Testimonials
"Nina did a wonderful job servicing my violin - it sounds the best it has in years after I brought it in for a soundpost readjustment, new bridge and strings and maintenance TLC.
Nina was so helpful and wonderful to work with - it was fascinating to be informed of how my (very old!) violin was doing, including things to keep an eye on and what work might need done in upcoming years.
It's so clear that Nina loves this craft and I'm so happy to have had someone so diligent and skilled bring my violin back to full health. Thanks!” – Niamh Bloomer
"I first met Nina at the Niel Gow festival and discovered that her workshop was not too far from me. As my fiddle was sounding a bit "dull" I decided to pay her a visit. After a thorough examination and listen she suggested a soundpost adjustment. As an adult learner I loved her clear and generous explanation of all the component parts that make up the sound, the physics of it is fascinating. This adjustment clearly freed up the sound and made my fiddle more resonant.
Another possibility to enhance the tone was to change the tailpiece, options and costs were talked through with no obligation. I have since had this done and I find myself delighted again at the improvements both in tone, positive feedback and playability. Nina's passion and intuition is obvious and her expertise has allowed me to get the best from my fiddle, I look forward to playing it more than ever.” – Caroline Fagan
"I have a Violin that was made by my Great Grandfather and decided it was time for the Violin to have some repair and setup works completed. I had been searching for a while for someone who was professional, passionate and sympathetic, both to the age of the Violin and its story. After all, my Violin is far from valuable in terms of monetary value however its value in terms of sentimental value is extremely high for me. After having spoken to other luthiers, none of whom really got my passion for the Violin, or I felt they priced themselves out of the job. I was told about a young woman who had not long started out in a workshop in Glasgow and decided to get in contact with her.
Right from the get-go, Nina was clearly very passionate about her work and as we discussed my needs and her thoughts on the needs of the Violin it became clear that Nina had a sympathetic approach to the repair and setup of my Violin. Se was very clear and concise with her quote and very professional with our communications surrounding my budget, what urgently needed attention and changes to the quote.
After Nina completed the agreed work on my Violin, I picked it up from her workshop and I have to say that as soon as I saw it, I was delighted. From the sound quality to its playability and how it looks, it is a joy.
I am so glad I had Nina complete the works to this Violin. I will have no hesitation in asking her to complete more works on my Violin when required and would recommend Nina in a heartbeat. In-fact, I have a second Violin that was built by my Great Grandfather that has been put poorly together by someone needing major works to put it right. I will, if I come into some money, be asking Nina to cast her Professional, Sympathetic and Passionate eye over this Violin.
Thank you, Nina, for your valued work. Playing my Violin is a joy and your works have been praised by a professional player who teaches for the Scottish Conservatoire of Music. He has always showed a keen interest in my Violin and its story." – Rob Cairns
“I purchased a new violin from Nina in June 2022 and haven't regretted it for one instant. The sound is warm and mellow and the instrument is easy to play. Nina took the time to set it up the way that suited me best. I have had numerous compliments from other players and professional musicians who have tried it have all been impressed. I look forward to playing it for many, many years.” – Gillian Smith
“I took my fiddle to Nina initially to get my fingerboard sorted out, and to investigate a problem I was having with the nut (my E string kept breaking). She noticed that my endpin was inching out of the violin, so sorted that out for me as well.
I took my violin back to her later for more work, and she fitted me a new bridge, sorted out my pegs and best of all a new soundpost. My fiddle sounds better than ever now; her work really opened the sound up and brought it a new life!
Every time I’ve brought my fiddle to her, Nina has been very helpful and generous with information, letting me know when she found something wrong with my instrument and giving me options for fixing it or leaving it. I’m so happy to have found someone nearby & easy to get to who I can trust with my violin! She let me use one of her violins while mine was in her workshop, and it was so lovely I was worried I’d hate my own when I got it back - if I was in the market for a new instrument I’d be looking at hers for sure!” – Madeleine Stewart
