7 replies to this topic

[Gordon Shumway]

I'm wondering what Caswells are like to buy a violin from.

[cestrian]

I bought something from them a few years ago. It was dire, was completely unsuitable, didn't fit together and I couldn't take it apart. I wrote a review, which they removed, and they said that I was the only one that complained so they considered it a non-issue.

 

Of course there will be many positive experiences but it's human nature to remember the times it doesn't work out. Personally I wouldn't go back but that's also because I've found suitable specialists for what I need rather than shops like C's.

[LoneM]

I haven't dealt with Caswells, but can wholeheartedly recommend Elida Violins.  Prices range from £90 to £3,000 and the owner is very experienced and helpful.

[John Cockburn]

I'd recommend buying from someone local to you.

[SingingPython]

I've bought a couple of bows from them and been happy - but I live close enough to have gone to them in person.  I'm actually planning to go shoulder-rest shopping with my son tomorrow.

[Gordon Shumway]

Am I right in thinking they moved from Northants to Oxford (after Googling them last night)?

My experience with them was, I bought a Hill-style chinrest, and it came loose in an A5 or A4 jiffy bag with nothing else to protect it. It came with 4 or 5 other letters in the mail and fell on the floor unnoticed, and I only found it an hour later looking like an empty envelope, so it was a miracle it didn't get trodden on.

As for buying local, that's all very well if you have someone local and they don't expect you to pay for their central London real-estate investment!

[chaia]

Ive had a few experiences but not for buying instruments, and none good.
First time, i bought a bow and they double charged my card.
Second time i ordered a grade 5 pieces book with piano part and cd, and it arrived with the piano part missing.
3rd time, i bought a case from them, and it fell apart in less than 6 months. In this case i was given £50 credit voucher

I now avoid using them, although ive heard of people who have used them without issue.

Because of the above when i came to upgrading my violin i ended up driving to birmingham to Moseley Violins

[SingingPython]

Come to think of it, a case I have had some problems with may have come from them originally.

 

They have moved from Brackley to Banbury - not actually far on the map but does cross the county boundary.  For me it is probably similar to get to them; Banbury is very close to the M40.

 

All your comments highlight why I don't like internet shopping that much!