Gareth Lubbe:
Soloist & Principal Viola: Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Germany

"Thanks to Johan Grobbelaar and his violin dealership, this beautiful old viola (unknown maker around 1750) has found it's way back to Germany and in the two positions it was at, more than a century ago"

(Commenting on his acquisition of the instrument which once belonged to Karl Hermann, a friend of Wagner's and principal viola of the Gewandhaus Orchestra in the late 19th century, and violist in the famous Gewandhaus String Quartette.)
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"Johan has a special touch to match an instrument to the customer. He is an asset to string performers in South African and abreast of good instruments in the market. I was very satisfied with the professional manner in which my cello was sold ."
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"Om mense te verkul het in ons tyd ‘n wetenskap geword. Daar loop so baie skelms rond wat op oneerlike maniere probeer geld maak. Op die gebied van strykinstrumente wemel dit van 'ou' instrumente wat teen 'aantreklike' pryse beskikbaar gestel word. En hoe sal gewone mense, soos ek, weet?
Daarvoor is daar kenners, waarvan Johan Grobbelaar een is. Hy is nie net ‘n baie bekwame violis nie, maar hy het ook ‘n diep insig en wye wetenskaplike kennis van die bou en gehalte van strykinstrumente. Dit stel hom in staat om allerlei soorte en tipes instrumente (en vervaardigers) grondig te evalueer. Daarby het hy ook vele verbintenisse met kenners oorsee. By Johan kan mens dus op hierdie gebied grondige en betroubare evaluerings kry, en kan jy met gerustheid goeie instrumente koop."
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"Back in 1999 my family and myself landed in Durban and it was Johan who met us and made us welcome. In fact, because of him and his efforts as Manager of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra at that time, the whole trip from Russia to South Africa became possible. Since then we've been friends and it is not surprising that it was through Johan that I acquired my new "voice"- beautiful cello arguably made by Antonius and Hieronymus Amati in 1580 which I could only dream of. Every time we meet I found out some interesting facts about string instruments and makers. His professionalism and love for string instruments make Johan very special. Well done Johan!!!"
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"This violin site is an auspicious enterprise, particularly at this historical juncture when music is an endangered species. Mr. Grobbelaar is unique as a dealer in that he is also a talented violinist and has personal insight into the qualities of instruments. Bravo and good matchmaking of instruments and players."
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"It has been my pleasure to be acquainted with Johan Grobbelaar over a great span of years - since we were both taking lessons from Prof. Walter Mony.
Johan is a very musically sensitive and informed member of the music fraternity and a gifted string player. With his background he is well set up for the handling of stringed instruments and the assessment of their respective qualities and values. I know him as a man of integrity and fine judgement, and it is a pleasure to deal with him. He enjoys the activity of dealing with stringed instruments immensely and is constantly challenged by their beauty and craftsmanship; he also shows great sensitivity to the needs and aspirations of those with whom he deals."
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"Johan has recently helped me sell two of my violins – a fine old Staininger of 1776 and a good-quality German student instrument. In both cases I found him well-informed as to the quality of these instruments and his recommended prices were carefully researched.
I have known Johan since his early student years when he was Concert Master of the National Youth Orchestra. In later years I was happy to work with him in his position as Studio Producer for Serious Music in the SABC, both for Radio and Television. I can vouch for his seriousness and professionalism in whatever he undertakes and am happy to see his love for music and particularly for the violin, leading him also in this direction.
As Professor in Violin for many years, I know the difficulties of obtaining good quality instruments for students, both for beginners, upgrades and professional levels. Johan has established an effective database of some of the available instruments in the country, which should provide the entire violin community in South Africa with a much wider choice."
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"Would you like expertise, enthusiasm and integrity as resources when buying or selling a string instrument? Johan Grobbelaar provides it all in abundance! Like many other satisfied customers, my students and I have benefitted greatly from Johan's knowledge and experience."
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"I have known Johan since his days as Concert Master of the National Youth Orchestra. In recent times he has shared with me his great love for stringed instruments and bows and I believe that his creation of this unusual marketplace provides a rare opportunity for buying and selling instruments, backed by his genuine sincerity and great enthusiasm."
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"Johan Grobbelaar is 'n uitstekende violis wat sorgvuldige aandag gee aan die instrumente wat hy te koop aanbied. Hy is eerbaar en internasionaal sowel as nasionaal op hoogte van die behoeftes rakende die vioolbedryf. Ek is self 'n violis en het heelwat viole vir my gevorderde studente deur middel van Johan aangekoop.
Johan doen besonder baie moeite om in sy kliënte se behoeftes te voorsien. Hy demonstreer fisies elke instrument wat hy te koop aanbied. Dit is 'n baie belangrike aspek van 'n transaksie. Ek vertrou volkome op Johan Grobbelaar se kundigheid en was nog nooit teleurgestel nie."
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"As violin teacher I have students of various grades and often need to help them upgrade to better instruments. I have acquired a number of excellent violins and bows from Johan Grobbelaar - in almost every instance we acquired a fine hand-made instrument, very reasonably priced if one considers the large volume of cheap factory instruments that have flooded the country. Johan consistently provided a wide selection of instruments to choose from. His advice concerning individual students and suitable instruments for them, has been invaluable. My studens are very satisfied."
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"Dear Johan,
Thank you for the superb advice and service you gave me in the purchase of a very special violin and bow. The purchase of a musical instrument is a very difficult decision. It becomes increasingly difficult when one is serious about playing and wishes to buy a premium priced instrument of superior tonal and build quality. (…) After explaining to you what my requirements were, you gave me superb advice and a spot-on recommendation. What was indeed surprising to me was your absolute reliability in calling me back, on a Sunday, to confirm to me that the instrument we had negotiated on, was in fact available.
The violin was in my hands the following Thursday morning and it was properly packed and arrived in mint condition. The sound of the instrument, as you promised, is absolutely perfect for the playing that I do in a local Bluegrass and Traditional Roots Music Band called Blacksmith.
(…) I am acutely aware of what good service entails. You most definitely exceeded my expectations! As both my son and daughter also play the violin, I expect to do future business with you and would highly recommend you to anybody interested in the purchase of stringed instruments.
Lance Allam "
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"Dit is selde dat 'n mens in die hedendaagse besigheidswêreld 'n onderwerpspesialis teenkom wat met soveel entosiasme bereid is om onvoorwaardelik sy kennis en ervaring in die belang van sy klient aan te wend. Deur middel van sy wye ervaringsveld en uitsonderlike kontak met kenners in die strykinstrumentbedryf regoor die wereld, het Johan daarin geslaag om besondere insteresante en waardevolle inligting op te spoor met betrekkling tot die oorsprong van die viool en altviool in my besit. Geen ander kenner kon tydens die 25 jaar wat die instrumente in my besit is, vasstel wat die oorsprong daarvan is nie.

Ek wil Johan ook graag bedank vir die meesterlike wyse waarop hy my viool se opstelling hanteer en verbeter het. Na voltooing van die werk, het ek met groot verwagting die viool uitprobeer. My verwagtinge is oortref - dit was of die instrument vir die eerste keer werklik gelewe het. Soos ek hom leer ken het, was Johan se musikale oor as violis, sy kennis van die korrekte opstel tegnieke, liefde vir en trots op sy werk en 'n ryke bron van ervaring ongetwyfeld die bestandele vir hierdie goeie resultaat.

Dit is voorwaar 'n voorreg om toegang te hê tot Johan se dienste en ek sal hom enige tyd aanbeveel."
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"I have been a serious violin collector for the past 30 years. About 10 years ago I met Johan Grobbelaar and we began talking violins. At the time he was starting his violin dealership and I asked him to sell some of my violins. Since that time Johan and I have become friends and he has sold more than a dozen of my finest instruments for me. I have found his service fully professional at all times, and honest. In my professional opinion Johan is one of a handful of people in South Africa who can claim the title “Violin Expert” and I would highly recommend Johan’s services to anyone."
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“I have recently had the pleasure of dealing with Johan regarding the sale of my H. Derazey violin. I was satisfied that the entire transaction was handled in a very honest and transparent manner, and I will gladly do business with him again.
What is impressive is his extensive knowledge of his subject, and I would most certainly therefore recommend him highly to anyone looking for a quality string instrument or bow.

Yours truly,
Evert van Niekerk”
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"Johan's website is one of a few in existence where you can buy a professional quality instrument over the internet with complete peace of mind. My passion is the making of stringed instruments and, with the service Johan offers, I can focus on my instruments. In my dealings with him, he was always knowledgeable, professional and courteous."
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"Consulting Johan Grobbelaar when I needed help finding a violin was one of the most positive experiences I have had as a beginner violin player. My sister bought a violin from Johan a few years ago and advised me to do the same. I was actually quite astonished at his helpfulness and patience, not to mention the dedication with which he tries to help you find the right instrument or bow. He makes the process so easy and uncomplicated. In fact, I could have been inclined to continue looking at violins for who knows how long, as the experience was so enjoyable. Now that I have found my violin, think I am going to miss this interaction which was positively uplifting. I would suggest anybody buying (or selling) a string instrument, or needing advice, should make The Violin Connection their first stop. Johan is busy, but he makes time for people."
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“For well over twenty years I kept two violins, which had been played by my father as a young man. Last year I wanted to find out more about the instruments and wanted to investigate the possibility of selling them. I was recommended to contact Johan Grobbelaar by a music shop owner in Johannesburg. From our very first conversation Johan was very sympathetic, interested and patient. He came up to Johannesburg to photograph the violins and later took them home. I completely trusted his evaluation and honest opinion of both instruments.
Not only did he get both violins into tip top condition but he found buyers for both instruments and I was happy to know that they were sold to students who would cherish and appreciate them. Johan has a great passion for stringed instruments and it has been incredibly interesting to hear about his career.
It has been a privilege to get to know Johan. He makes time to get to know his clients and goes out of his way to satisfy both seller and buyer.
Thank you Johan."
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“When I first met Johan, I was immediately struck by his intense passion for violins and his extensive knowledge of the history of violins and violin makers throughout the world. Having had several dealings with him, I can add that he has been willing to share that knowledge freely and generously, and all the advice he has given has been beneficial to me. He has not only been prepared to go the extra mile when sourcing, setting up or repairing instruments, but has also delivered them personally to Polokwane.
I trust entirely his honesty, judgment and evaluation of instruments, and I do not hesitate to recommend him to others.”

A later communication:

Hi Johan,
I'm home now and have had time to play quite a bit. I'm delighted with the way the cello is sounding and responding. What strikes me most is the evenness of tone throughout the length of the strings. Previously the tone became "breathy" in higher positions. I find the D string much easier now that you've changed the bridge and curvature of the bridge. The response is also amazing - even playing on the C string seems almost effortless. Many thanks for all your advice and the time you spent on the bridge. I'm thoroughly enjoying the fruits of this effort!"
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“Ek het onlangs 'n Italiaanse viool van Alfredo Galea en 'n strykstok van Adolph C. Schuster by Johan gekoop. Ek is uiters in my skik met beide die viool en die strykstok. Ek het tevore, in 2006, ook 'n viool by hom gekoop en was weereens beindruk met sy kennis van elke instrument wat hy aanbied, sy professionele hantering en moeite wat hy doen met die opstel van die viool. Sy passie vir die instrumente is baie duidelik. Ek wil hom sterk aanbeveel.”
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“I am very proud to be associated with Johan. His professional yet relaxed ways convinced me that I was in good hands while searching for an instrument. It was clear from our first conversation that he wanted to match owner and instrument, and not try to make a quick deal. He has an excellent ear for great sounding violins, and I am very satisfied with my violin's sound. His knowledge and experience makes him a highly recommended dealer in my eyes.”
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“Johan Grobbelaar of The Violin Connection of Southern Africa was given some valuable stringed instruments on trust to sell on my behalf. The one violin was in excess of 300 years old, purported to be one of only two surviving examples of a certain old English maker.
I had complete confidence in his ability to handle and market the instruments and bows and in time he managed to sell all at acceptable prices.
Had I any more to sell I would certainly use his expertise and services.”
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“I recently decided to sell my violin which I bought in Amsterdam many years ago. Not familiar with the market in South Africa I searched in telephone directories, yellow pages and the internet for professional dealers. I only found two such dealers – one did not respond, the other was Johan Grobbelaar. Thanks to the Post Office’s Speed Services my violin safely reached Johan in a day. Johan assessed the instrument and had it ready for the market in less than a week. He explained that the market was slow and that patience was needed. To my surprise the violin was sold in less than one month and for a good price.
The advice and service I received from Johan was clear, efficient, professional and friendly. Based on my experience I can highly recommend Johan Grobbelaar.
Anneke du Toit
Cape Town”
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“Vir ‘n geruime tyd het ek navorsing gedoen aangesien ek graag my studente-viool wou vervang met ‘n instrument van beter gehalte. Ek was egter baie skepties en huiwerig om met persone besigheid via die Internet te doen, aangesien ek uit ondervinding geleer het dat dit wemel van opportuniste en oneerlike mense. Ek het Johan Grobbelaar gedurende Februarie 2009 per e-pos gekontak vir meer inligting oor beskikbare viole en hy het my die volgende dag geskakel om presies vas te stel wat my behoefte en voorkeure is. Ek was so gelukkig dat hy feitlik dadelik ‘n instrument kon voorstel wat in al my behoeftes sou voorsien. Hy het baie moeite gedoen om die viool na my te stuur en het my die geleentheid gebied om vir ‘n geruime tyd die instrument uit te toets en kenners se raad in te win voor ek die finale besluit geneem het. Van dag een af was ek egter hoogs in my skik met die viool en die transaksie het sonder enige probleem of voorval verloop. My ervaring was dat Johan baie professioneel, bekwaam en eerlik is en my onderhandelinge met hom was net ‘n plesier. Ek kan hom met die grootste vrymoedigheid aanbeveel.
Marionette Zevenster”
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"After searching for a suitable handmade for years, I was relieved to come across Johan's website. I was impressed at the wide range of violins he had to offer. We exchanged a few emails and when I arrived in SA , Johan diligently kept in touch with me and informed me of my various options.
It was a pleasure to finally meet him after our correspondence. I found Johan to be exceptionally reliable. His research is always thorough and comprehensive and his facts always accurate. Johan is well organized, efficient and extremely competent.
I am thrilled beyond words with my handmade Ralph Palmer violin. I think very highly of Johan and I recommend him to those seeking a string instrument. His combination of intelligence, commitment, perseverance, creativity and compassionate character will take him a long way.
Thank you, Johan.
Shalom,
Leora"
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“When I decided to fulfil my lifelong dream of learning the violin, I checked the internet and found Johan's site. I contacted him and he quickly arranged to meet me and show me some of his violins. He helped me choose a beautiful instrument which I am completely in love with. He also helped me to find a teacher and get started. He was very professional, knowledgeable and clearly passionate about these beautiful instruments.

Buying my violin was altogether one of the nicest experiences I've had so far this year.

Thanks Johan”
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"I would highly recommend Johan’s service, if you’re looking for a violin. In a deal between myself in the USA and Johan in South Africa, I found his business dealings above reproach – he is reliable and does precisely what he says he will. The violin I bought is exactly as he described it to the last nuance and detail, with no hidden surprises. Throughout he was clear, helpful and kind.

I did extensive research in the United States for a professional quality Violin. In the American Violin market I could have afforded a factory-made instrument suited to the intermediate student. From Johan Grobbelaar, I was able to purchase a uniquely beautiful, hand-made, Italian violin well-suited for professional use."
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"It was a pleasure to deal with Johan Grobbelaar of ‘The Violin Connection of South Africa’. His advice was clear and unconditional, and he made every effort to ensure that I got an instrument which met my needs in terms of quality and price.

Many of the older violins on the market are unlabelled and of mostly unknown origin and pedigree. Although the ultimate test of quality is how the instruments sounds and performs, it is still important to know the genre of an instrument, and how its quality or value could change over time.

I found that Johan was able to give good advice on violins which helped me to make my own decisions. Moreover, in addition to selling me a good violin in my price range, he also sold the old instrument within a very short period. Thank you Johan.”
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"I recently bought a viola from Johan, which I am very pleased with. Buying an instrument was, for me, quite a stressful experience, and I'm really glad I did it through Johan. I didn't have to look at many instruments myself because Johan does that for you. Eventually he found one he felt was up to standard and sent it to Cape Town. After a period given to me to try the instrument out, I decided it was the one I wanted and that was that. It was a simple transaction, and I am enjoying getting to know my new viola.

I think it is great that there is at least one reliable site dealing in violins in South Africa...It is pleasing to find such professionalism as was the case in dealing with Johan! Everything was handled professionally and with a sense of integrity.

I hope to see Johan continue his work and maintain the high standard he already has. Johan's enthusiasm for instruments surely borders on obsession, and it has been great to deal with someone with such a passion for his work!"
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"Ek het onlangs `n altviool by Johan Grobbelaar gekoop. Hy het `n baie professionele diens gelewer en dit was lekker om besigheid met hom te doen. Hy is duidelik `n kenner van die tipe instrument en het baie moeite vir my gedoen. Ek is baie in my skik met my instrument en sy mooi klank."
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"Dear Johan,
Thank you for disposing of my violin and two bows. I have been really impressed with the professional and straightforward way in which you have handled this matter. You evaluated and advertised my violin in a true and accurate manner which was sincerely appreciated. That you have disposed of my equipment in a short space of time and at the prices agreed upon is tribute to your integrity and knowledge of your subject. Once again my sincere thanks.
Yours sincerely,
Winston Wolff"
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"After searching for a new violin for long time, I discovered Johan's website in which he offers string instruments of wide range of quality. I was pleasantly surprised at the large selection and affordable prices, and the professional way in which the instruments are presented. He not only has an amazing knowledge of each instrument (being an excellent violinist himself), but also of the background of the instruments and their makers.

He goes to an enormous amount of effort to satisfy his customers and their different tastes and needs. His service is very professional and beyond reproach at all times. I can highly recommend him to anyone who might be wanting to sell or buy a violin."
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"I recently bought of beautiful Hill bow from Johan Grobbelaar. The transaction went very well. Johan kept in communication with me at every step of the way until the bow finally reached me here in California. I found the bow to be of excellent quality, typical, I imagine, of the instruments in his collection. Thank you, Johan, for your quality instruments and reasonable prices.
Sincerely, C. G."
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"I recently purchased a violin from Johan, and I am very pleased with the violin. After dealing with him, I found that he was very professional, helpful and friendly throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend his assistance to any person who is seriously looking for a violin. Regards, N. S."

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"Ek het Johan Grobbelaar onlangs gekontak om navraag te doen oor beskikbare viole. Alhoewel hy nie onmiddelik iets vir my gehad het nie, het hy binne 'n baie kort tydperk 'n viool wat voldoen aan my spesifikasies opgespoor. Ek het die instrument gekoop en is uiters in my skik daarmee – dit is presies waarna ek op soek was en was boonop binne my begroting. Ek sal sy dienste sonder enige twyfel aanbeveel.
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"I would like to thank Mr Johan Grobbelaar very much for my cello. It sounds incredible. I would highly like to recommend Mr Grobbelaar because he gave us a very good price, he's very friendly, he lets you try out the instrument for a while and his instruments are also in a good condition. My best wishes, B.R."

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