'Ian Highfield is a maker of very fine instruments. Fantastic value for money.'
Sean Bishop - February 2011
Bishop Instruments And Bows
~~~~~~~~~
‘I picked up my violin from Ian yesterday and it has matched my expectations. The varnish is beautiful, of a wonderful glowing golden, red-brown shade that looks as if it has been cherished by a player for centuries; buffed and polished lovingly. It has the patina of an old Italian instrument.
In fact, of course, all that is of no importance if the instrument does not do what I as a player want. It has a huge sound, open and free, with the nasal edge and the nutty brown sound of an old Italian instrument. The harmonics are much cleaner than on my present instrument, and there are no wolf notes even high up on the G at b’/c". I do not have to be careful finding my way around, as there are no weaknesses detectable.
As I explained to Ian, I was looking for a much more expensive instrument along the lines of Fagnola or Ceruti as I can't afford a Giuseppe Rocca. My search is over - I have found my 'Italian' violin.
……. This is the best violin - by any maker - that I have played in a long time.’
Leo F. Byrne
MA (Cantab), LRAM
August 2011
~~~~~~~~~
'We are thrilled with the beautiful Amati brothers viola copy you made for us It has a warmth of sound that perfectly matches its looks and we are so proud of it we wish we never had to part with it! Thank you so very much!'
Chris and Cecile, Cardiff Violins
November 2011
~~~~~~~~~
Commissioning A Violin - A Client Perspective:
'For many players the main barrier to commissioning a violin is the worry about reaching the end of the process and not liking the instrument. However, from the outset, Ian was very reassuring about this, and made it absolutely clear that I was not under any obligation at all to buy the finished instrument, and that I should keep an open mind whilst trying it out. I had also wondered whether a maker of such fine violins would be prepared to work for an amateur such as myself, but on this score I need not have worried either. Ian was happy to work with me to produce a violin suited exactly to my requirements.
I had imagined that after some initial discussions the client would go away and wait in silent expectation for a call some months later to say the instrument was finished. How wrong I was - it was a journey so much more exciting than that! When we first met, Ian showed me some pieces of wood, and I was able to choose which piece I wanted for the back. How wonderful to choose the wood for one’s own violin! Every few days some “work in progress” photos would appear in my email, and on the website. These beautifully composed shots showed not only the state of progress of the instrument but also the tools, diagrams and photos that Ian was using. They have made a fascinating album. In addition, there were regular phone calls updating me on progress and asking for my views on certain aspects of the violin – when I wasn’t sure, or felt that I did not have enough expertise to make an informed decision, Ian was always prepared to advise and help.
When the time came to try out the new violin I was filled with excitement and apprehension in equal measure. Again, Ian pointed out that I was under no obligation, and he very sensitively allowed me to try it out in the privacy of a separate room. In my case I realised after about 5 minutes that this violin was definitely the instrument for me, and I am now having a really wonderful time playing it in and getting to know it. However, if it had not felt right I know that I could have told Ian honestly, and that there would have been no hard feelings.
Commissioning a violin from Ian has definitely been the most interesting and exciting purchase I have ever made, and I would have no hesitation in recommending the process to anyone who may be thinking of investing in a new instrument.'
Joanne de Groot - March 2011
~~~~~~~~~
'I played Jo's violin last night and you are to be congratulated. I was most impressed with your work and the excellent varnish.
Your violin had the quality of the Rogeri I played last week - the sound is very immediate and has the quality that I like in Italian instruments.'
Leo F. Byrne - March 2011
MA (Cantab), LRAM
~~~~~~~~~
'My parents purchased one of your violins for me as a graduation gift 12 years ago in Minneapolis. This violin has such a glorious and sweet tone; I have been so happy with the instrument. I've searched your name a few times on Google, always hoping to find some contact information. I'm very happy to see that you're still making violins.
Thanks.'
Nathan Poole - June 2011
~~~~~~~~~
'I have recently purchased one of your violins from Sheffield Music Shop. It is the Ceruti copy and may I venture to say is a beautiful instrument. The ageing and varnish is incredible, it really does look several centuries years old, with the interesting figuring in the back and the lovely colour. I hesitate to mention that I am an amateur maker myself, having made three sucessful violins and a 'cello which is regularly played in my string quartet where I play with Romain Rabot with whom I believe you have recently spoken. Like Romain, I am an avid violin afficianado and never cease to be intrigued by the variety and tonal characteristics that instruments present. I do hope you are not unsettled by my email arriving unannounced but I felt compelled to write and mention the pleasure I derive from your creation.'
Christopher J.P.Wilcox. - December 2010
~~~~~~~~~
'Just a short message to say that I have the wonderful Vinnacia cello on approval from Cardiff Violins.......it is absolutely beautiful and I'm pretty convinced I am going to buy it as it is exactly what I'm looking for!'
Alex Woodward - July 2011
