News

Rather a nice thing happened this morning. A lady who bought a violin from me back in 2008 mailed me to tell me about her daughter. The last time I heard from her, the daughter had auditioned for the National Children's Orchestra on violin, viola and harp. I said at the time that I would put money on her getting in on the basis of harp and indeed I was correct. She played harp in the NCO and then the NYO and then went further. You can see her website here http://www.annalapwood.co.uk/

Curiosity about how on earth so many £24 - £25 new violin outfits are being sold on ebay (it seems to be hundreds) finally got the better of me so I bought one.  £24.09 including postage.  For this, you get the violin, a bow, a case and a block of rosin.  So what do you think it's like? Well, I will be fair and put the positives first.  The case seems quite reasonable (though I rather doubt if it will last very long), the rosin is not significantly worse than that found in named brand outfits (just smaller) but then...

Daily Mail article Now this is an excellent illustration of why carbon instruments are here to stay.  Though to be fair I am sure this lady would be buying a Luis and Clark if she bought a carbon instrument!  But no, make a sensible comment on many DM articles and the number of negative comments from those who think they know it all and actually know nothing at all is astounding.  Rather like when the DM ran a stupid story about how all disabled people were getting free cars paid for by the taxpayer.  Those of us who patiently explained...

This is a great time to be a Glasser dealer.  The first batch of "hybrid" bows are here now and I expect these to be very popular.  The name is a little confusing, what it means is that there is nylon (it's red in fact) incorporated in with the carbon fibre weave.  This gives the bow red highlights which is attractive in itself but it has a more important function.  It makes the bow more flexible.  Playing one of these for the first time was a very different experience for me.  I usually avoid flexible bows like the plague (or...

For a limited time, I am experimenting with free returns.  Already all outgoing UK postage is free but I am aware that there are buyers who are cautious about buying online because of fear of returning unsuitable instruments.  I am not quite sure why because the Distance Selling Regulations are completely on the buyer's side.  However in order to make things easier, here is the new policy: If you order and pay for an instrument or bow and then find it is unsuitable, please contact me and I will arrange for Parcelforce to collect it (weekdays only, but at a...