In June 2000 a fellow orchestra member directed Vicki Hauser to the Tambovsky Violin Shop after she had heard the incredible sound emanating forth from his Tambovsky violin. As a result, she purchased a new top-of-the-line 1733 Guarnerius del Gesu model that exceeded her expectations and propelled her into a new level of performance.

Shortly thereafter, Vicki was hired to perform a wedding with the string quartet she had established in 1982, the QSP String Quartet. Because of the marvelous change in sound and confident playing style that ensued, the other members of the quartet were astounded by what they heard. The Tambovskys then invited the entire quartet to come and play together as an ensemble on Nikolai's violin, viola, and cello, which were recent innovations in sound quality. Immediately the quartet noticed the difference in the overall chamber music sound and how the instruments responded and spoke to one another, but at that time none had the wherewithal to purchase the instruments.

Then during the following 2002-2003 years the whole quartet decided to purchase a Tambovsky "magic sound" viola, violin, and cello to complete the beautiful ensemble.

Because of the close association all the quartet members have enjoyed with the entire Tambovsky family and the delight they have acquired with their instruments, they decided to rename their 21-year-old quartet the QSP/Tambovsky String Quartet to honor Nikolai and to give homage to the instruments that have totally changed the sound and the direction of the quartet.

Because of the Russian influence and the allure of the pathos and depth of the Russian music, the quartet has begun to explore the great masterpieces in quartet literature of Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, and Borodin.

The instruments themselves seem to gravitate towards the music of their true heritage and continue to break forth with emotion, power, and incomparable musical expression. Also, being made by the same violinmaker gives them an acoustical advantage in chamber music performance that is unparalleled.

The QSP/Tambovsky String Quartet can be contacted as a reference through Vicki Hauser at vhauser@kc.rr.com should you desire further information.