Store

Here are some of what i have available in my workshop/ shop, (sorry no fancy online store). A violin (cello or viola) is a very personal purchase and while I do mail order they are best selected, customised and appreciated in person from the person that set them up, plays them and has kids of his own playing violin.

While I don’t have the buying power, fancy websites (or overheads) of the big shops I do offer a range of new instruments that I think are good value and can maintain the RRP of the big shops. I am happy also to consider trade-ins. I’m also committed to upcycling and sharing my love of playing violins with others (see about me).

Read on for my preloved, new, advanced new and antique instruments. i also have a full range of accessories including bows and strings – that are great upgrade for any instrument.

antique violins

Preloved/upcycled instruments (~$160-1000)

From my home based workshop I offer range of preloved violins, that I bring up to spec so that they look and sound as good as the day they were first sold. Actually they probably sound better, because they have aged and been played in. the timbers used in student beginner and intermediate instruments generally haven’t aged all that well , so getting one with a few miles on it, that has had the once over and a service, to make sure its solid and running like it should. It likely not only sounds better, but is easier on the hip pocket as well. I usually have 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4 on hand (sometimes 1/4 and 1/8 as well). I have sourced a range of new instruments for just a little bit more for when I don’t have enough

New Instruments ($300-$3000 )

I also offer a range of new instruments, that in my opinion sound as good as the European instruments (but without the price tag) and some European instruments as well. Their tone will continue to develop as they age as well. The exact brands come and go – but here is a selection

For starter students on a 1/2 size I have the Vivo Neo Beginner Violin at ~$3000. It sounds great for the money, is a good match to the abilities of someone just starting and isn’t to hard on the pocket .

For those on the 3/4 I recommend a slightly higher quality instrument, the Vivo Neo Plus, which has a higher quality top plate (for just another $50) at ~$300

For students on a full size (or advanced 3/4 students) I carry three instruments that sound as good as European instruments that cost 50% more. These have full flame tone woods, ebony fitting, the only compromise is they use a more durable finish than the traditional style (which is expensive)

  • Kreisler Violin’s (~$475)
  • Hidersine Violins ($780- $2000). Intermediate / advanced instrumentsThese are hand selected instruments from one of the UK’s oldest violin instrument shops

Antique and Vintage Violins

These violins are ones that I have sourced and often restored myself, they are older factory instruments from European with rich histories and tonal qualities to match.

New Bows ($70-$200)

I also offer new bows (as buy them for secondhand instruments that need them ) together with carbon fibre bows that I have researched, assessed and sourced myself (see all about bows). The are outstanding value for money, which deliver power and projection, if not quite the sensitivity of a $1000 pernambuco bow, but at a fraction of the price.

New student bows are $50-$75 (Vivo or FPS)

Strings

I also carry a range of strings (Tonicas, Dominants and Alphayue ) are my go to’s for 3/4 and 4/4 along with Clarion Silver for 1/2 and cheaper 3/4 instruments (see my Violin String Selection Guide). As well as Dominants and Visions from Thomastik

Rosin and shoulder pads

I also carry good student quality rosins and shoulder pads

Something Else

need something else , some of my suppliers can deliver overnight (on a good day) including specialty products and custom violins. i am happy to work with you to find what you need.

VIolin Books

I carry a modest selection of violin, viola and cello student books used in the local school s as well as some fiddle books as well

Fiddler Dan