Testimonials
When you first enter the Violin Room at Cardiff Violins you find yourself in a wondrous Aladdin's cave of violins, the walls lined from floor to ceiling with row upon row of instruments, and there is the feeling that surely you will find “that special violin” here. There is a warm welcome to settle you in with reviving cups of tea to brace yourself for the task ahead, and Chris is on hand to tell you about the different instruments and their histories. They also have a violinist available to play for you, so that you can hear how your selection sounds from a distance, and how well it projects. When you need a break there are plenty of little cafes nearby where you can sit and discuss and mull over the decisions you might make.
Maddie fell in love with a wonderful old English violin, and I was also so inspired by one of the instruments (sadly beyond our price range) that I decided to start to play the violin again. Cecile and Chris were able to find me a lovely old instrument that suited my hands. So now Maddie and I play duets together!
The next fun task is choosing a violin case. Choosing a violin case is easy with such a variety of cases to choose from – once again one is spoilt for choice – from the simply sumptuous to the functional. Seeing your violin in a beautiful case that sets off the wood is inspiring and just makes you want it to pick it up and start playing.
So although we set out to purchase one violin and ended up with two, we went through an amazing journey of discovery, our lives are the richer and our music-making enhanced! Thank you Cardiff Violins!
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!
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 Craske cello. And 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 and you are surrounded by lovely cellos and violins, and they let you play them 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 and the mandolin and the 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!
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!
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 knowledgeable 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.
Cardiff Violins is a delightful family run music shop, hidden away above the hustle & bustle of the arcade. Right from my first visit, Cecile and her team were very welcoming, accommodating and patient - I was offered a cup of tea and the freedom of their cello room, with the company of their cello specialist Katja. She was very courteous, knowledgeable and honest about the cellos - and was happy to play as I walked around the room listening from another perspective. I drove 3 hours from London on two occasions, and over these few days, I was happy to find a cello I loved the sound of. It's so easy to spend hours playing these instruments, and the staff are well versed with each one, with their highly skilled and careful luthiers working diligently to bring out the best in each cello. There was never a rush, or pressure to buy, and I was free to try all of their cellos - which really helped me to relax and enjoy the time spent playing. I had no idea buying a cello could be this much fun! I bought a stunning old English cello c1800 - and as I had to wait to pick up the cello after closing hours, Chris & Cecile invited me to their home and we spent a while talking over some tea and cookies, which was a really nice touch. I shall be fondly reminded of Cardiff Violins each time I play, as their logo is stamped into the bridge. Thanks!
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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 traditional instruments and is just as responsive whether playing loudly or softly. A bonus is that Cardiff Violins have provided excellent support service and they are always willing to advise and help. I look forward to many happy hours of playing this super viola.
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.