Testimonials
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.
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.
You might walk through the Castle Arcade in Cardiff and never even realise there is a balcony, let alone somewhere as special as Cardiff Violins up there. But if you let yourself be led by the sounds of violins, violas, and cellos that drift down and resonate through the arcade, as I did in 2003, what you will find is a treasure trove. And I say that not only because of the many instruments, but also for the knowledge and passion that Chris King has for his work, and the dedication of Cecile and the rest of her staff to really helping you find the right instrument for you.
What began as curiosity found me falling in love with a new cello, a Dheil copy by the British maker William Piper. This encounter not only gave me a great instrument to play and enjoy while I was studying, but also led to me working for Cardiff Violins for the following five years. The appreciation for instruments, their quirks, nuances and almost endless potential for different sound that I learned from working extensively with Chris is what I value the most from my time at Cardiff Violins. To be able to hear the hidden capabilities of an instrument is a wonderful gift, and to awaken them is a skill.
Towards the end of my time in Cardiff I was lucky to inherit some money, and I knew that it was to be for a cello. I had liked many cellos that had come and gone through the shop, but never fallen for one as Ruth Elder did with her violin. Chris and Cecile put every effort possible into looking for a cello that would have just the right character for me, and I am very lucky to now own a beautiful old English cello by Thomas Kennedy. Luckier still am I to own a bow by Benoit Rolland, made for me after his visit to Cardiff Violins in 2007. It is growing with me as I develop as a musician, and will forever be a part of me.
To pursue a dream of travelling around South America, I now live in Buenos Aires. Travelling with a 200 year-old cello did not however seem like the most sensible idea, so I have left my Kennedy on loan to the Welsh College of Music and Drama, and exchanged my Piper for a good quality Chinese “Belissimo” cello to take with me. So far we have been through deserts, across mountains and down into jungles travelling around Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. While the cello does of course react to the extreme climate changes, I have not had any problems. For a new instrument it has a very rich sound, and is a pleasure to play.
Although I am such a long way away, I still have a very close relationship with Chris and Cecile at Cardiff Violins, and I hope that it will continue for many years to come. They are the kind of people, and Cardiff Violins therefore is the kind of shop, with whom you can have a relationship for life.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!