From Bryan Bourgeois

Hi Jephin,

I just wanted to write you a quick note to say that I am really enjoying this violin! Sophia (my 6 1/2 year old daughter - also a beginner) and I have hardly missed an evening of practice since it arrived. It is generally with regret that I put it away for the evening - the sound next to my ear is sweet and inviting - even though I am just learning as a beginner, that sound makes it a pleasure to practice. I find myself running through the string major scales just for pleasure, listening for my sound and gaining skill in small steps. My step daughter (16 years old) tries it occasionally, and is now hinting that she would like to return to the violin herself, after being away for 4 years.

I put on Pirastro Tonica strings. The difference in the E is profound - it has life there now, where before it was gritty and hard. The G of the Pirastras is almost too warm - I may put the original G back on. I’ve also since added an ebony inlay to the bridge under the E string, and made and set a new sound post (not really needed, I think). I found the varnish under the bridge feet had been pushed around a bit, probably because it had not fully cured before first being set up. I scraped that varnish flat, and refitted the bridge feet. All this has brought the open and stopped E into better balance. The A string has receded in sound a bit, so I may fuss with the sound post some more. I’m not in a hurry to make more changes, because the Tonica strings seem to take a week of tuning after being loosened. I would also suggest having the luthier add a label (or send it to me to add) inside these instruments. They are just too good to have no pedigree.

I would be proud to have you put this letter and the picture of my beautiful instrument (Alpine 1084)on your web site, and recommend to anyone considering doing business my highest regards. I know you worked very hard to get me a fine instrument that fit my budget, and the experience was a genuine pleasure. We’ll be back as Sophia grows into another instrument (and for a bow for me)!

Good luck,
Bryan B

From Adrianne Kovacs

I recently bought a cello from Jehpin. The instrument itself is simply excellent. The wood and the craftsmanship are of the highest quality. The difference between my previous cellos and this one is hard to describe. This one is so responsive, it plays so easy.

I agree that it would be nice to know the luthier’s name. But there is no label inside. If Jehpin sends me a label I would be happy to place it inside.

As a friendly gesture from Jehpin, I also received a bow. Is is enough to say that since then I have not used my previous favorite bow.

Dear Jehpin, I can only congratulate you, and wish that your business will flourish because you deserve it. It is good to know that there are people like you. I will highly recommend you to my friends.

Thank you again, Adrianne

From nikolaos angelopoulos

I have bought 2 violins from jehpin and i am very satisfied with build quality and sonority .The violins are already used in professional orchestra and are breaking in very nicely .No wolf notes,which is a plague for many high end violins ,and lots of punch and projection . This is a unique case in ebay trading ,as very good violins are offered for very modest prices.I would like to see labels on the violins,as this makes them stand out and hold their own .Until now ,I think this is the best deal in the net for new violins and ,with a good set up ,they sound better and more mature in comparison to much much more expensive instruments .Congratulations to this seller and I wish him continuation of success in his business .

From Christina Wedberg

I bought a 7/8 Performa violin and I couldn’t be more pleased! It has a deep, rich and warm tone and projects incredibly well, considering the size. Every day it’s voice continues to open up and I am surprised by it’s mature tone even at this early stage. It is very well made and came with a high quality case. I am a professional player, but because I am very short with small hands, I have been looking for an affordable smaller violin for quite some time. Thanks Jehpin! I hope you come out with more 7/8 size violins. I will buy another one!
- Christina

From Amitava

Hi Everybody,
Recently I have bought a silver mounted cello bow (check out from Jehpin’s catalogue). Ohowh! it is made near to perfection -flexibility, balance, materials used, and above all the artistry and craftmanship are envious to many.His shipping,delivery, and packing are all excellent as he sticks to his commitments.
I am looking forward to get one of his Rugieri Cello if our dear Jehpin could find some time out of his pressing commitments to make it in near future.

From Mack Bettis

I just bought your Premier violin in your lineup, as far as I am concerned; it is the ”OPERA.” At first exam, it is superbly crafted with superior quality and well-chosen old woods, and the maker honored the rare quality wood with his best quality hand craftsmanship in the true Master’s level of work. It is rare and satisfying to see a NEW ”OLD MASTER” violin. When I take my time and do my best to set it up with the best bridge and equal strings to match the voice of the instrument, I will write back and I fully expect to tell you that I am ordering another - or more. I can sell it with no effort when a buyer sees and hears it -it will sell itself. It is indeed, the kind of superior gentle ‘antiquing’ to age the violin to match the age of the wood. That skill is a rare gift for a maker - to not over-do by just rubbing and scrubbing crude color and inflicting harm to the instrument, in the name of ”antique.” You have a winner and I will keep you posted on the finished presentation. Thanks for your help - -Jehpin - -YOU made it happen!

From Stephen Tjon

I have bought a fine old style baroque viola bow: perfect and beautiful snake wood and a fine balance. I am very happy with it.
Ofcourse is it a bit of a risk buying bows and instruments straight from internet, but Jephin promessed my a not satisfied-money back garantee.
But I am more than happy. Everyone in my orchestra is enthousiastic about the bow!

Thanx a lot, Jephin!

greetings
Stephen Tjon
The Netherlands

From Phil Marsh

Dear Jephin,

Searching the internet for instruments and bows has given me a remarkable education. I’ve learned a great deal more about the materials and varying degree of craftmanship and what i find important….innovation.
Being a cabinet-maker/desinger of custom furniture my eyes lends it’s way to seeing the beauty in the world around us. Finding what you offer and your business practice tells me of your dedication, I find this very impressive!! Now having received my first bow from you simply impressed me! My first violin from you will be arriving in a couple of days and I can hardly wait to start playing it. Thank you for supporting all the luthiers you do and may they know my gratitude too.

Phil

From Joe Mills

I HAVE BOUGHT THREE VIOLINS FROM JEHPIN I HIGHLY RECCOMMEND HIM-I WILL BUY MORE FROM HIM I AM SURE IN THE FUTURE-THEY ARE OF GOOD QUALITY= AS NICE AS SOME OF MY HIGHER PRICED VIOLINS-AND A GREAT PERSON TO DEAL WITH-HE WANTS YOU TO BE HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE AND TRIES HIS BEST I THINK TO BE SURE YOU ARE

From Dr. Joseph Sylvan

Dear Jehpin,
I want to thank you for the courage to produce and market violins based on the Tertis model. From the moment it arrived and got tuned up I was pleased with the resonance which is even, clear, and sweet across all four strings, with every indication that upon ripening with careful playing will emerge into a rich sounding violin. The materials and workmanship are of very high quality and make for an aesthetically beautiful instrument. I have loaned it to a young talented student, but now I doubt that I’ll get it back as she wants to buy it from me. Maybe I’ll end up getting another! At any rate, I can surely recommend Jehpin’s violins not only for the qualities mentioned above, but for the the kind, expeditious, and professional manner in which he handled the transaction. Thank you. Joseph

From Gianluigi Corsano

I bought a Stradivari model by Jehpin!
What a rich and powerful sound in this violin! It’s wonderful!!!
And the varnishing is so realistic: it seems really and old instrument!
I love it!!

Then Jehpin is a very nice person: I’m very pleased to meet him on the web!

Thanks Jehpin!

Gianluigi

From Bonnie Kidd

I recently bought a Vecchio. I had the boxwood pegs and chin rest replaced with ebony, had a luthier lower the bridge for my tiny hands, and put Obligato strings on it. The sound of this instrument with the new strings is superb! The G and D are velvety and deep, and the A and E ring without being piercing. I couldn’t be happier with my violin. The projection is enough to fill a church without a mic, and the violin reaches the back pews even when being played pianissimo. I was thrilled at the volume this violin produced, even with its original workshop strings.

My only regret is that there is no label inside. I would really like to have the luthier’s label, which would certainly add to the appreciation of the instrument over the years. An anonymous violin doesn’t command the same respect as a violin with a luthier’s name in it. I would still recommend the Vecchio to anyone without reservation. You cannot find a better sound anywhere for the price. My advice to anyone who is contemplating buying one is to get it now, before they become more expensive.

Thanks, Jehpin, for a perfectly beautiful violin.

Bonnie

From Peter Schwimmer

I just received my first Opera model violin from Jehpin, and I think it is a very fine instrument in that it looks very nice, was almost completely set-up (just needed to have the bridge cut down just a tiny bit to lower the action), and it has a very nice smooth and rich tone (not too dark, not bright, just warm, balanced, sweet, and fairly focused). It is one of the best new instruments I have tried, and it even sounded very good with the steel strings that came installed on it (which actually aren’t too bad at all - but they would be better used with a fine tuner tailpiece - for tuning concerns). Thanks a lot Jehpin for the great sevice and the fine instrument.

-Peter

From Rick Pardue

I recently bought two violins the Old Violin House and have been very pleased. All I needed to do was replace the bridge with one more flat for my playing style, but for someone who plays classical the bridge that comes with it will do great. I play bluegrass music and this violin cuts well in a band. Someone who plays bluegrass has to contend with loud banjos and this violin can do it. I was really impressed with the tones this instrument has. The violin is very well balanced with deep bass notes with an excellent E string response. The midrange A and D string is right in there as well. I have had others come up to me and comment on how well it projects in the band. It came to me with a wonderful light case as well. This violin is starting to settle down and play in well now after a few weeks. You can not get a violin like this for the price from any dealer in the states anywhere. All I can say who ever the maker is has got his act together in the making and finish department. My experience is around forty years playing in bands and I have been exposed to alot of violins during that time. you can not go wrong purchasing one for yourself. I bet you will be happy with it.

From Toni Pickard

Hello Everyone,

I’m really glad to have a chance to set out how terrific Jeh Pin has been in my dealings with him. I wanted a baroque cello bow. In the end we didn’t find one that suited me, but the transaction itself was so friendly, efficient, caring and professional that I come away with all positive feelings. Of course I’d love to have a bow as well, but that will have to wait a bit. As we all know, it’s finicky to find a bow that suits, and trying to do it by internet is inherently more difficult. One would only embark if you had full confidence in the seller. When the bow came, it just wasn’t well balanced for me. Jeh Pin couldn’t have been more accommodating. It’s not just that he offered a refund immediately, but he asked for all the feedback I could give him so he could try to find one that would suit better. I told him what I could, and we tried again. The second bow was way better, but still not what I’m looking for, so I returned it for a full refund. But those facts, while positive in every way, don’t capture the essence of the transaction for me. During it, TJ was born, the holidays came and went. Jeh Pin’s communications were unfailingly open, cheerful, helpful, inquiring and sensible. He was willing to keep trying to find a good bow for me, but never pushed me should I prefer to just give up and take the refund. By the end, when I decided not to keep pursuing things this way, he was gracious and quick. I ended up sorry to close the transaction because it meant we’d no longer be in communication! Well, you can’t get much better than that for a transaction that in the end didn’t result in a purchase. I really hope I have a chance to do some more business with him in the future, and recommend him to everyone with tremendous enthusiasm.

From Denis Hogen

Dear Jehpin,

It was a pleasure doing business with you. The bows are fantastic!!! The tone and response is phenomenal. I’m very pleased with the product you provide and the craftsmanship is impeccable! I’m very pleased with the whole communication/buying experience. EXCELLENT!!!

Thank you again,
Denis

From Peter Schwimmer

I’d just like to share some good thoughts that I have about my dealings with Jehpin. I have bought several violins from him. The violins range from being “good for the money” to being fine instruments, better than just “good for the money”. Jehpin keeps trying to improve the quality of the instruments he brings “to market”, he is easy to talk to (he is very good about answering questions and responds quickly to emails), and from my experiences, he just seems to be a good guy in general. He packs the instruments well, and has them shipped fairly quickly (especially considering the distance they travel). I’m looking forward to doing more business with him in the future, and hope he has a good year.

-Peter Schwimmer

From Adrianne

Dear Jehpin, It was a pleasure doing business with you.
I can only recommend Jehpin to future custumers. I especially liked the detailed information (many pictures) about the instrument.
Excellent service. Congratulation.
Thank you for the great violin.

From Michael & Mona Lisa Embry

We were so very pleased with the beautiful hand varnished violin we purchased from Jephin. Not only is the sound as beautiful as the violin but the customer service, information and overall experience of purchase from Jehpin was very pleasant.

We are excited to share our experience of quality and professionalism to our entire family. We are looking forward to future purchases and would like to thank Jehpin for making this a wonderful first purchase experience.

Jehpin replied to our emails quickly and was able to provide us with information regarding a violin that was not pictured on his website. He came through and provided excellent customer service and information for us and made it possible for us to purchase our beautiful violin.

Keep up the excellent workmanship Jehpin!
Sincerely,
Michael & Mona Lisa Embry

From Ray Angus

n the last three or four months i have bought 3 violins the maggini /tertis designed/and the Opera Guarneri violin .. I put on jargar strings on the Guarneri and the tone of this violin was remarkable and was so easy to play, I have bought other violins on the internet but these violins don’t come close to the high quality violins that Jehpin sells …
All the best for 2008 and keep up the good work
Ray

From Dave Favis-Mortlock

The “Birdeyes” violin which I bought from Jehpin some four months ago has settled down to be a very good instrument. When the price is taken into account, the quality is superb! A nicely balanced tone on all strings, responsive and easy to play: I certainly intend to buy from Jehpin again. Many thanks!

Dave F-M

From Joselito F. Sibal

I bought a violin bow . It is a transitional bow as stated . It helps me play better . Jehpin was very accomodating and always answered my questions as promptly as he could . The rate he is going , I think he will go a long way .
With regret , though , my intention of buying a Gagliano from him did not push thru . Someday in the distant future , I might just do that . It was a nice experience dealing with him . This I am saying from the bottom of my heart . Good luck to him and to his family .
Toy

From Patricia (Trizia)

I bought recently a Vecchio Violin from Jehpin to try. I regreted at first not having bought the one piece back Vecchio, but then when I beheld the two piece maple back violin with my own eyes, I fell in love with it almost at that instant. I’m impressed by the workmanship of a violin at this price. It does have a very warm tone that is somewhat “dark” , which is rare in a new violin. I have placed a new set of Medium Gauge Alliance Vivace from Corelli and I find that they match very well. What I love most about this violin is the light weight and the impressive volume that is not sharp. It’s very hard to put down once you start playing. Of all the violins I bought from Jehpin, this is my favourite. Well, I also like the Performa but this is lighter. I have yet to try the Emiliani to compare. I only wish that there could be more choices for the case upgrade and that the sticker “Fragile” should be attached to the box when shipping. Thank you again for the Vecchio. Hope to buy more in the future.

From Jan

I recently bought an Emiliai violin from Jehpin Liew, The Old Violin House. It arrived in lovely condition in an unexpected very nice violin case. I am very happy with the purchase. The violin meets my expectations and more. It is a nice violin with lovely tone, very reasonably priced. The service was fantastic. Very prompt with great communication from Jehpin. It was great to be able to track the violin as it shipped into Australia. I am a very satisfied customer and I would be most happy to buy from the Old Violin House again. Thank you Jehpin.

From Trizia

Two months ago i bought a 5 Star Performa. I never thought that a violin at this price range can have so much appeal. I’ve actually underestimated its’ beauty. And then during ensemble practice my colleagues made comments that the varnish is very nice and the tone is very sweet. The volume is not loud, but it’s loud enough for playing Baroque repertoires. I think the Performa is also perfect for the advancing student. The sound is good enough for playing solo in a small concert hall. Above all, the price is perfect. I wish to see more of the tiger flamed and fractional sizes (1/2 to 3/4) for bidding.

From liuwe van der meer

I’ve bought two bows, a baroque viola bow and a baroque violin bow, snake wood. Both are well made. So I’m a highly pleased man!