Gainesville Violins

Newsletter August 2003

Dear Subscriber:

In this newsletter we furnish our Schedule for the rest of the year 2003, share some letters that we received, give information about some fine instruments that we have, remind you of our rental program and pose a quiz question through which you can win a prize!

1. Schedule

[Moishe, please insert the Schedule here together with its introductory paragraph.]

2. Fan-mail

We received so many letters that we cannot place them all. Here follows a selection:

Susanne D of Tampa took a couple of violins for her son Christopher to try out. They selected one and wrote: "Thank you so much with your assistance. My children and I deeply appreciate your time, patience, and your quality instruments.Thanks again. You are a godsend."
We serviced Jamie R's violin (also Tampa). He wrote: "Just wanted to thank you again! The lower register on my violin sounds SO much better, it is almost like a new instrument! Thanks so much."
Amy S wrote: "We got the cello today - thanks, she is sooo very excited! It is her first instrument that is not a hand-me-down! She is convinced that it is the most beautiful instrument EVER! She is playing it well, without tapes or anything! So, thank you."
Rebecca M from Inverness made arrangements to come and see our replica of the decorated Hellier Stradivarius: "Please don't sell the violin because I will buy it positively!! :-) and as always... I REALLY LOVE YOUR VIOLINS!!!" They came and purchased it as well as a CodaBow. She wrote again: "Thanks again, I am having so much fun with my new CodaBow Classic and the violin is wonderful!!"
Susan C from Dallas TX wrote: "I have been meaning to thank you for the lovely 'Little Fritz' violin order you filled for us in January. This little 1/4 size violin has the most exquisite tone, a big beautiful sound. It surprises everyone who hears it. One can hardly believe this much sound can come out of such a small violin. As one example, my daughter was practicing in her room down the hall with the door closed while I had my Book Club meeting in the living room and we could hardly hear each other talk! Her instructor Nicolette Solomon is very pleased with the instrument. I want to thank you as well for the excellent service, the violin arrived a mere two days after I placed the order, and the case and bow were so beautiful, we fell immediately and deeply in love with the whole outfit. We look forward to shopping with you again."
Ryan S (Tampa) wrote: "I bought the Panis Angelicus violin at the Florida
all-state convention. I am very happy with it. The sound of my old violin
does not even compare with this one! I really don't even like playing on
the old one anymore. I'll send a longer e-mail when I hopefully win
something with it, possibly in a few weeks."
Kathleen W of Tallahassee wrote: "First, let me say again how very much Caroline and I enjoyed meeting you last Saturday! She is thoroughly enjoying her violin and has been playing quite a bit more than she used to! It is amazing how much better her simple version of 'Ode to Joy' sounds on a quality instrument. By the way, her Irish step dance instructors were thrilled at the thought of another prospective fiddler in the group (another dancer plays the viola). Her best friend from fifth grade strings pronounced the new violin 'awesome'. I guess you cannot ask for a higher compliment from an eleven year old."
Suliman T from Orlando got his Panis Angelicus Strad copy from us. He then had an accident with the violin. Part of the top was broken away. We fixed it. He subsequently wrote: "Thank you for fixing the broken part of my violin. I was a little worried that it was unfixable, but as I see it, it looks almost spotless. And it sounds great! Thank you so much."

3. Fine instruments

Our Panis Angelicus Stradivarius copies remain ever-popular as a top class instrument with a beautiful tone yet powerful enough for serious orchestra. When Suliman Tekalli played the first Paganini violin concerto (1st movement) on the one he got from us, the instrument soared above the orchestra and filled the Bob Carr auditorium (Orlando). He got a standing ovation. We have several in stock!

We also have, for those of you who prefer older instruments, quite a collection of fine antique German violins in stock, in different price ranges. Enquire now!

A very affordable European violin is the fine and popular Marco Bartolini from Romania. We have several in stock.

We are a major CodaBow dealer. These fine lifetime-guaranteed state-of-the-art carbon-fiber bows with real horsehair remain best-sellers and represent excellent value for money. We give a 10% discount off the list price. The enthusiasm of its users knows no bounds. Raine G from Tallahassee wrote: "CodaBow rocks!" Audition one now! A fine bow makes an instrument sound so much better. See our website www.gviolins.cc under CodaBow and also visit www.codabow.com.

4. Rental program

Our much-acclaimed rental program continues to grow. Through this program and the quality instruments it provides - making music easily accessible to many - we support numerous existing and growing studios. The fees are reasonable, the service excellent, the instruments of fine quality, and a portion of the rental fees go towards purchase! For more information, call or email us (see number and address at the top).

5. Quiz

(a) Name a famous violinist whose last name sounds like an American automobile. (b) He is famous for many things, amongst others for the cadenzas he wrote for which violin concerto? His recordings can be heard once again, digitally remastered and available on the Naxos label. Please email your answers to info@gviolins.cc. The first person who has both (a) and (b) correct will receive a copy of the Hill book on the life and work of Stradivarius. (Please include your address with your email.)

Looking forward to serving you

Best regards

- Jan and Anna van Rooyen

Gainesville Violins