Customer Testimonials
These are a few of the unsolicited testimonials we've received over the years which we hope you will enjoy reading. The work we do is very rewarding unto itself, but these kind words touch us deeply and make our efforts all the more satisfying.
"Dear Mr. Rufino,
I
just read the recent article in the Chronicle for Higher Education detailing
your incredible gift to Mr. Lassley. I was deeply moved by your generosity.
More and more I feel that this world is becoming a cruel place.Yet, when I read
about kind acts such as yours, it keeps me inspired to continue to reach out
and help others. Thank you for allowing the Chronicle to share this
story."
Sue Herschlag, Easton, PA "Dear Mr. Rufino,
I
cannot begin to express my gratitude towards you for your willingness to work
with me in finding a new instrument. For a long time, I assumed that a new
cello of this caliber was an unlikely possibility and to have found this cello,
which is the perfect fit, feels like an unbelievable blessing. In my months of
shopping, I can saw with confidence that there is no one else I would have
wanted to buy and instrument from . In our years of working together, you have
continuously shown your generosity. Your patience and understanding have helped
me to make this leap with confidence and assurance that I am making a
worthwhile investment. I am looking forward to our continued relationship with
this cello. I really cannot thank you enough! "
Elizabeth Meszaros, Silver Spring, MD "Dear Mr. Rufino,
I
am the principal violist of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra in Tennessee and
purchased a Charles Rufino viola in 2003 from one of your dealers. This
instrument is FABULOUS. When I was shopping, I wanted an instrument powerful
enough to cut through the orchestra for solos. I can stand out when I need to,
but it blends wonderfully for orchestral and chamber playing. I play in a
quartet where the other players have fine old Italian instruments and I have no
problem matching and blending with them. I am also impressed at how easy it is
to play. I am a former violinist and while I am physically capable of playing a
16-1/2 to 16-3/4 viola it's just not comfortable to me. Your 16 inch
viola is not only easy to play, but it has the sound and power of a larger
instrument. I just wanted to let you know how pleased I have been with your
viola. If you ever decide to put testimonials on your site, I would be happy to
be included."
Katy Gawne, Knoxville, TN "Dear Mr. Rufino,
I just wanted to thank you again for providing my students with the opportunity to participate in today's masterclass. I really enjoyed the class. I especially enjoyed that my students were hearing some of the same points that I have been trying to make to them as recently as 2 days ago! I do so much appreciate that you are bringing in these teachers and artists to share their ideas and thank you for all you do for the musical community here on Long Island!"
Thalia Greenhalgh, Long Island, NY "Dear Charles,
Thank
you so much for your contribution to a tremendous evening. We've had
enthusiastic compliments and so much of it was because of your collegial spirit
and generous response to our call for this Viola Expo. Thanks again a
Viva La Viola!"
Sincerely,
The New York Viola Society "Dear Mr. Rufino,
Many
thanks for your time and help with my violin search. I absolutely love
the instrument you made, and everyone who has heard and played the instrument
loves it, too! Looking forward to seeing you in Houston on your next
visit. "
Christine Wisch, Houston TX "Dear Charles,
We would
like to express our deepest appreciation for resolving our family's recent bow
crisis. This Vuillaume bow has been our family's most treasured heirloom. The
Stanhope lens was a source of entertainment for myself and siblings when were
were little and then for the grandchildren as we started our own
families. My Dad was given this bow from his violin teacher in the
1930's. Although it was his prized possession, the monetary value was
unknown and of no importance to him. The sentimentality was the greater
value. Upon Dad's passing the bow was given to my daughter, Meredith, who had
begun violin lessons at 5 years old. She has revered this bow as a very
special keepsake. It was not until Meredith became a more accomplished
musician and the bow was sent out for rehair that we were informed of its
uniqueness and monetary value. Meredith, now 16, was devastated when she
discovered the Stanhope lens had fallen out. I too, was quite
upset. Without thought, Meredith insisted that Mr. Rufino could fix it. I
know she drove you and your staff crazy with her numerous rejections of the
portraits, phone calls and e-mails. But it was your patience, attention
to detail and affection with which you took on this project that has restored
the bow to original condition. I could not be more pleased. I understand
that, worldwide, a repair of this nature may only happen a few times a
year. Thank you for your fine workmanship in this restoration."
Larry Johanson, Highbridge, New Jersey "Dear Charles,
I
wanted to drop you a short note of appreciation for working with my daughter in
her pursuit of a viola. Interestingly enough, you were the only shop that took
the time and energy to talk with her at great length as to her wishes, wants,
and future aspirations regarding an instrument.
I also want to express my gratitude for the way you worked with Shawn and us on
this purchase. It was truly a very positive experience for our family and,
especially Shawn as she received and instrument that she will love playing and
owning for many years to come."
Regards and Best Wishes,
Philip L. McCanless, Jr. Atlanta, Georgia "Dear Mr. Rufino,
Thank you so much for all your patience during my first cello-buying
experience. As you can surely imagine, it was a big, stressful decision for me,
You were very patient, knowledgeable, and accommodating of my work schedule.
Thanks again! I love my new cello!!"
Claudine Kiffer, New York, New York "Dear
Charles,
I'm certainly enjoying the violin. It's been sounding great in many of
my performances and I'm very grateful for your artistry!"
Dale Stuckenbruck, New York, New York "Dear Mr. Rufino,
Thank you so much for your generosity in sponsoring prize winners at the
biannual New York ASTA with NSOA Solo Competition that was held at Ithaca
College this past December. Winners at the state level will continue on to the
national competition in March. Thank you for helping promote string education
and string playing in New for helping promote string education and string
playing in New York State."
Steve Thomas, NY Chapter American String Teachers Association "Dear Charles,
I
wanted to thank you personally for the wonderful work you did on my cello this
winter. I appreciate your willingness to fit me into your busy holiday
schedule. My cello sounds fabulous and you are a true craftsman. My
quartet was stunned by the vibrancy and resonance you were able to
create. I promise to return again... at a less busy time! All the
best for your new year!"
Elizabeth Meszaros, Silver Spring, Maryland "Dear Mr. Rufino,
Thank you for your
continued support of the Long Island String Festival Association. Your generous
donation for the "Studio Award" has been awarded to two talented
students."
Peter A. Tomforde, Scholarship Chairperson, LISFA Association |
