Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Fein.
Hi Andy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve played musical instruments all my life. I started violin and viola while I was in high school.
I have a BA in Music from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. I specialized in the study and history of violin family instruments.
After college I apprenticed at an apprenticeship school that is now called The Chicago School of Violin Making.
During and after that apprenticeship, I worked with master makers and restorers in Philadelphia, Chicago, Europe, and Israel.
I started my own shop in 1982 and continued to study the history of instrument making at museums in Europe and the US and with my close colleague Amnon Weinstein in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any endeavor, there were and are challenges that are unexpected. I think being a creative person and working with other creatives helps to find novel solutions to a business’ twists and turns.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I make, repair, restore, and sell violins, violas, cellos, and bows.
Surprisingly, not all luthiers (violin makers) play on of the violin family instruments (violin, viola, and/or cello). I play violin and viola. That helps me related to my clients in terms of sound and playability. So Im not just a technician, I’m an artist relating to my artist client through our common language of music and musicianship.
I’m known for both the new instruments that we sell and restoring valuable old instruments. I’m also known for my expertise in appraising old instruments as to their origin in, condition, and value.
I’m most proud of my continual learning and adapting. I’ve incorporated my high tech and AI components into different aspects of the business. Even in the very traditional hand crafted violin making sector. I take several days in most years to travel to exhibitions and museums of great and historic makers and study their instruments. And I’ve incorporated visual computer analysis into my appraisals.
What sets me apart? My willingness to continually evolve and evaluate new techniques use and technology. This is especially true in terms of the set-up of instruments- strings, bridges, tailpieces, pegs, and sound-posts,. The evolution of string technology through my 45 year involvement in the string instrument world is particularly fascinating.
Plus! We rent instruments! Everything from beginner/student instruments to professional quality cellos for musicians that don’t want to risk air travel with their precious instruments.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Perseverance
Contact Info:
- Website: www.FineViolins.com and www.AntoniusStradivarius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fineviolins/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FineViolins
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewfeinfineviolins/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/fineviolins
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fein-violins-saint-paul?osq=Fein+Violins
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@fineviolins.com
