A Note 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 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!
While we are dedicated to bringing you the best possible instrument to suit your needs, we are also dedicated to the environment. Our shop is powered by wind through Excel Energy's Windsource program. We also make a point to recycle, to use LED light bulbs, and to conserve energy and resources whenever possible.
We're the only violin shop in the Twin Cities area, and one of very few violin shops nationwide, that's a member of the Better Business Bureau.
When you read our instrument reviews, you will discover that our clients are not just customers. We're interested in supporting your musical endeavors by providing quality instruments at reasonable prices. I'm proud of my shop and the excellent customer service provided by my staff of string players. We take great pride in what we do.
Andy Fein
Appraisals
Have an old violin, viola, or cello and you want to get more information about it? Its value? Its history? Just want someone to "take a look at it'?
Then you want an APPRAISAL. An appraisal will give you the information that you need for insurance, or to sell an instrument (on your own), or just to satisfy your curiosity.
CAN YOU COME TO OUR SHOP IN ST. PAUL?
You can make an appointment to see Andy at our shop in St. Paul. Written appraisals are $75. Verbal appraisals (just talking) are $35. For insurance, estate valuations, and most private sales, you'll need a written appraisal.
CAN'T COME TO ST. PAUL?
The most accurate way to appraise an instrument is to see it in person. But if you can't bring your instrument to our shop in St. Paul, Minnesota, we can do an online appraisal for you for $100. The Online Appraisal Service is your next best option if you can't bring your instrument to our shop. An accurate Online Appraisal relies upon YOU to take accurate measurements, and to provide detailed photographs.
Please realize the accuracy of your appraisal will be influenced by the accuracy of the pictures and measurements that you provide.