West Country Violins Reviews

Submitted by
Name: Jim Meehan
From: Sligo, Ireland.

Comments:
I have found Brians manner most friendly and helpful;he is a pleasure to deal with. Buying a bow from him was a most positive expierence.Its nice to deal with a business that gives you time and consideration even when a sale is not immedately in prospect. Jim Meehan, Sligo. Ireland.

Added: July 12, 2003

Submitted by
Name: B. Ruthsdis
From: Bangkok, Thailand.

Comments:
Hello, I would like to confirm to anybody who would read this reference that Brian from West Country Violins is one of very friendly, faithful violin dealers you can find in this business. This is another time giving Brian a reference; let me put it this way: First time in April 2002, I bought 1st violin from him (Lyon Bernadel- a French violin circa 1925). It is a good violin – It is no crack and no repair with sweet tone, well balanced. Second time, came a few months later in July, I bought a good response-Brazilian bow from “Water Violet” stamped C. Santos at a good price, a good bow that can compete with some bows (same price range that I had tried). This time, on 17-April-2003, I bought a possibly Italian violin labeled “Repaired by James Hardie & Sons, Gold Medallists, Edinburgh 1891” that just arrived this morning. Oh! It is a very nice violin in a well-preserved condition-good, vibrant tone. It is very good value paying for such a nice violin like this one (I paid totally around 940GBP-delivery included). I am quite sure to say that it is real hard to find some good violins at very reasonable prices (and in ready to play condition) on the internet these days. I would like to challenge you to try by yourself before taking this reference! Certainly, the market price of my violins these days is nearly double in North America and much higher in violin shops in Asia. Both violins have got standard set-up. Moreover, he packed my instruments with great care with lots of protective covers. Therefore, I strongly recommend him to everybody who searches for a good instrument at a reasonable price on the net. I will continue buying violins from Brian…again next time. Mr. B. Ruthsdis Bangkok, Thailand, Asia 28th April 2003.

Added: April 29, 2003

Submitted by
Name: Vincent Licata
From: Coral Springs, Fl., U.S.A.

Comments:
April 20, 2003

Admin reply: 82.71.54.13

Added: 0

Submitted by
Name: Petros Voutsanesis
From: Honesdale, U.S.A.

Comments:
Brian Ward-Smith has the Best place I have found for getting very playable violins at very reasonable prices. Being able to hear them is a big plus. I listened to 12 and narrowed it to two and after getting them I had to keep them both! I spent months looking at shops and on-line auction tried 5 sent them all back. I spent 2 nights on Brian's web page and 5 days later had two violins to me in the US. Don't tell too many people about him, we want the best selection for ourselves!

Added: March 4, 2003

Submitted by
Name: Nilda Keene
From: Willingboro, USA.

Comments:
I am very happy with the quality of the instrument, and the way the instrument was packaged and sent speedily. If I ever need to buy another violin, I will search West Country Violins first. Thank you.

Added: February 11, 2003

Submitted by
Name: West Kirby, England.
From: Romain Rabot

Comments:
February 8, 2003

Admin reply: 82.71.54.13

Added: 0

Submitted by
Name: Gianna E. Israel
From: San Francisco - California, United States.

Comments:
From my first web site visit, until I was told by both a violin expert (30 yrs experience) and my teacher that my purchase is an excellent violin, I have enjoyed shopping with Brian Smith's Westcountryviolins.com. My advice...take your time, look at every picture, listen to every sound clip. Then, after you get a feel for what you like, start watching for 'new' items popping up. Mr. Smith does offer a guarantee, which stands in for a trial period. If you have never bought an older instrument before, you are in for a rare treat. Mr. Smith understandably soft sells his instruments. You will find however, that the majority of older instruments will have 'character' that substantially enhances the playing experience. G. Israel

Added: January 22, 2003

Submitted by
Name: Clarity Martin
From: Santa Fe,

Comments:
January 9, 2003

Admin reply: 82.71.54.13

Added: 0

Submitted by
Name: Richard G. Bessel Jr.
From: Danbury, Ct. 06810, U.S.A.

Comments:
I was very impressed with my overall experience in doing business with West Country Violins. The customer service aspect I would rate wery high and the violin I purchased sounds even better than I had imagined and is an incredibly beautiful instrument. Brian answered all my questions promtly and was very helpful while I was finalizing my decision as to which one to purchase. Again, I am very happy with this violin and will definitely do business with W.C.V. again.

Added: December 18, 2002

Submitted by
Name: Thom Ross
From: Archbold, Ohio, United States.

Comments:
Where to begin...Brian is more than a seller of violins, he is a friend to those who are looking for the right violin. If one looks at how much goes into his web page, you can begin to see care and effort that belongs to him. It is the only web site that I came across that has both pictures and sound bytes. Brian has put up with my many e-mails regarding the JTL violin that I recently purchased, returning e-mails were always prompt and thoughtful. He even e-mailed while on a purchasing trip in France! That is a dedication that is not found in todays business world. My JTL is more than what I expected. The sound is even better than the sound bytes! And just as stated, it got here in just three days... England to Ohio during the Christmas rush. Now that is service. The packaging of the violin couldn't be any better. It took me ten minutes to get all the bubble wrap from the instrument. For those that are thinking about purchasing a violin over the internet, I would say forget about the other sites. Brian has the integrity that is lacking elsewhere and the knowledge to assist anyone from the discriminating concert violinist to the beginning student. You can purchase from Brian with the confidence of knowing the violin you purchase will be the one that you keep the rest of your life. I know I will keep mine. Thanks again for all your help Brian.

Added: December 15, 2002