News

Yes it is slow, it's a month at sea and probably two weeks after it docks for the goods to actually reach me.  Perhaps this is just as well because I have not yet dared tell my stock room and packing person that I have ten boxes arriving when right now there is a cello sitting on the landing because it can't easily be fitted into the stock room (quite what is in there is a mystery to me, whever I open the door I close it again very quickly indeed!Expected: two 4/4 cello samples, one corresponding to the solid...

1. I am now VAT registered.  Yes this means that some prices have gone up.  But for those of you with children in Local Authority schools, or for those outside the EEA, the prices will in effect have gone down because now you can get instruments and bows and cases without the VAT.  For the way this works with schools, see the AIPS page. If you are ordering through AIPS, or if you are outside the EEA and don't want to pay VAT(!) you will need to contact me directly, you can't arrange this through the website. 2.  Tian Yin...

I am delighted to say that I have been able to order from Tian Yin again and there is a small stock of the Good Brazilwood bows on the way to me right now.  While stocks last, these bows will be supplied with Gems violins (all sizes) and violas (4/4 only) Order yours while stocks last!

The issue of whether European tonewoods sound better than Chinese ones or not is quite a big one and probably not easy to answer because so many factors are involved.  Anyone who wants to read opinions can have a long reading session if they wish - let me know your conclusions! But I will say this.  I have just strung up the two better Chinese violins I bought.  The best one, well as expected, it's nice.  I suspect that it will compare with the Heritage series in terms of sound, once it has been played in a bit.  Looks lovely...

Still wondering quite how this happened.  A couple of people have suggested impact damage.  It arrived from the wholesaler like this but quite where and how it happened is anyone's guess!  Yes that is the soundpost sticking out of the right hand f hole.