Are we perfect? Well, I suppose it depends upon whom you ask. Of course, we try to make sure that we live up to the best expectations of our customers. Occasionally, we may fall short. Just like any great symphony orchestra, our company is made up of people and we all can “play a wrong note” once in a while. Here are some excerpted letters and comments we’ve received over the years that may help give some insight as to our dedication to making our customers feel like they are “part of the family.”

Dear Mr. Potter:

I'm writing to thank you for your help building our string program at the Washington Waldorf School. The Double Bass we recently purchased is a great addition to our lower, middle and high school orchestras. The purchase would not have been possible without your school instrumental program.

I'm more than happy to continue sending our parents to you, knowing your fine staff will continue to take such good care oof them and their particular needs. It's nice to know that children will begin or continue their studies with good quality instruments that are properly adjusted and appropriately sized.

You make my job and that of my colleagues so much easier. Thanks for your service over the last number of years and thanks, too, for staffing your company with knowledgeable and service-oriented employees. I've never had a complaint from a parent or student. I've heard nothing but praise and pass that along to you now.

Our thanks and best wishes for your continued success in this new year.

Sincerely, Mitch Fanning, Instrumental Music Program

Mr. Potter...

I wanted to thank you so very much for your help in getting our Strings Instructor Jesse Collett new bows. The School of the Arts in Benton County will use these daily and enjoy the wonderful sound they help create.

If you are ever in NW Arkansas, please know that you are always welcome in our school.

Thanks again for all you have helped us accomplish!

Tamerine L. Hatt, Benton County School of The Arts

Dear Louis,

I wanted to thank you for your assistance in the choosing of my cello. Your expertise was invaluable to us; we were practically lost before we walked into Potter's. I believe that, with your help, I have chosen a cello suitable for my skill level, as well as my playing style. We hope to visit Potter's again soon.

All the Best, Kieran T. Conaway

Dear Mr. Kelly,

Thank you so much for helping me with my Viola on consignment. I appreciate your professional treatment toward this process. I have always had such a great experience with your Violin shop. I look forward to our ongoing relationship and will continue to advocate your shop for my students. Happy New Year!

Best, Elizabeth Swift

Hi Jim,

I don't have Dalton's address, but I wanted to thank both of you for hearing and adjusting Stephen's violin last week -- at closing time, no less. I had in mind Stephen playing the violin in the lobby for a few seconds, just to make sure doing the strings and adjustment was the way to go, not such royal treatment. But that's the way you guys do things, and that's why I always rave about your shop to any new violin and cello parents. You make it a pleasure to walk in the door, and a little less painful to part with a few more green pieces of paper... Thanks for your kindness.

Donna Tavani

Dear Sirs at Potter's Violins,

Thank you so much for your excellent job on the repair of our son's violin. It has been in the family for a long time and means a lot to all of us. I thought it was hopeless but it looks so nice and sounds just as it had. You have saved the day once more. Your company is of highest caliber as far as our family is concerned.

Sincerely, John and Regina Scott

Teacher comment:

Thank you for the excellent service that you provided for me and for my students last weekend. We are so lucky to have a place like Potter’s where we can come. The instruments that my students have purchased from your shop over the years have really added to the quality of my studio. It means a lot to me to know that I can send students to you and know that they will get a good violin at a reasonable price.

Thank you very much, Lois Durran

Dear Dalton, I just wanted to thank you for everything. You always treat me like royalty when I walk in the shop-always taking care of me right away. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for me and am looking forward to many more years of collaborating (maybe even with a greater fiddle in my hands?) Have a fabulous summer-all my best!

Yours, Nurit Bar-Josef Concertmaster, National Symphony

[I] just wanted to say thanks for your informed guidance in helping us select a violin for [my student] last week. A perfect choice for a talented 12 year old violinist. The tone is so elegant!”

Pat Braunlich

Dear Mr. Potter,

We are so happy with the cello you shipped out so quickly. My daughter says it is perfect - sound, adjustment and looks. We tried two cellos locally - and the one you sent is so much superior in every way for the same price. The quality of the case and bow along with the fine quality of the Wilhelm Klier cello is outstanding. My daughter's teacher, Alice Williams, was very impressed with the full tone. I am a Suzuki Piano Teacher and realize the importance of having a fine instrument..... Thanks so much!

Robin Blankenship

Dear Mr. Potter:

We really appreciate your violin shop! Your staff is competent and cordial and your easy-going way makes looking for violins a pleasure. Your wide selection of instruments helped us determine what we were looking for. Thanks for your kindness! May you continue to prosper.

Sincerely, Dolores Y. Klemm

Mr. Potter,

My initial experience at your shop deserves a word of thanks. The exemplary service, courtesy and patience shown me by Jerry and yourself were equally matched by the information and clearly explained answers to my questions by you and each of your assistants.

Of lasting importance, also, are the work performed on my violin, the care given to it and your informative, educational and well written book, Kitchen Table Violin Repairs. Your book exhibits an astute understanding of the needs of aspiring string instrument players. Until my half-yearly check up,

Sincerely, Charles Sures

Dear Mr. Potter,

Sometimes, an answer can be (literally) right under your nose. Since my son announced he wanted to study the cello two and a half years ago (at age six), we have combed the western hemisphere, looking for a truly musical instrument for him to play. We have met with luthiers and dealers in Europe. We have called countless people here in the United States. Now that Max has grown and requires a larger instrument, we have driven hundreds of miles (literally!) to visit a dozen shops. He has almost had to vacate his room to make space for the cellos on approval. I have always believed "due diligence" is the price of discovery.

Strangely, we made one call early on in our investigation and had one of your Klier 1/2 size cellos sent in. It arrived beautifully packed, and "out of the box" had a sound superior to others. Now, three weeks and through 15 other old and contemporary cellos, yours is still the favorite - not only ours, but our teacher's, too. Along the way, we spoke with other teachers who have had similar experiences and referred us to you.

[Your staff has] been responsive and professional, and we're delighted to join your list of satisfied clients. Thank you.

Very truly yours, Mark S. Gatof

Dear Potter's,

I would like to take this time to personally thank you for the years of excellent service and high quality affordable instruments you have made available to my students. Without quality violins, even the best teachers and students can not produce beautiful sound with easy facility.

I know that when I send a student to you, he or she will be taken care of with respect, care, and love. My students return from your shop feeling as if they are important people and that their teacher is also a fine teacher. For that I am extremely thankful.

Through the years, I have made specific requests of various kinds. You have always honored these requests, regardless of the size or age of the student I have sent to you.

In conclusion, thank you again! I hope you please take credit for the important gift of your high level of professionalism. You advance the musical education and personal development of so many children and teachers, not only in the Greater Washington Area, but also throughout the United States and beyond.

Very Gratefully, Martha Shackford, Suzuki teacher, McLean, Virginia

Dear Dalton,

I'd like to thank you for the expert service you and your staff provided me and my three students (Diana, Miranda and Maria) last week. The students are thrilled with the new Doetsch instruments they purchased as well as with the bows and, of course, the most important part of all, the Bobleock Cases!

Miranda came to her lesson yesterday with the new case you sent to her, proudly displaying the beautiful blue interior. Thanks for the speedy work in sending her case, having been out of stock on purchase day.

Currently, of my 15 students, 8 have violins or violas from your shop. I have overseen 4 other purchases with former students. When we come to your shop, I know I can rely on professional service as they try out instruments and bows. Your erudite advice relieves the anxiety of the parents as they weight the value of this major investment.

With the purchase of quality student instruments, better progress can be made, making my job easier, and I do see enhanced progress after a student acquires a better quality violin or viola. The students become more in tune with the care of their instrument, and are proud of it. The attention they receive from others who see the beauty of the instrument adds to their inspiration. Making a good sound without a struggle increases their motivation to practice. Although, the thrill does eventually wear off, the shot in the arm that your fine instrument give, will often put a student over the top of a hurdle, ready to face the next challenge.

As for myself, I was glad to receive speedy service of a fresh set of Olive viola strings direct from the wholesaler. I really appreciate your recognition that the Olives in stock were old, and time was taken to assure that I received a better set.....

Your repair of the W. Seifert bow that another repairman declared "unrepairable" was a work of art. I was a little shocked when my daughter announced that she preferred it over the Jean Marteau bow that I purchased as a replacement!

When it comes time for a student of mine to move up to a better instrument, it's reassuring to know that the quality of instruments, service, repair work and advice continues to be maintained at a high standard, especially after the transition from the well-known Weaver family to Potter's. Musicians and teachers all over have been scrutinizing your "new" business and I, for one, will be the first to speak up in favor of Potter's Violins.

Thanks for all of your help.

Sincerely, Helen Fall, Fairfax, VA

Dear Mr. Potter:

We received your 3/4 violin yesterday and I must say that I am extremely impressed by how the whole transaction has gone. The violin is wonderful and I want to thank you for taking my 1/4 violin. Because of your kindness, I am recommending your violin shop to everyone I know. You may be getting a few calls with the same violin situation that I had -- I don't know if that is good or bad! Anyway, you've made my daughter, Dayna, a very happy 10 year old.

Sincerely, Holly J. Anderson

[Dear Potter's]

Thanks so much for the great bows! I teach in Meriden, CT. Most of my students come from low-income families and do not even own their own instruments. These bows are wonderful! My students will be so excited to use such great quality equipment! Many thanks on behalf of all the string students at Washington Middle School in Meriden, CT!

Martha K., Instrumental Director

Just a note to thank you for your prompt action in our dilemma about the violin bow. It is reassuring to know that there are companies like yours that are honorable & honest.

Irwin Rockoff

Thank you, Potter’s, for making long-distance shopping easy and for making me feel confident that we would receive a great instrument. We did! It is beautiful and has a wonderful tone! Thanks to your helpful customer service, also!

Cathy Fernandez, N. Canton, OH

Dear Mr. Basch,

Thank you so much for looking for a wonderful violin and bow for me. The violin has a fantastic sound and the bow can make so many different colors so easily. I would like to learn more about violins and their makers. Thank you again! I am so excited!

Love, Claire

Dear Potters Violin,

Thank you so, so, so much for replacing my old broken bow to a new pretty sounding bow. Today I played the quarter violin and it sounded awesome with the new bow. It sounded rich and loud. I was a bit surprised when I first heard the loud and rich sound! Thanks again!

Sincerely, Serina Chang, New York, NY
PS: It’s almost my 8th birthday!

Simon,

Sometimes, old things are good and the violin you helped me select is one of those. Thanks for all your advice and assistance. Someday, I look forward to hearing the rest of the Tchaikovsky concerto – you playing, of course!

Regards, Bob S.

Dear Jerry,

This note is long overdue, but I wish to send a “special THANK YOU” for doing such a fine repair of my Hill Violin Bow. A great job! It’s wonderful to be able to use the bow again.

Sincerely, Hilda N.

Dear Potters Violins,

My family and I would like to say thank you for Caleb’s beautiful violin. You made the selection a wonderful experience as well as enjoyable. Simon was a huge help. A special thanks goes to him and his endless knowledge about violins and bows. Thank you again. We look forward to coming back some time very soon.

Sincerely, Bruce B.

Dear George and Potters Violins Staff,

Thank you for your assistance in purchasing a viola! I appreciate the integrity and quality Potters Violins provides (even all the way to Illinois!)

Sincerely, Mahjabeen K.

Dear Louis,

Thanks to you, our experience buying a cello at Potter’s was unforgettable. Simply magic. Maya warmed up to your kindness. Your words gave her the confidence to choose the best instrument for her, and she is delighted with cello and bow. Thank you for this great gift.

Blessings, Mary

Dear Louis,

Thank you so much for helping me pick out the perfect cello! You were so helpful and nice to me and my mom. Your cello music is gorgeous, also. Thanks again for finding me the best cello for me!

Sincerely, Maya

Dear Simon,

[Y]ou helped us choose a violin for a teenage girl. We recently had a photo session with Emily, now almost 17, and her French violin (1938 - Leon Mougenot Gauche, Paris). Thought you might like to see the student who's playing this violin. She's even taking French lessons now!

Dear Louis,

Thank you for all you've done for us. I love my new cello and the Gewa case. We can't thank you enough and look forward to seeing you the next time we stop in to Potter's!

Thanks so much, Mary Schultz

Dear Mr. Potter,

I wanted to thank you for the excellent experience that we had yesterday at your shop. Mr. Simon had done a lot of preparation to help our 5-year-old son, Willie, get a fabulous 1/8 Klier that also delighted his teacher, Martha Shackford. I wanted to particularly mention Simon's professionalism and manner, which turned a shy child into a chatterbox. The whole transaction, including selection and purchase, took under 15 minutes, thanks to the research and checking of instruments Simon had done before our arrival.

I'd also like to mention that, just as Jerry always does, he remained polite with us in spite of delays that caused us twice to reschedule our meeting! His manner was affable and helpful throughout. Although he knows 20 times what we know, he was modest and generous. Please let him know that, like your other staff, he has earned you a repeat customer and was recommended to Martha Shackford the same day as someone whose opinion is valuable. I was especially impressed that he measured Willie in several directions before giving us the green light on the size we bought.

You folks are the best in the galaxy!

Warm regards, Ella Wilcox (and Willie!), Falls Church, VA

Dear Simon,

I'm writing to thank you for the excellent service and instruments you have provided to our family. [Our son] started with a 1/4 size Klier, moved through the 1/2 and 3/4 sizes, and has now settled into a full-size violin. Given that my husband and I know nothing about violins, our anxiety level was high at each stage of this large financial and emotional investment. Your patience and expert advice throughout the process has been greatly appreciated.

Our son's teacher approved the French violin, which my son has continued to love. Again, thank you for the care and expertise you have provided to our family -- and we will continue to rely on Potter's Violins for such.

Sincerely, Barbara Wery, Seattle, WA

Mr. Potter:

Thank you so much for all your help. Your input and Simon's playing expertise helped our daughter come to a successful decision regarding the choice of her new instrument. Rachel is overjoyed with her new violin and has named him Antonio. I am sure they will be inseparable over the next few years. I know we will see you again.

Sincerely, Janet Denlenger