I purchased. We were very appreciative of the help Katja gave us on the day, and the time she was prepared to spend with us, helping us to select the right instrument. Can you please personally thank her for us.