Testimonials
I am currently in my 3rd year of Undergraduate Study at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. During the latter half of my second year, my teacher, Sarah-Jane Bradley, and I were discussing the purchase of a new instrument, and she recommended Cardiff Violins. During the summer holiday, I travelled to Cardiff Violins looking to try violas, and it was a great experience from start to finish. I felt as though I had all the time in the world to try the instruments and nothing was too much trouble. I was told the price range of the instruments and then left to try as many as I liked and take as long as I wanted. The staff even offered to play the instruments for me so I could hear what they sounded like from an audience perspective.
While I was trying the instruments I quickly found a favourite; a 16 inch viola made by Andrzej Kalata. After spending a couple of hours trying instruments, I decided that I would like to take that viola on loan. Very graciously, I was allowed to keep the viola on loan for a month as I was not going to be able to see my teacher until mid-September. My teacher agreed with me that the viola was the right instrument for me and had a lovely tone across the whole range of the instrument, as well as looking absolutely beautiful.
I would thoroughly recommend Cardiff Violins to anyone looking for a new instrument following my own experience there, whatever their standard. The staff were welcoming, accommodating and very helpful, and at no point did I feel under pressure of time or purchase.
I was referred to Cardiff Violins when I was looking for an upgrade violin for my son, Vansh. It was a great experience talking to Cecile for a couple of times before trying out a few violins. Vansh found his first half size violin - an Andantino. We are very impressed with the finish, the sound is phenomenal, lovely tone, and has been much admired by others too. Vansh is suddenly playing it a lot more... it is like - close your eyes, take a deep breath... and let the violin dance!!
Cécile has been so kind with her valuable advise to offer the best to meet the requirements of a growing and passionate young musician.
It was with a degree of trepidation that I contacted Cardiff Violins in the late summer of 2014 to see if it might be possible to view their collection of cellos in September, following their August break. There were reasons for the trepidation… I had only begun playing the cello in mid-July (on an electric cello!) but within a month had recognised that this was a love affair which was going to need an acoustic consummation at some point - but not likely to be necessary for at least a year, so it was at best a speculative visit; and should these circumstances not appeared to be an impediment, my journey to Cardiff would require a 1200 mile round trip from the North West Highlands of Scotland. Not, one would have thought, the most promising of customers upon whom to bestow valuable time and space. Notwithstanding the impediments Cecile Limon was more than welcoming and during the phone call was happy to arrange an appointment for me… Which was duly upheld by both parties. I was welcomed warmly and offered time, space, tea, advice and encouragement and left several hours later without a cello but with a renewed faith in humankind and a promise from Cecile that they would bear me in mind should they find an instrument which they felt might suit my needs. Perhaps a month later I had a call from Cecile, who suggested that they may have a cello which the staff were sure I would like and that perhaps I should go to play it. So, I had now been playing for 3 months faced with an enormous journey and a cello somewhat beyond my budget, and grave concerns about my ability to benefit from such an instrument. I decided to take advice from a conservatoire teacher about my aptitude and potential - particularly given that I was now into my seventh decade! - and I was generously encouraged but put in no doubt that a 'proper' cello must replace the electric one at the earliest opportunity. After some minor prevarication, I decided to put my faith in the judgement of the staff at Cardiff Violins and headed south… I had not been misled; his was indeed a beautiful cello, and, after several hours and several assorted beverages for myself and the friends who had accompanied me to assist in my decision making I left Cecile and Chris King's premises a poorer but happier man. Which is the state in which I remain as this cello continues to grow with me.
The story does not end there, however… a couple of bows had come into the possession of Chris and Cecile which they believed would complement both the cello and my playing and contacted me to advise me so. Now, instead of my having to drive to South Wales from Northern Scotland, they agreed to entrust two very precious bows to the vagaries of the national courier networks and to me, simply for me to try them. They were so good I very nearly bought both! But finally decided on a sensible path and bought the bow which had made the most profound impression on me. The patience and advice of Chris in particular during this process defied my belief and frankly left me awe-struck…Their support during the ensuing year on so many levels has been not merely helpful but inspirational and when I approached Cecile recently with a notion to swap my now redundant electric cello for an acoustic viola Cecile was instantly on board and was able to immediately offer me assistance beyond the bounds of expectation and suffice to say I am now a deeply happy violist and cellist and continue to flourish with the help and support of two people along with their exemplary ancillary staff who have become a significant part of my life and whose judgement and technical expertise I would trust without any qualm. Remarkable people and a remarkable shop. Thank you so much Cecile, Chris and of course Katja.
Just a quick line to express my huge thanks to Mick Quinn and all who were involved in the restoration of my cello. I am absolutely delighted with the result. I have a few decades of practice to catch up on now, but looking forward to it very much. It was also good to meet Chris yesterday as well and I am seriously considering upgrading to the new machine pegs. Please use my comments as you like as I am genuinely delighted with the skill and craftsmanship devoted to my cello at your place. Not only is the instrument restored but many precious thoughts and memories over the years too – I just wish I’d brought it in decades ago.
Dear Cecile and Chris, I would like to thank you both for your time, patience and very valuable knowledge when Joe, Andy and I visited Cardiff Violins a couple of weeks ago. I didn't know what to expect when we travelled from Lincoln early Friday morning. As soon as I entered the shop I knew we would be coming away with a lovely violin. Angharad showed us into a room of which there must have been a hundred with a few hand-picked on a table to start Joe off. However, we were told we could try each and everyone if we so wished! Joe then spent an hour or so trying and rejecting violins until there were four left. Angharad then very kindly played the violins for us so we could listen. Oh, she played beautifully - I could have stayed and listened for another hour or so! It was decided that we would return the next day to play the four again and make a final decision. The violin room was duly booked for the next day and we arrived slightly early. Yet again this was no problem and the violins went through their paces. It was agreed that we would sit and listen to the violins being played away from our sight. Joe from the workshop played the violins (again an amazing talent) and we were down from four to three. After a further blind test the resultant violin was chosen. We had a lovely time, we never felt rushed, nothing was too much trouble and we were expertly managed. There will always be a good violin at a price you can afford at Cardiff Violins. I thoroughly recommend them. Thank you.
I visited Cardiff Violins for the first time in the hope that I might find a cello that would suit me. I am in my seventies and have played my first cello for about 35 years. On arrival, I immediately felt the warmth of the greeting from Cecile and Chris and was offered a coffee which was most welcome after my long drive. I was taken up to a room full of cellos and met a young student from the Welsh College of Music and Drama. She was most helpful and played the various cellos so that I could hear the sounds of the different instruments. She also listened to my playing and then left me to myself. Amateurs often feel intimidated when playing in front of strangers but she put me at my ease and I was able to concentrate on playing and ultimately choosing a new cello. I’m very happy with my Con Brio and look forward to many years of playing, even at my age! Thank you Chris and Cecile for a very pleasant and rewarding morning and I hope to come again in the future
I would like to thank you for allowing me to play on such an incredible instrument recently whilst on tour with ElenElectrix. The 5-string electric violin was incredible to play and I am extremely grateful for allowing me to use such a fine instrument at such short notice. Thank you once again for all of your help.
My violin makes a really big, beautiful, rich sound, and responds to changes in tone and volume easily. The Con Passione looks gorgeous too - it has a kind of glow to it, and I hate to put it away in the case. It paints a beautiful picture when you play and makes practising a pleasure. This violin always feels like it wants to be played. I love love love it!