This is one of the most emotional testimonials we have ever received from a customer. Thank you, Elias, for turning your buying experience into a beautifully written and very touching story.
From: Elias Ishak
"Only recently in my life have I felt with such enthusiasm the desire to play an instrument. One night, after watching Charlie Chaplin’s most profound film, Limelight, I realized that I must discover for myself the ardor and beauty latent in the illustrious combination of wood and strings we call the violin.
I did not bother visiting any of the bigger stores Downtown, as it has always been quite evident to me that the smaller shops are the most fruitful when in need of the more exquisite and refined of commodities. Thanks to the glories of the internet, I easily found what is, I think, the most excellent violin shop in the city: Gliga Violins. It is conveniently located next to Park Royal Mall in West Vancouver, and the shopkeeper is the friendliest, most honest and dedicated businesswoman I have ever come by. She even plays the violin herself!
“What do you need a meaning for? Life is a desire, not a meaning,” says Calvero (Chaplin) to a distraught and suicidal young ballerina, challenging my own perception of art and humanity as well. I am still amazed that the whole philosophy of existentialism could be refuted in so few words, and so intuitively. And the inspirational ending, in which Calvero plays the violin to death, as his friend, dramatically cured of her depression, pirouettes onstage, left me in epiphanic tears.
There are few desires as majestic as the one to grace the airs of our planet with music. ... The next morning I set out to find the best beginner’s violin in Vancouver. Indeed, deciding to learn the violin should prove to be one of the most significant decisions that I have ever made, and has already overwhelmed me with happiness, zest and satisfaction. But perhaps my search for the perfect student violin would not have resulted so splendidly if I had not been so shrewd, or perhaps lucky, as to begin where I did.
Through Gliga Violins I easily came to possess what is surely the best beginning violin I could have come by. The price was affordable, and, on the other hand, the European master craftsmanship is tangible. Well, when somebody asks you how many thousands of dollars your hundred dollar violin cost, perhaps you too will be convinced of having chosen the best starter violin possible.
May peace be upon you,
Elias Ishak"
From: R. L.
Hi there,
Thank you for the opportunity to try and play this wonderful instrument. My daughter is already in love with it. Her violin teacher played it as well as her own very valuable violin in comparison. The market value of these two instruments is at least 10 times difference but the tone and playability are almost the same. The teacher's instrument even has one little drawback while our new Gliga does not - a wolf tone, which according to the violin teacher could not be eliminated. The professional violinist, educator, the first violin of VSO and principal second of CBC Radio orchestra certainly pulled out the best of this violin, which will only improve over the time.
The violin has full and warm rich tone, well balanced across the whole range. While not particularly sweet under the ear of the player, it projects wonderfully as a high quality instrument is expected to. The teacher described it as very nice and cute and "extremely comfy". Interestingly enough, my daughter played some of her repertoire and surprised both herself and her teacher by suddenly playing notes that she would routinely miss on her previous instrument. This is what "comfy" does for my daughter. To put it into perspective, my daughter is only 10 years old and just enough tall to play full size violin. She switched to 4/4 only weeks ago by her own wish.
And now about the "thing of beauty". The violin is a pure pleasure to look at. Beautifully selected woods, birds eye maple, impeccable craftsmanship and charming carving on the scroll, tailpiece and chin rest. Oil finish is simply cool. As big as it is, it fits the hands of a 10 years old easily.
All that said, I would like to let you know that we are keeping this violin.
Greetings from our family and especially from my younger daughter. You wouldn't be able find happier child in the world. Thank you for this gift. If at all possible, please send one huge thank you to the makers of this angelic instrument.
R. L. Vancouver, BC
From: Thomas Wong
Dear Camilia
I want to thank you for helping my daughter on the purchase of her new violin.
You made all the difference in the world with your expert knowledge and sincere advise. The whole experience could not have been better. Your violins are definately great value and especially quality. With such excellent products and service to match there is no other place I would purchase from in the future.
Many congratulations on your expansion to Canada and I wish you every success in the future.
Sincerely,
Thomas, Jessika and Cynthia
From: Siong Heng Chan
Dear Cami,
It was really great meeting you yesterday. We both truly thank you for such great service that you have provided us. We will very happy to tell all our friends and family about Gliga violins and will encourage them to get their violins from you. The buying experience has been wonderful and this is something that one will never get from larger stores. Also, thank you for adjusting our invoice, like the upgraded case, that we felt you have gone way above and beyond our expectations.
Many thanks again Cami. We will be purhcasing our son's violin from you after we have spoken to a teacher.
Cheers!
Siong and Wendy