Below is a selection of comments received
from our many satisfied clients who have purchased instruments during the last
few years.
Please feel free to contact them for confirmation of our accurate descriptions,
prompt shipment and good value.
My experience with West Country Violins has been wonderful. I had some apprehension in regards to purchasing over the Internet and overseas but Brian was always there to answer any questions I had. Now that I have my violin I still have the same support in regards to follow up questions. I'm very pleased with the professionalism and high standard of customer service that both Brian and Felicity provide. I highly recommend them and would love to work with them again. The instrument I purchased exceeded my expectations and I'm very pleased to have it.
Eleanor Jocham <sejocham@yahoo.com>
Bend, U.S.A.. 27 May 2009
I purchased a French 1927 Jean Larcher in May of 2009. I have been looking for a great violin but never had the funds. I ran across Brians website and was amazed at the violins I found. My violin has excellent workmanship, it is in superb condition and has a beautiful warm sound with a very quick response. I am so pleased with Brians helping me find one with great integrity and at a better price than I have found anywhere. I play for my church sometimes and I think the Lord deserves the best I can do with the best I can afford. Thank you Brian for thinking of us not- so-wealthy people in these economic times. I would recommend West Country Violins to all of you who might have been burned by other sellers. I wish you all had a violin like I have. God bless you all in finding your violin dream come true here. By for now, Kenny.
Kenneth Webb <k.webb@a4isp.com>
Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA. 21 May 2009
I came across West Country Violins when I first started looking for a violin that was affordable and unique, yet had character. Brian and Felicity were both very patience and understanding, and the violin I received more than met my expectations. It is a pleasure to play and the sound is fantastic! Many thanks to both Felicity and Brian for all their help. I would definitely recommend purchasing a violin from West Country Violins.
Z. Piercy <szpiercy@hotmail.com>
QLD, Australia. 10 April 2009
It was a real pleasure doing business and I received a fine violin at a very reasonable price. Shipping was prompt and the violin was very well packed to withstand the rigors of travel. There was a unique opportunity to hear the various violins played on the website so as not to be buying blind. Also, on a personal level, Brian and Felicity are fine people interested in pleasing. Thanks again for a very pleasant experience.
William J. Ridings, Jr. <oraclewjr@aol.com>
Pompano Beach, Florida, United States. 03 January 2009
For about two years I have been admiring, and listening to the soundclips of many violins on West Country Violins' website. During that time, I also purchase two violins from ebay, and both times I was taken. Just over a week ago I finally worked up the courage to purchase one from West Country Violins. I chose a J.T.L. Strad Copy (Circa 1890)at a reasonable price. My nervousness was put to rest when a week later I recieved a beautiful old French violin, well packed, in a very nice case. The sound was amazing, with a powereful, well balanced, smooth old tone across all strings, and plenty of volume as was described by Brian. On the day I recieved the violin, a local group and friends of mine, " Aislin House" (formerly The Palmer Girls) played at the Arts and Culture Center for Sarah Furgeson, the Dutches of York. When I visited their home to show them my purchase, they loved this "fiddle" and offered to buy it! In the three hours I was there it was constantly played; it was always in someone's hands!
Thank you Brian. I recommend you to all buyers.
Douglas G. Pelley <dgp@nl.rogers.com>
Paradise,NL, Canada. 17 September 2008
After having visited the West Country Violin web site, looking (and listening to) the many instruments and bows, I was impressed enough to communicate with them(Brian). Ultimately,I selected a 1921 French Violin and circa 1900 french bow. The patience of Brian and his ability to answer questions straight forward and help in the selection process, no easy feat done via emails, resulted in a purchase I am pleased with. The instrument and bow met and exceeded my expectations. It's a beautiful sounding and pristine instrument. I would strongly recommend West Country Violins to anyone looking for that special violin.
Dennis Palmer <dennis_palmer19@yahoo.com>
Sicklerville NJ (Subic Bay), USA; (Philippines). 10 September 2008
Brian appears to be very knowledgeable concerning the violins he sells. Also all of his answers to questions are thoroughly honest and dependable. He doesn't try to sell you on anything. I have bought more than one violin from West Country Violins and I am happy with every one of them. Brian and Felicity are very pleasant to work with and they run a great store.
John Kara <frakkara2@aol.com>
USA. 05 August 2008
I have a good experience of buying violins from westcountryviolins. The violins arrived in two days and safely packed. It is amazing that the violins are with beautiful tone colour and really good price. I enjoy playing the instrument and they perform well too.
L. Yuen <lapyuen.yuen@gmail.com>
HongKong, HongKong. 15 July 2008
A CHIPOT-VUILLAUME VIOLIN I purchased from West Country Violins is marvellous! It has a mellow, resonant, and very deep sound, especially G string. I have noticed that just a week after receiving the violin, day by day the tone and projection have got much better with fast response and easy playability. It was a pleasure dealing with Brian. He is a person of trustworthiness. I would recommend West Country Violins to those who are in need of a decent violin at fair price.
Prasert Sitthijirapat <psitthijirapat@hotmail.com>
Bangkok, Thailand. 07 July 2008
First class service, honesty, knowledge .The best place in the web to buy fine violins and bows at the best prices.
RECOMMENDED.
Carlos Pinto Velasquez <cpintov@intelnet.net.gt>
Guatemala city, Guatemala. 30 May 2008
Having read a wide selection of the comments made by extremely satisfied customers and having studied the very well presented website produced by Brian and West Country violins,I decided to purchase a rare Louis Collenot.What an excellent choice. Superb instrument for the money. Lovely tone and balance throughout the instrument as promised. Looking forward to enjoying its delights in the years ahead; the instrument can only get better.! Many thanks for splendid service and truly genuine help and interest. Highly recommended indeed!!
Peter Damian Slade <peter.slade@onetel.com>
Bicton,Shrewsbury, UK.. 07 April 2008
It has been a pleasure to work with Brian and West Country Violins. After describing the violin sound I was after, Brian recommended an instrument which perfectly fits my requirements. The payment was handled in a secure manner and the violin arrived in excellent shape - exactly as shown on the photos. This was my first foreign purchase transaction and my initial concerns were put to rest by the professional manner in which Brian conducted business. Even in phone and e-mail conversations, his integrity and dedication to customer satisfaction were clearly evident and I would recommend West Country Violins to anyone considering purchasing a quality violin at a reasonable cost.
Wayne Richard <way_ric@msn.com>
Kansas City, U. S. A.. 21 February 2008
Dear Brian and Felicity, I am more than delighted with the instrument (Collin-Mezin violin) I purchased from West Country Violins. It is even more than I expected and I am very satisfied. Thanks for the expert advice and your kind patience to all my inquires. Your service is superb!
Leopoldo Gomez <lrgomez@caf.com>
Caracas, Venezuela. 12 February 2008
Thank you for your exceptional service..The instrument arrived quickly, well packaged, in perfect shape, and exactly as described on your website.. a very beautiful violin with a lovely clear tone... I am very pleased.. to say the least... You can most certainly anticipate my future patronage.
Larry Mapow <lmapow@comcast.net>
New Jersey, USA. 21 January 2008
If you know what you want and can describe it West country violins will do their utmost to select a violin to meet your specifications. I asked many questions and always had very good, prompt responses. I ordered a violin after satisfying myself that I could'nt have asked many more questions and we are delighted with it. We have had it checked over by a violin maker and some fine players and the comments have all been very positive. I would recommend checking out their website and contacting Brian and Felicity.
Steven Judge <sajudge@ihug.co.nz>
Christchurch, New Zealand. 24 August 2007
Buying on the Internet is historically a very new phenomenon, and it is appropriate that the most rigorous criteria be applied to it. Items for purchase must be represented particularly accurately; every stage of the process must be secure in the highest degree; etc. This is especially true, I think, of buying an instrument or a bow, simply because of how much these particular items mean to the life of the buyer. I bought an older French bow from Brian, with which I could not be more happy. His West Country Violins represents the fulfillment of all the criteria that must apply to online buying. That means that one no longer need be restricted to purveyors nearby, or even in one's own country. The rational thing to do, from now on, is simply to go to Brian's website first. It is likely that there will be no need to go any farther.
Marvin Bram <annvan@rochester.rr.com>
Geneva, USA. 06 May 2007
It has been a pleasure dealing with Brian and Felicity. Very honest and friendly people who will truly help you anyway they can. Purchased a Striebig violin that showed up in Canada in perfect condition and plays exactly as Brian said.
Thanks for everything. Hope to deal in the future.
Yvon Plourde
Cornwall, Canada. 01 April 2007
It was a enjoyable and learning experience for me to purchase the old French-made violin from Brian. I am a scientist and a Hi-Fi lover, but, unfortunately, had never touch a violin (I even don't know that a violin bow is adjustable!). Recently, I decided to move from "enjoying music" to "creating music", probably together with my kids. I then tried to look for an affordable old violin as I thought that an old violin would like a pair of run-in speakers that gave better sound than brand new did. I happened to find this internet violin shop--West Country Violins and Brian. I selected a violin that was at good condition with decent tone. However,the sound clip of the violin gave a little bit over-resonance at middel to low-frequency, which was probably resulted from recording defect. Brian helped me double/triple check the violin and make me sure that there was no problem with the violin. I then asked him to chose me a bow and he offerred me one at discount price. It took only 3 days for delivery of the violin set from UK to Singapore safely. Now I can say that the unnormal resonance in sound clip did come from defects in recording. Both the violin and the bow are perfect, to my view! Many thanks to Brian! Zhongchao Yin.
Zhongchao Yin <yinzc@yahoo.com.sg>
Singapore, Singapore. 03 March 2007
Thank you so much for sending my violin and bow so promptly! I am absolutely delighted with the violin and bow, the violin is beautiful and I am hugely impressed with the sound and set up, which was even better than I imagined. The resonance and clarity of sound makes my 'new' violin a true joy to play. It has been a real pleasure to deal with such friendly, helpful people who are so responsive. As with anyone who may consider ordering an instrument online without seeing, holding, or playing it first, I can thoroughly recommend West Country Violins, and would not hesitate returning to Brian and Felicity in the future. The violin and bow arrived safely, very well wrapped, and with very little tuning was ready to play. I have nothing but the highest praise for Felicity and Brian - all in all, I am thrilled to pieces and can't thank you enough!
Jane Buller <jane@janeb.com>
Surrey, United Kingdom. 09 February 2007
The violin I purchased was exactly how it was described on the site, and the tone was everything I could have hoped from hearing the audio track. Brian operates an incredibly efficient business and I would not hesitate returning to his site if I ever decide to upgrade.
Allen Worcester <allenworcester@tiscali.co.uk>
Edington, United Kingdom. 19 January 2007
Hello, Brian! My new violin stays fine here. It is a real antique and a little plain on the surface, but sounds nice with aged wood! It is so easy to play and makes me feel as if I am a decent player! Thank you again, and I will keep checking your enjoyable site.
Eiko Kodaira <gemini783640@gmail.com>
Japan. 27 November 2006
Excellent and top notch services.Brian,thank you so much.
Mei Zhong <hoguomxanh1@yahoo.com>
Huntington Beach, USA. 06 November 2006
I just bought my first violin from West Country Violins and my teacher played it for me as I am a complete beginner. The violin, a J.T.L. sounds better than on the sound clip! My teacher also said it is easy to play and has a great projection of sound, I am totally chuffed!
Charles Steele <charles672@steele120704.fsnet.co.uk>
Fort William, Scotland. 15 August 2006
I searched many hours for the violin bow that begged me to buy it. I found it at West Country Violins. After ordering, I became concerned about it being delived to my very rural, hard to find address. When I emailed West Country Violins with my concern, they were so prompt with a response to me, which really put me at ease, since I had never ordered anything from overseas before. They continued to communicate with me until my bow arrived, which was only a very short time. Thank you so much. The bow is incredibly. Every bit the excellent quality that it was described to be. Thank you. Rhonda
Rhonda Mason <mrgon2wy@yahoo.com>
Encampment, Wyoming, USA. 15 August 2006
I have just purchased my 2nd violin from Brian and Felicity at West Country Violins. It is a wonderful instrument. Service was excellent. I asked Brian to select the "best" from a list of three or four, and I think he did just that. Shipping was quick and uneventful. West Country has my strongest recommendation.
Richard Hergert <basle@earthlink.net>
Redlands, California, USA. 18 June 2006
the violin arrived promptly, almost in tune, exactly as described. i am very pleased.
Judith Mayorga <judymay242@cs.com>
Downers Grove (Chicago area), USA. 29 May 2006
What a treat to have discovered West Country Violins. A web search revealed that they had a violin from an early 20th century Mirecourt maker in which I was interested. Transaction was fair and honest in all regards. Shipping was rapid and clean. Support throughout the transaction was excellent. Informed advice was also provided. West Country Violins gets a "strongly recommend" from me.
R. Hergert <basle@earthlink.net>
Redlands, California, U.S.A.. 24 May 2006
This Marc Laberte violin is my second violin from this firm and I am delighted.They are always in first class condition and as described.Similar violins from other sellers are way more expensive.My daughter competed in a competition at Cheltenham and the judge said what a nice violin she had so I was thrilled.Brian and Felicity are wonderful people to deal with and genuinely interested in what their buyer's are looking for and providing the right instrument.I would have no hesitation in recommending them to any one looking for a decent violin at the right price.I shall be coming back to them for a bow in the very near future.
Mrs S Townsend <gordy1955@hotmail.com>
Worcester, United kingdom. 07 May 2006
I love my new Secchi violin! It arrived in perfect condition, so carefully wrapped. I never imagined I would one day buy an antique instrument on a website. I was able to show it to my violin teacher to get his opinion before making the move. Thank you Brian and Felicity for your professionalism. I look forward to doing business with you again.
Johanne Guitard <coach@jguitard.ca>
Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. 07 April 2006
A first class service.Lovely people to deal with and my violin is just a dream.Superb price for a quality instrument of this calibre.
Mrs S Townsend <gordy1955@hotmail.com>
Worcester, United Kingdom. 03 February 2006
I am now among the true believers, thanks to your generous help and assistance. The Blanchard violin and Marizot bow match perfectly and exceeded my expectations. Exceptional service and value!
Bink Williams <binkwms@earthlink.net>
Sopchoppy, USA. 23 January 2006
I received great service and information from Brian and Felicity at West Country Violins. They were polite, knowledgeable and professional.
Jarrod Kurtz <jarrod.kurtz@countryfinancial.com>
Clinton, U.S.. 23 December 2005
J'aimerais remercier Brian et Felicity pour leur service professionnel et courtois. Dès le premier contact, les communications avec M. Ward-Smith sont plaisantes et efficaces. Il est fantastique que l'on puisse trouver un tel service sur l'Internet lorsqu'on s'intéresse aux violons. J'ai pu acquérir un magnifique instrument de première qualité sans même me déplacer. Les clips de son et les photos reflètent bien la qualité des instruments. Merci encore. Je n'hésite pas à recommander West Country Violins à quiconque cherche un bon instrument ancien.
M. Déziel <boudez@videotron.ca>
Gatineau, Canada. 15 February 2005
I am very pleased with the violin I purchased from Mr. Smith. It was everything he described it to be, looks and sounds wonderful!! Even his teachers said it was a great instrument and were very impressed with it. I highly recommend West Country Violins to anyone searching for a good quality older instrument. The attention given to us by Brian and Felicity was exceptional, and I will not hesitate again to do business with them. Thank You so much for all your time and attention.
Sincerely,
A.Reed
El Paso,TX
USA
Angela Reed <areed1@elp.rr.com>
El Paso, USA. 14 February 2005
I have bought bows from you in 2004 and 2005 and I am very pleased with the bows. Thank you for your excellent service and contact. I can highly recommend your services to any violinist considering a purchase of a violin or a bow.
Igor Arias <ariasigor@hotmail.com>
Rovaniemi, Finland. 20 January 2005
I'm very happy with my violin. It was a pleasure shopping from my office, listening to one voice after another fill the room!
Deb Switzer <deb@mondragonmusic.com>
Brighton, Colorado, USA. 07 January 2005
When I first found the West Country violin website I thought that it was too good to be true. How could I possibly purchase an old violin without actually touching it? Well this is the closest thing - to actually see and hear the amazing range of violins that Brian stocks. It took me some time to find the one I wanted and Brian was very patient and answered all my questions. Nothing was too much trouble. So with the help of the sound files, the photos and Brian's expertise I found the perfect violin for me. It arrived in Australia in perfect condition and was just like the photos. It was a pleasure doing business with Brian and Felicity and I would certainly buy a violin from them again.
Thank you.
Jane
Country NSW, Australia. 07 December 2004
Dear Brian,
How are you? We and new bow are fine.
We're really lucky to see your homepage then.
My daugther had only one bow,so we needed another one.
The bow I bought from Mr. Brian is very good. My daugter always plays with only it. In fact the another one was higher price. But the quality,sound,volume,handling,all are so better than the other's. Why? It's marvelous.
Brian's recommendation is reliable.
We really appreciate the bow.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Madoka Suga
Madoka Suga <dangorou@d7.dion.ne.jp>
Japan. 05 October 2004
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