Testimonials

There’s something delightfully other-worldly about Cardiff Violins. Partly it’s the place on that magical upper level arcade walkway with the great mirror windows doubling the architectural space. Inside, Joe was exercising various violins as I arrived and rich sounds of the Barber concerto permeated the building. “Would you like tea or coffee?” “How was your journey?” Here one is literally spoilt for choice – were there 40 or 50 instruments in the viola room alone? Selection might have been daunting except that Cécile and Chris, like caring marriage brokers, are so focused on matching players’ needs and the qualities of the instruments available. Potential musical bonds were soon being established. Even so, there was no rush in this homely hospitality and amazingly it was three hours later when I carried away two instruments to try at home. A week later Cécile and Chris listened carefully to my observations. The favoured instrument was not quite as I would like. So, like a bespoke tailor, Chris was soon making subtle adjustments. Nothing appeared to be too much trouble and I got the impression that these people would not sleep at night if they thought an instrument had gone out of the shop not wholly suiting a player’s aspirations. I am pleased with the antique viola purchased and most impressed with the hugely knowledgeable and friendly assistance that enabled me to choose the right instrument.

I recently purchased a new violin at Cardiff Violins after finally admitting that my very old one was becoming too delicate and wasn't fit for harsh stage lighting or long-haul travel.  It was a difficult decision as I knew that this new violin would become my main playing instrument and considering my relatively small budget I didn't think I'd find anything I loved anywhere.  However, I couldn't believe the high-quality sound of the violins that Chris had to offer.  After spending a few weeks trying out and taking home various fiddles, I finally settled on a top range Chinese violin that Chris tinkered with to get the sound just how I like it.  Chris and Cecile are always very friendly, patient, and giving of their time and advice even when you know they have a very busy business to run. Since then I've played on a number of folk gigs and theatre shows and on each one the instrument has sounded warm, rounded and a pleasure to play.   I've been coming to Cardiff Violins for over 20 years and their expertise, knowledge, welcoming and helpful service make each visit a great experience.  Thank you.

I visited today for a minor adjustment to my cello.  I was so impressed by the customer service. Once they realised that I had travelled over three hours to Cardiff the workshop pulled all the stops out to do the work and allow me to be on my way quickly. That’s why the experience at Cardiff Violins is so exceptional. Well worth the time spent. Wonderful people. Thank you.

As an adult cello student, I was on the point of giving up because I was not consistently getting the right pitch from my full size instrument because I could not stretch my fingers enough. The string length of my full size cello was 27¾ inches. I needed a cello with shorter strings, 26 to 26½ inches if I could find one, so I decided to try a smaller cello, and Cardiff Violins had several available. Cecile was very helpful on the telephone and encouraged me to visit the shop. When my husband and I arrived we were made most welcome and were provided with a private room and a variety of instruments in different sizes and prices which had been selected for me by Katja, a cello student at the RWCMD. I was able to take as much time as I needed, not only to try the instruments myself but to have them played for me by Katja. It was enormously helpful to both play and hear the different cellos. Katja not only played beautifully, but was also very encouraging and thoughtful in her comments and suggestions. She also gave me several playing tips which have greatly improved my technique. (Katja is pictured here, during Debbie's visit) With Katja’s assistance, I arrived at a short list of two 7/8 cellos. Eventually, I chose one to take home for a two-week trial during which time I would be able to take advice from my regular teacher. Shortly into that period, I wished I had also asked to try my second choice instrument. Cecile was only too pleased to send it to me by courier. Thus with my teacher’s help, both cellos were put through their paces and I settled upon a Chinese Con Brio instrument with a voice which is powerful and rich despite being 7/8 in size. It is also very attractive with good varnish, colour and patterning. Most importantly the size is just right for me. It is also much easier to play than my old cello, because of the way it has been set up. At the end of the trial period, we returned to Cardiff Violins to finalise the purchase. Once again we were made very welcome and Katja was on hand in the private room to provide advice and support. She had also given further thought to my needs and showed me a 7/8 sized bow, I didn’t know there was such a thing, which she demonstrated and encouraged me to try. It was an instant improvement on my old bow, not only in size, but also in being firmer. This bow had silver fittings unlike the nickel of my old bow which had been causing me a significant allergic reaction. Chris very kindly offered to modify my old bow, but I chose the new 7/8 bow, which was a significant improvement. With good part exchange prices for my old cello and bow, I was able to afford the new ones and am absolutely delighted with them. In every respect, I rate Cardiff Violins extremely highly. I was pleased to find a good choice of instruments in a smaller size, in particular, better quality instruments at a higher price, most luthiers only stock basic models of smaller sizes. The choice of instruments was excellent and the service was professional, warm and friendly. I was given as much time as needed, a private room and no pressure to make a purchase. The whole experience was trouble free, interesting and very enjoyable, the more so for the expert help and advice from Katja. I live a significant distance from Cardiff, but it was well worth the journey.

I really enjoyed my day out at Cardiff Violins trying many cellos of varying prices.  The particular one I found had a very deep and lush tone. I got to know this cello very easily and found it very easy to adapt to the shape, even though it is quite different from what I had before. I also thought it was very comfortable. This is because there are no ribs around the edge and none around the top either. I managed to get a nice constant loud tone even at the higher range of this cello with both fast and slow melodies and a steady mellow sound in the deeper range. I also find that it is hard not to comment on the amazing patterning on this instrument - after all, it is very unique and different from other cellos. The carbon fibre gives this fascinating diamond pattern and dark mysterious colour. I am looking forward to having many worldwide adventures with my cello!

When we started looking for a full sized violin early this year, I had already had quite a strong idea of how the violin should sing and sound. I also had to consider the comfort and ease of playing. It wasn’t an easy task to find ‘the one’! After a long and extensive search in London, my mum decided to travel to Cardiff after hearing good things about Cardiff Violins. The journey took us four hours one way. But we thought it would be worth it. And we were right. Here in Cardiff, after four hours journey, I met Patrick’s violin. It was one of the first few I tried on the day and I kept coming back to it every time I played other violins. I was drawn to the pure brightness and warm depth in the sound – it was my dream combination.

Since then Patrick's violin has been with me and it took me through North London Festivals, ABRSM grade 8, The Yehudi Menuhin School audition, RCMJD U12 competition, NCO U11 summer camp and NCO U12 audition, as well as a few solos, quartet and orchestra performances for various concerts. When I played to audiences, I was often asked about the violin and received compliments about the sound I produced with it. These kind of comments really gave me a big smile.

I call the violin ‘my Patrick’, because it’s one of many violins Patrick made but only one that belongs to me.

I am now studying violin as my first study at The Yehudi Menuhin School. I have just done my first lunchtime concert and assessment, which was a massive challenge each time. But I know they are just the beginning, and I am so excited just to think of all the new challenges and learning I will be facing, and I am so grateful that I have my Patrick with me, going through all the exciting experiences together. It is like my musical partner. I feel very privileged.

https://www.menuhinschool.co.uk/

Having played the violin for over 40 years (I was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales under Clarence Raybould and Arthur Davidson), I have owned a considerable number of instruments including some significant Italians.  During this time I have had the opportunity to use the services of many dealers and restorers in London and elsewhere. In December 2013 I had my first set-up on my nineteenth century Italian violin undertaken by Chris King of Cardiff Violins – my experience has been refreshing. When I collected the instrument Chris and his colleagues were keen to further understand my tonal requirements and very precise adjustments were made on the spot.   Two days after this, Chris phoned me at home to check that I was pleased with his work. It is now one month on and the instrument has continued to grow in tone and character. I now plan to take some of my other instruments to Cardiff for the same treatment. In conclusion, I cannot recommend Cardiff Violins highly enough in terms of their passion for their work, their technical expertise and their commitment to the violin as a vehicle for sound production.

I am really really thrilled with my Musafia violin case.  I love it so much and I feel so privileged to have had this beautiful case made especially for me, the exact way that I wanted it.  It is amazing and even better than I ever hoped for.  The attention to detail and quality is fantastic.  I will feel special every time I use it - it is so fab.  Thank you SO much for ordering it and arranging for it to be made for me - I am so glad we found you and you were willing to help.  This is the best Christmas present ever.