Thanks so much for sending the wonderful SmartStops that I received yesterday. I took them into work today and all the cello section (Opera North) tried them. We were playing in a room with a laminate wooden floor and without fail, no ones spike slipped while they were using it.

www.andylongorchestra.com

I received the new Warchal 'Timbre' violin strings from A R distribution a few days ago and fitted a set on my own fiddle.

They work very well and perform as the information from Warchal says. They were quick to stay up to pitch, and the tone developed quickly as promised.

The strings are powerful, and yet still retain the finer qualities. I did find the E slightly harder in sound, but that may well play out. I like them a lot. They compare favourably to other very good modern strings, and I will be fitting them on some recent and any new violins as they are made.

I am looking forward to seeing how they go over the next few weeks.

www.wardviolins.com

"The Cecilia Sanctus and Cecilia Solo Rosins are our absolute favourites and we have been using them for years! We always love to discover new possibilities to improve our sound and Andrea has proven its fantastic quality in different climates and conditions- which is of great importance to an internationally traveling ensemble like us. The rosin immediately effects the sound and adds dimensions, overtones and that "smooth" feeling on the stings that aids articulation and phrasing. Our violinist secretly loves to use a little bit of the Cecilia Solo Cello rosin when performing in big concert halls as it provides a perfectly even sound with great projection at all times. We are so happy to have found a rosin that fits our needs and we highly recommend it to all string players!"

-Cellist Samuel Shepherd and Violinist Lea Hausmann from the Amatis Piano Trio

www.amatistrio.com

Andy Long of the New World Ensemble kindly gave us a review of the Warchal Amber Violin E String

"Well, what a brilliant string!! I put the Forte on my fiddle as I'm always looking for a bit more up top and it sounds terrific. I'm definitely a convert and absolutely delighted with it. The lower tension really works for me and the action is as clean as a whistle with a clean, clear and slightly piping sound."

Excerpt from The Strad Magazine Rosin Test June 2018

"The effect on my violin was incredible. with a noticeable increase in power and punch; it spoke clearly at every dynamic from pianissimo to fortissimo, sang with ever greater resonance, and seemed to be more responsive than ever."

www.thestrad.com

"I love trying new things, to stay in touch with innovators and follow developments. But when it comes to rosin, I always, always come back to CECILIA (ANDREA) "A Piacere". The only rosin that effects my sound instantly, rich in overtones for that extra golden tone quality we cellists look for. Very responsive in articulation while at the same time you feel the bow 'sink' into the strings. What a pleasure to play! "

Karel Bredenhorst

www.karelbredenhorst.com

www.southwellmusicfestival.com