Sunday, January 19, 2014

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/)

21 comments:

  1. Nice photo of a man practising a skill that not many have.

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  2. He seems passionate about his craft, and what a resume! Great post!

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  3. Beautifully crafted instruments Kate.. Lovely, lovely golden wood.

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  4. That is nice to watch a craftsman so close and making photos of his work.

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  5. Fine portrait too!

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  6. a craftsman, for sure.

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  7. Beautiful instruments and a rare treat to see one being made.

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  8. What an amazing find! Now that is a true art!

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  9. The skill and artistry of those who make high quality string instruments is matched only by the skill and artistry of some of the musicians who play the instruments.

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  10. I wish I could play one!

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  11. Lovely. I have just become a follower of your site. I'll be spending lots of time scrolling back through your photos! --Nancy, aka BLissed-Out Grandma

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  12. I'd rather have a handmade guitar, but it appears he does create a masterful instrument. It's not just a matter of putting wood together, but of finding the right wood and molding it in the right way for the instrument in question. Real skill and a good ear is a must! Love your photos!

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  13. These are works of art on so many levels; I admire those who are so dedicated to their craft.

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  14. Appears to be an honorable man practicing an old world trade! Refreshing!

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  15. I would be neat to just sit and watch him do his art. Talk about having to pay attention to detail. He can't make a mistake.

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  16. How cool is that!?! Nice to see someone still pursuing a fine craft like this. I hope there will always be a demand for work like his!

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  17. A true craftsman/artist.

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  18. These are so beautiful. I wish I could play one.

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  19. Excellent photographs of an absorbing subject, Kate. This is the kind of portrait I like to take and the kind of shop I like to visit.

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  20. I think it was very kind of him to allow you to take photos. I like the photos very much!

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  21. Excellent shots, and a true craftsman.

    It seems to me that the small business approach for these instruments is much more sensible.

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