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Well this site is one great example of the Generosity of Pierre Holstein, I think we can all agree. What are your experiences? In light of the recent smear attempt lets show some appreciation again to someone who has definately inspired improvement in my life through the violin.
I spoke to him on the phone last year and was amazed at how normal he was. I figured hes got to be Symphony snooty or derisive in tone at least. Nope, we had a nice chat and I asked questions and it was quite normal. Course when we hung up I just couldnt believe I had talked to the Fiddlerman! Ha ha, brush with fame!~ Thanks FM for this site, for appreciating your fans and for being and inspiration to us all! Pfish.
"Please play some wrong notes, so that we know that you are human" - said to Jascha Heifetz.
I would certainly like to thank Fiddlerman too... however, he's not someone to be trifled with. Just try attempting a D string triplet without accenting the first beat.... OMG you would not do that again... whew!
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Common guys....
You are embarrassing me 
I'm like anyone else.... Thanks for the kind words 
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
Thank you Fiddlerman! You've changed my life for the better as well!
Some days I wonder what the heck I was thinking taking up this instrument. That happens occasionally and it's usually over quickly then I'm back at it, practicing along with this fab fiddling family we have here. 
Thanks again Pierre!
Truly
Fifi La Fume
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When someone receives a gift from someone, it is only polite and proper to thank the giver. In this case, It never is too much. The giver, Pierre, continues to give a very tangible present. We are given gifts of music, guidance, and friendship. Even when down trod, your spirits are high and generosity continues to grow.
Indeed. Thank you again Pierre. You are the reason many of us started down this path and continue to walk it.
(I think we need a smiley of a holstein cow just for kicks)
"I find your lack of Fiddle, disturbing" - Darth Vader
Fiddlerman said
...I'm like anyone else....
No, You're not! Just accept it! 
Superman...Batman....Spiderman...Fiddlerman.... See! We know your secret =)
Thank You kindly, Pierre for everything! For this site and forum, for keeping us busy with projects, for your fiddlershop, for your honesty, for your attitude, for the time You spend with us! =)
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New as I am to the site I also much appreciate what you are doing here Pierre. I don't think I would be playing the fiddle if it wasn't for this site. I would have already put it down. Thank you Pierre.
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Mad_Wed said
Superman...Batman....Spiderman...Fiddlerman.... See! We know your secret =)
So true. I'd like to see him try and change into his super-Fiddler outfit, fiddle included, in a modern phone booth. He'd have to hide behind the flippy part of your smart phone.
"I find your lack of Fiddle, disturbing" - Darth Vader
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Fiddlerman, Pierre, Mr Holstein, I'd just like to add my words of support for you, and for what you do for the greater community of fiddle players of all ages and abilities.
I read the adjacent thread and the accusations ... if the man was really serious he would have contacted you personally (maybe he did that too), but posting his grievance on this forum seemed to me to be somewhat silly, pointless and cowardly.
Just for the record, and in a way, to put things in perspective, I have had 'bad stuff' from others (sometimes anonynously), from people who have either heard / seen me play, or viewed my YouTube videos. Here are a few examples of the 'fan mail' :
"You should not be presenting yourself as an experienced fiddle player, because clearly you are not. You use mostly separate bows, the music has no flow. So get this ridiculous hobby of yours off the internet and leave the teaching to those who know how. What a disaster if all the young Irish players grew up and played like you. All you have the right to teach is correct posture."
"Jim Dorans is a poser, a wannabe famous UK dole recipient who has about as much skill on fiddle as a spastic trying to play tennis. Do yourself a favour and buy a decent Suzuki book and you'll do much better. Don't cripple yourself attempting the UK welfare bow-shuffle."
"You are a hopeless meglomaniac and a terrible musician. You are a fraud, a charlatan and you should be ashamed of yourself."
"You are one of the worst examples of an over-exhuberant amateur I have ever come across. And what's with that stupid blue half-a-violin abortion you are trying to play." [*when I used a Yamaha SV-200*]
"You are disgusting."
So, it's not all bad 
Mr Jim 
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Tyberius said
We are given gifts of music, guidance, and friendship. Even when down trod, your spirits are high and generosity continues to grow.
That may be the greatest gift of all, in my opinion. Not to minimize Pierre's expertise or resources here, or the advice of members, but Tyberius' point was really driven home for me the other night.
I had had a really rough week and a half. I came home, sank down on the couch, booted up my computer, and -- poof -- there were a bunch of Fiddlerman friends, just chatting away about music stuff. It was such a relief to think and talk about something enjoyable for a little while. And it was so nice to get a warm welcome from folks on the chat.
Also, being able grab a few minutes to play my violin at the end of the day, also help relieve some stress. I'm not sure I would have stuck with it for the past year if I hadn't found this wonderful community of other adult learners.
Having met Pierre in person, I second pfish's comments that he -- with all his incredible talent -- is nonetheless a regular, everyday guy.
OK, enough of the mushy stuff. Suffice to say...THANKS Pierre!!
(Not a Holstein, but it's the only cow we have so let's pretend that it is.)
When the work's all done and the sun's settin' low,
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow.
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I have mad love for our top dog Pierre.
From day one on this site.
Everyone has said it best... but he is as Naska describes.
"for he's a jolly good fellow....which nobody can deny."
I also want to add a note.. I have made 4-5 smallish purchases from Fiddlershop and I have had Top Notch Service..just like his replies and help here.. he is just not about the biz.. he is about the people.
A good man is he!
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
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KindaScratchy said
he is nonetheless a regular, everyday guy.
OK, enough of the mushy stuff.
Exactly!!!!! Thanks Diane
Thanks EVERYONE!!! 
And Jim, you are not just a great fiddler, but a true and very creative musician. I've noticed that people that are negative about others playing are often so because of their own insecurity. They feel by saying these things, they are somehow superior.
Love you all!!!
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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I can't agree more with everyone else, given the recent 'accusations' this is a great thread to pick up the spirits!
Without this site I honestly would probably have still been sitting here staring at my grandpas old violin wondering what that weird looking rod inside my violin was (soundpost lol) and not have taken the time to really get motivated to play.
I've said it before but it can't be said enough really, the videos here are truly inspirational to get people motivated for their passion! It's not just the fact that you run a great community Pierre, it's the interaction that you personally see to with the site. There are tons of places out there but the one where you're treated like any other person on a really challenging adventure and encouraged even if you do sound like 2 cats fighting in the alley is what I believe keeps us all glued here!
I personally love that you interact with everyone as much as you do, it has helped me on several occasions (getting the violin fixed, was scared to even take it in because of the thought of exuberant costs and your encouragement/advice helped me move past that barrier). Thanks for the great site, shop and just for being a great person
Now, so we don't get too mushy, here's that silly pole dancing bunny again for kicks lol. 
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I suppose I'm pretty late to this thread but I don't understand who would try to smear Pierre. I ordered a case and bow from him not too long ago and once it arrived, I called his store with a few questions. To my surprise, Pierre answered and spent almost an hour explaining everything to me in great detail while answering all my questions. Personally, I was greatly impressed by the level of service he gave and so I've tried to tell everyone I know about his shop.
I tend to think he sets an amazing bar of personal sacrifice for something he clearly loves and wants to share that with others.
I also find it rather humorous that even my violin teacher was impressed at the quality of the "Official" FiddlerMan bow.
"I know a girl who cries when she practices violin because each note sounds so pure it just cuts into her, and then the melody comes pouring out her eyes. Now, to me, everything else just sounds like a lie."
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Patriot - It's never too late to offer kinds words to someone. Especially if they're true.
"I find your lack of Fiddle, disturbing" - Darth Vader
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I would just like to THANK YOU to Mr Holstein for all he's done just look at this web sight all the work that wen't in to this five stars
biscuit
I can sure get in this thread I remember back in december when I went to spend my winter break in Ft. Lauderdale and was lucky to meet with Pierre. It was incredible, he is a very kind fella with a sharp sense of humor. At this point I can hear myself saying to him "I can't believe I am with playing violin with Fiddlerman!" and he was, "oh come on man I am just like everybody else" Those 10 days in Ft. Lauderdale will be my best memory of my staying in the United States.
Thank you very much Pierre for your time and dedication to all us who want to sound our best. You are cool man!
JuanFiddler aka Juan.
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Pierre is now so famous that people are going upto Mel Gibson and asking
"hey? Aren't you Fiddlerman?"
I am amazed at how old people of my age are.....
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LOL, You guys crack me up. Thanks and let's give this thread a rest. 
Juan, this makes me very happy to hear. "Best memory of staying in the US...
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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