Testimonials - Svencino

Svencino Harmonics - Our Tailpieces

There are now five Svencino harmonic tail pieces used in my cello studio - two full size, one 3/4 size, one 1/2 size and one 1/4 size. I could not be happier with the results: tuning these instruments is so much easier - the screw heads are much bigger and more comfortable. The screws are also longer than I am used to - a luxury for a person lazy to use the big tuning pegs. The responsiveness of all the instruments is dramatically enhanced - the sound is bigger, richer with more overtones and sonorous. My students who still use the conventional tail pieces are envious since the harmonic tail pieces simply look gorgeous.

I got a harmonic tailpiece for my violin after it being recommended that it will improve sound quality. It definitely does wonders and my instrument can now produce a richer, stronger sound. It feels like I have a new instrument. It also allows very very fine tuning. I am very impressed and would definitely recommend this.

A wonderful upgrade to my own cello. It brought about a fullness of the sound that I did not expect for my cello. It also made the repsonsiveness better and allowed easier playing on all 4 strings. I subsequently had to get this tailpiece for my daughter’s 3/4 cello and even there the sound was transformed into something rarely heard on smaller instruments! This has been the single most useful change I made to my cello in decades!

I got myself a harmonic tailpiece for my violin after hearing the definite improvement in sound quality it produces. I am very satisfied with the volume my instrument now can make together with a rich and full sound. The individual strings becomes more clear to my ear. I definitely recommend this to everyone!!

I am really enjoying the rich quality of sound that this tailpiece lends. I’ve also noticed that its flat shape means that the fine tuners never touch the body of my violin while tuning, which is
especially useful if the top of your violin is quite convex or you have a low bridge. It also looks beautiful. Definitely recommended!

The harmonic tailpiece is an absolute must for any cello player. Brings depth, responsiveness and warmth to the lower strings, focus to the upper strings and provides much greater balance to the overall sound. A wonderful wolf reduction tool as well. Makes an immediate impact to your sound and playing experience. I’ll never look back! Thanks Svencino!

So I read the other rave reviews and decided to buy one too.
Yes, it has made a real difference. I don’t think my cello is obviously louder, but projection in a large acoustically dry space is much better, and there is a richer resonance in all registers. There is also more clarity when playing quietly in small ensembles.
The cost is similar to a new set of strings, but the impact is greater and presumably permanent.
And it looks very elegant.

Happy Clients on Film #SvencinoConcerts

Click on the image to hear them play.

Total rebuild of 120+ year old Bass that was swapped for 8 student violins for Handevat outreach program at the Cape East Coast. It was completely black and seemingly beyond repair!

Martin Merholz - Software Strategies & Bassiest

I’ve been playing on my Svencino 3 since 2014. I’ve been very happy with it so far, it projects well in a concert hall and is good for concertos and solo playing. My teachers in the USA are also very pleased with the instrument. I’ve had it looked at in New York City by some of the best luthiers around, including Julie Reed-Yeboah who was very impressed with the sound and build of the instrument. She also commented positively on my harmonic tailpiece. The value of my violin has increased substantially since I bought it!

Joas Erasmus - Bard College Conservatory of Music

Waldo Luc Alexander is a discerning violinist and musician in Johannesburg. He helps Svencino with testing and putting all of our Svencini violins through their paces once completed and ready to hunt for that, ever evasive, Sound Post sweet spot.

Where is Wally? He is playing the violin, as always.

The String Explorer

Jargar Strings - I have to be honest and thought that the strings might not make the difference, BUT this
really makes a difference! I have changed the strings and was surprised to notice a change in the
sound and vibration immediately. After a week the strings settled and I am not looking back.
A great buy and value for money!
And the bonus – the best staff and music lovers at Svencino!

Schools, Outreach Music & Other Partners

WCYO has been doing business with Svencino since 2018. We realized from the beginning that this was the beginning of a long-lasting relationship. From day one, there was mutual respect. .. click image to read more

WCYO Community Music Outreach Project

Svend Christensen of Svend’s Violin has been the preferred supplier of stringed instruments and accessories to Pridwin Preparatory School for boys in Melrose, Johannesburg since 2011... click image to read more

Pridwin Pre Prep Boys School - Rosebank

I have known Svend Christensen since 2002 when I gave him several bows for rehairing and refurbishing. I was adequately impressed by the results that I then...click image to read more

Johan Grobbelaar The Violin Connection - Owner

It is with pleasure that I, the undersigned, Stefné van Dyk of Handevat Music, can herewith confirm the relationship between myself and our Handevat Music and Svencico ... click image to read more

Stefné van Dyk CEO of Handevat Music

Restorations & Rebuilt Instruments

I am so delighted and happy with the restored violin.👏 At first my playing was really not doing the violin justice, but I have started practising (much😁) more diligently again. Now the sound is smooth and controlled evenly and my heart just really jumps with joy - the sound is so beauuuutiful!

Thank you so much for all the effort put into this project!!!! It was absolutely worth it!!!!!⭐️

Marlize Combrinck - State Prosecutor, Retired.

Bows - Master Made, Refurbished & Import selections

Hallo Svend

I hope you are well. Just want to let you know your bow is awesome. I am at the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival and cellists all over the world tried the bow and they love it. The one studies at the Mozartium and he preferred your bow over his 7000€ bow.

Just wanted to let you know.

Thanks for the work of love on my instruments, Svend. Now I have to start over again, especially with stretches! I am as stiff as a log! The bow no longer jumps all over the strings. What a great difference... I never thought it could be fixed. Good work, son.

Svencino! I applaud you, With my most delicate peti-coated bow, For without your melodic knowledge, I would never be hearing this symphony now. Your glorious page in this webbed wide world, Amongst misshapen frequencies in space, Caught my untrained thoughts, And guided an informed choice. My new carbon fibre bow of wonder, Sings praise to my loved ones and yonder, Now something their ears do ponder, Now something they wish to hear longer.... My gold flaked bar of amber rosin Allows each note its jewel like presence, Sent from “admin” above.... Creates my new carbon bow resonance, Svencino, my chorus has much to earn, My noted timbre much yet to learn, But my path is one of much pleasure, For You are now my secret treasure! BRAVO! And Thank you....Cristina, For allowing us mere mortals an affordable and very knowledgeable glance into this exquisite world of creativity....

Svend has managed to refurbish a violin bow for me that plays with ease and balances well on the strings. Holding the bow also proves to be comfortable, assisting well with fast moving pieces. Happy with the purchase.