"As a born classical musician I always had an instrument that I had to be delicate with.

When I co-founded Blue October, I needed an instrument that I didn't have to be so concerned about while touring with a rock band and putting it through the paces of life on stage, ie humidty, sweat and of course, some physical abuse.

I was introduced to Epoch by a friend of mine at NAMM in 2000. He gave me a VE 4 and I was very surprised by the durability of the construction, not to mention the amazing tone I got out of it acoustically.

But, what I didn't expect was it to sound so tonally full and expressive when I plugged it in to my FX pedals and amp.

I took it to the stage and played it that night. Wow! I was very pleased with the responsiveness of the bridge and pickup.

I never went back to my Zeta outfitted acoustic violin. I have since had several VP4s, a beautiful multicolored LP4, a custom Dragon VP4 and 2 Flag Series (Texas and USA).

I love my Epoch instruments. I recommend them to any serious player looking to step up their game and move into an instrument that will be able to perform at a higher level."

Ryan Delahoussaye, violinist and co-founder of the US international touring rock band Blue October

"As a violin player playing most of my shows under a circus bigtop, I face many problems.

The extreme humidity and dryness are a good reason why I picked the Epoch.

I don't have to deal with the problem of having water drops all over my violin because of the high humidity. Carbon fibre is a good material for that. It's very reliable for those situations.

Also the cold and the extreme heat are dangerous for my 150-year-old French violin.

The Epoch is not expanding or shrinking as much as a normal violin. No risk of breaking it because of weather changes.

Another good reason why I picked the Epoch is the fact that on stage. I walk, I run, I play violin in 15 different positions on my body, I balance my violin on my chin and many more. As a circus artist, I feel safer to play with the Epoch than my normal wood violin for those reasons. It's also very easy to manage. You just plug it with a wireless pack and up you go. No sound leakage in a microphone.

The sound is loud and precise. It goes through a mix very easily. I recommend the epoch violin for rough, dangerous and unusual situations. Your life would become easier for you and the soundman. Of course I still play my good old accoustic violin, but far in the back isolated from sound leakage with a microphone.

If you are more like a solo artist who runs all over the place, this violin is for you."

Sebastian Savard, violinist and performer/acrobat with Cirque Du Soleil

"My Epoch violins offer me the convenience of being able to plug straight in and get playing quickly with a minimum of fuss.

The well designed electronics in the on-board pre-amp do a great job of ironing out unwanted tones.

It also means I carry less gear as no further equalising is necessary, and that means less cables on stage.

They sound great plugged into an amp on stage or straight into the PA.

My timber VP4 has become my favorite electric instrument for jazz gigs.

It has the most even sounding pickup I have ever played.

My carbon fibre VP5 has a low C string and allows me seven extra notes.

I play this for rock gigs and I can turn it up louder than a wooden violin without the pickup or the body feeding back.

This is particularly important when playing high gain sounds such as crunch, distortion and overdrive and even way-wah effects.

They also look cool."

Ian Cooper, international virtuoso jazz/gypsy/classical violinist

"String Diva perform unique interpretations of both classical and pop songs in fully choreographed shows right around the world.

We require our instruments to look, sound and feel nothing short of the best.

The Epoch lives up to the rigours of travel while looking immaculate next to our many couture gowns and costumes.

The sound is precise, full and allows us to add the most subtle expression whether it be a Vivaldi piece or Lady Gaga's latest hit.

Finally the feel of the instrument in our hands as we play, dance and move is second to none."

The String Divas, international event touring group

"To be ready and able in any situation across the planet is why I choose the Epoch 5-string pre-amp series.

It fits alongside my Gourd mandolin in the suitcase in a soft pack.

It's tough as nails regardless of temperature or humidity. I carry a separate bow case that fits anywhere without stress.

Get the sound guy to set the channel flat and plenty of head room and the Epoch soars through all situations easily and clearly heard.

It gets long life from its battery. It loves effects and/or amps plus it has no tone bumps to contend with.

From low tones with edge to Santana distortion it's a breeze, thus making it a great compliment to my acoustic fiddle, too, when they can travel together.

But usually there's only room for one – the tough one – Epoch."

Andrew Clermont, international multi-instrumentalist and folk virtuoso

Pixie Jenkins is arguably one of the top fiddlers in Australia, best known for his long musical association with legend John Williamson and now for his stage performances around the country.

Pixie plays a five-string Epoch electric violin and he's working closely with Epoch to reach what he calls the "Holy Grail" of fiddling - a five-string violin which does not distort under amplification while playing double stops.

"I first began playing Epoch violins when I was 12-years-old.

As a member of the Gold Coast Youth Orchestra at the time, I also travelled and performed with my family band The Bostocks every weekend.

For me, Epoch was a perfect fit, as I was able to have an instrument that performed well in both settings. I have played a few Epochs over the years, with my favourite and primary instrument being the VP4 carbon fibre.

It is an incredibly durable instrument, which I am very comfortable travelling with.

I have been all over the country with it, by car and plane and have never had a probem with it. I also find the tuning holds up remarkably.

The thing I love most about Epoch violins is their ability to cut through when playing live with a band.

A lot of violins tend to get lost in the mix, but Epoch holds its own.

This is vital for me, as a lot of The Bostocks music centres on lead guaitar and violin duel solos, so I know I'm not going to be drowned out by the guitar.

I would recommend Epoch violins to any touring artist who is looking for a reliable, durable and great sounding instrument."

Rachel Bostock from the international family touring band The Bostocks