Testimonials
Johanna is a little girl living in the south east of Bavaria. She started playing violin three years ago with a 1/8 size violin. When it was time to change to a half size violin we got the advice to try Cécile's violin shop in Cardiff.
Thank you Cécile, Chris, Magdalena and the workshop for your help last week. I popped in for some advice and instead received personal help for almost three hours: nothing was too much trouble. I'm especially pleased with the repair to my violin: initially, I didn't believe it was mine! Attention to detail, personal service and knowledgable staff can be lacking in this world of online shopping but these qualities are very much alive at Cardiff Violins.
I met Chris King of Cardiff Violins at the ESTA Conference in Oxford where he crafted a new bridge for my violin and checked the soundpost. I was pleasantly surprised by Chris' and his son Dan's know-how and understanding of the instrument. My violin got whole new fresh breathing and improved sound. Thank you a lot!
I had intended to put off writing to you with my impressions of the violin until I had lived with it for a while. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm has overcome me! I am too delighted with the tone of this beautiful instrument not to write and tell you. It sounds so rich and warm. I acknowledge that I am not an accomplished violinist, but I have played musical instruments for thirty years, and would consider myself sufficiently competent to appreciate the rich and subtle tone of the Czardas! The chin rest is very comfortable too and I feel that I could play this lovely violin for hours. Buying the violin was a leap of faith so thanks for your assistance in selecting such a delightful violin and for your excellent and patient customer service. Due to the pressures of work and family life and the complications of geography, I doubt that I would have discovered such a lovely violin, if it were not for your friendly and courteous service. I would not hesitate to purchase another violin from you by means of the internet and phone!
The Baroque violin is doing well as our "trainer" instrument. We used it for a classical concert at A430 in August (2nd violin on the recording), it was played for a Purcell concert last month and it will be used for a JS Bach event on Nov 17. The players seem happy with it and it has a nice tone that fits in well with the other strings. Here's a very live sampling from the classical concert. Haydn Symph. 104 arranged by his contemporary Salomon. Click here for mp3
Cardiff Violins was recommended to me by several of my fellow string players in North Devon, and having now been there myself I could not recommend them more! All the staff were so open, kind and patient. My chin rest fitting was dealt with on a highly individual basis and the staff took care and genuine concern to ensure that I left with the correct set up on my viola. All the staff are highly knowledgeable and willing to help in any way they can whilst being incredibly approachable and most accommodating. Cardiff Violins itself is utterly stunning, inspiring and easy to get to if it’s your first time to Cardiff! I came to Cardiff Violins with a viola which wouldn’t sit correctly and would cause me great physical pain to play, and left with the most comfortable set up imaginable, a huge smile on my face and with the confidence that I can approach my upcoming conservatoire auditions pain-free and with excitement! Thank you so much to everyone at Cardiff Violins!
I have known Cecile and Chris for a long time. They have always been helpful and lovely to talk to. I was particularly pleased with how they renovated my Andrzej Kalata violin.
The ribs of the violin were in a quite poor state so I was delighted when Chris added wooden parts. This did not affect the sound, which might occasionally happen if it is not done correctly.
Also, Chris covered the top of the violin with wood varnish. I am impressed with this improvement because it is matching nicely the original look of the violin and now it is impossible to see any marks on the violin, which were left after practising.
I had problems in the past with my chin-rest, as it was uncomfortable while practising. I had full help from the staff in Cardiff Violins to find a new and comfortable chin-rest. I had the opportunity to try different options and was provided with good advice.
Also, I appreciated support in choosing a new bridge for the violin. This improved the sound of the violin and I was given instructions on how to keep the bridge of the violin in good condition for a longer period of time. The French type of bridge was chosen, which was similar to my previous one.
My violin received a polished look, after special cleaning. It looks really great at the moment, I have to say.
Finally, Chris helped me with my bow too. The previous frog of the bow was damaged and Chris found a matching frog, which not only looks better, but more importantly is pleasant to use.
Whilst having the renovation done, the pad and hair in the bow were changed too. I can say that it is much better to hold the bow with the new pad and I am pleased with the hair in the bow as well.
I would certainly recommend Cardiff Violins! Cécile and Chris are really welcoming and provide an excellent atmosphere for musicians and I am impressed with the quality and speed of their renovations.
I just returned from a tour with Philharmonie der Nationen conducted by Justus Frantz. Every since 25th of April 2013 when my Luis & Clark carbon fiber cello arrived, I must tell you that I constantly played my cello and I love it! This cello was delivered by DHL at their office nearby Otopeni Airport. They told me that they will bring the cello to my house the next day, or I can take it myself in the next hour. I had three hours before rehearsal at the Opera House, so I “flew” with my car and took the cello myself.
When I first open the shipping box of the cello I couldn't believe my eyes and my ears also… It looked so luxurious and shiny, and when I plucked the strings, I was amazed because it was pitched tuned 440 Hz. The big moment of the box opening was inside the Opera House. In 10 minutes a lot of singers and conductors gathered near me. They were very surprised by the warm and qualitative sound. All cellists that were there tried it and told me it's incredible! I was also surprised by its popularity.
On August 17th, I played my Luis & Clark cello in front of a numerous jury, and I won the position of the principal solo cello of National Opera of Bucharest.
A few days ago, an inattentive colleague from the Opera hit severely the back of my cello with the scroll of his cello. I was surprised again: not a single scratch! It could have been “good bye” for a regular wooden cello, but not for my enduring Luis & Clark cello.
Now I can tell you that a Luis & Clark cello is worth every cent. It sounds just like a 20,000 euro wooden cello and I highly recommend them to every cellist in the world!