Testimonials

The Luis & Clark violin surpassed all my expectations in sound quality; acoustically the violin has the power to fill a hall, while not being too penetrating for a small room. This superb violin has strength and balance from top to bottom, lots of volume while remaining easy on the ear. It is visually stunning and feels great to play. Being a folk musician, I seldom use higher positions – however the tonal clarity and feel of this instrument almost tells me where to put my fingers. When on stage using a small, attached microphone – it simply works better than anything I have tried previously. Overall this instrument has opened up opportunities to improve and enjoy playing. I was lucky to find Cardiff Violins to import the violin from America so I could try it before buying – they have a wonderful shop, friendly people and have set up the violin beautifully.

Dear fellow musicians, Cardiff Violins have been an immense help to me for the past decade. I popped in originally whilst working on the Cardiff light music singer of the year awards in 2005. I was looking for a good violin to use in my new position of Leader at Guys and Dolls at the Piccadilly Theatre, London. Their Don Tatem immediately stood out as the budget instrument I required and subsequently, I have also purchased one of Don’s 5 string instruments that are so brilliant in the studio. The assistance I have required since with all nature of string ‘things’ has been exemplary. Chris in the workshop is a fountain of knowledge to whom I never tire of listening. The repairs and advice on setups have always served me extremely well. On all the essential sundries of violin playing, you can’t beat Cecile for organisation and friendliness. Unlike most of the violin dealerships in London, you do feel that Cardiff violins are on the side of the player and you’ll always be treated fairly and respectfully.

When I took my ancient cello to Cardiff Violins for a major repair, it was very fragile and weary. It has come back strong and beautiful with an even, fuller tone.  I've also had a set-up on a new cello, which has created new depths of beauty.

Choosing a new bow from so many available is difficult. Will it play well with the violin? Does the balance feel right? Is its range of tones and responses right for me? Does it look like a piece of art to be admired as well as used? Being presented with twelve or so bows in my price range, £2-3000, and slowly reducing them down to two over an hour or so wasn't easy. However, as soon as I picked up Anne-Cecile’s bow, it felt right… it was that wow feeling. The first notes and scales on the violin just left me smiling. A number of phrases later and I couldn't decide between two French bows. Both felt perfect! I chose Anne-Cecile’s on price, appearance and of course, its richness and sound variations in combination with my violin. It is a true piece of art I never tire of looking at and playing!!

Thank you very much for carrying out such excellent work on my viola and bow. I had a suspicion that the viola was not sounding as well as it could and put it down to the fact that I have not played it much over the last year due to illness. I was very pleased, indeed surprised, to hear how much the sound and playing quality have improved considering I had only asked for it to be checked over. Of course, the re-hairing of the bow helps, but the sound of the viola has been transformed with a lovely warm full sound and it is much easier to play. I was so thrilled with its sound that I was encouraged to do some practice for the first time in over a year, and to enter myself in a musical evening last night playing a short duet with a flautist, and arrangement of Cesar Frank's Panis Angelicus. We will also be performing it next week at a Holy Week Service. The performance last night went very well and I was congratulated on the fine sound of the C string in the lower register. Thank you for all the help and assistance you provide to string players both near and far, and I look forward to seeing you again.

Until I lost my hearing, the violin was my life and my beautiful Italian instrument had gone faithfully with me throughout my career as a performer and Suzuki teacher. But recently I came to realise that I would never play again and that it was time to find it a new home in which it could be played and loved once more. After reaching this sad decision it was a huge consolation to me to be able to place it in the hands of Chris at Cardiff Violins so that it could be restored to a perfect condition before putting it up for sale. After completion of the restoration, I spent a very happy morning with Chris and Cecile at their beautiful showrooms. Briefly reunited with my violin I was so happy to find it once again in a glorious condition and sounding magnificent thanks to Chris's excellent craftsmanship. I know that Chris and Cecile are in the best possible position with their fine reputation and experience to find my violin a good home, for which I shall be forever grateful.

My relationship with Cardiff Violins has developed over that last 20 or so years. I purchased my first viola from Chris and Cecile aged 14, then aged 18 they advised me and helped me to select the instrument that would allow my playing to develop through university and with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. Then in 2008, I decided that for my performance to be enhanced, I would need to invest in a better instrument. Over a period of 5 months, I visited Cardiff Violins and both Chris and Cecile were extremely accommodating; these visits occurred when I had a spare hour before a rehearsal somewhere in the city. Fortunately for me, the same viola was always there, proudly waiting for a play. Making the decision to purchase it was one of the best I have ever made. An Ian Ross viola from 2004, with the most sublime tone across the entire register. Without the patience of Chris and Cecile, it would not have happened. They then helped me purchase my first violin when I decided that I needed an instrument that I could teach beyond grade 3 violin on. A very difficult task on the viola. They pointed me in the direction of a very capable and inexpensive instrument that fitted the job description perfectly. So well, in fact, several of my students have visited Cardiff Violins and enjoyed the advice and knowledge of Chris and Cecile during the purchase of their first instrument.

Purchasing George’s violin was a wonderful experience enjoyed by the whole family. Magda and Cécile ensured that our afternoon spent at Cardiff Violins was a highly successful one, where we were able to purchase a beautiful instrument for George, which was clearly of a far superior quality compared to anything seen previously. The environment and pleasant ambience of the premises lends itself perfectly to the occasion and allows you to easily concentrate on the matter in hand without distraction. George was able to play each violin in turn, (including a duet with Magda) until he was satisfied, beyond doubt, that he had found his favourite. Each part of the whole process was taken as carefully as the last; whether it was selecting the violin itself, or the shoulder rest, bow and case. A welcome benefit was that the purchase was aided by the 'Assistance Purchase Scheme', which enabled us to save on all the VAT for the sake of two minutes spent filling out a brief form that accompanied our payment. Most importantly George loves his new violin to bits and plays it at any opportunity. The difference in his playing is obvious and makes us all wonder how he managed so well previously? Thanks again for all your help and we look forward to seeing you soon.