Andy Fein's Fine Violins

For a few years I have been intrigued by a shop on Grand Avenue in St. Paul that displays a number of string instruments, and I finally decided to look inside.  Andy Fein introduced himself to me as the owner and agreed that I could take some photographs, but he "had to work." He was cordial and welcoming but obviously a no-nonsense kind of guy who makes good use of his time. Tomorrow I will show you some of the tools of his trade.

 Visit Fine Violins website (see below) to learn more about Andy, his staff and the work done in the shop.

Here is some interesting information about him: 

A Personal Message From Andy Fein

Before launching Fein Violins in 1982, I worked and trained with some of the finest makers and restorers all over the world. I served my apprenticeship at the Chicago School of Violin Making, studied instrument and bow identification with Kenneth Warren, Sr., and completed a B.A.(Cum Laude) in Music from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. I continue to study instruments, particularly the instruments of Antonius Stradivarius and his predecessors, at the National Music Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Museum, the Ashmolean Museum, with master violin maker Amnon Weinstein in Tel Aviv, and with esteemed colleagues and conservators from around the world.

Despite all the activity on our website, we are still a small business with a personal approach to every instrument and every customer. Before an instrument is ready to leave our shop, it is set up and finished by me, played by one of the professional musicians on staff, and then checked and adjusted for tone quality. Then we ship your instrument directly to you, set up and ready to play as soon as you open the case!  (Credit: http://www.fineviolins.com/)