I have been friends on Facebook with Andy Fein for some time. Inspired by my son, an Interlochen grad and Music BFA, I decided to take the plunge and learn cello to complement my piano studies. He guided me to a great student cello but when it was unavailable, upgraded my choice to a sub-professional/professional model at no extra cost. It arrived in Hawaii with a lovely bow, a fiberglass case and not only did it arrive intact, it arrived in tune! There was rosin on the bow and visible on the strings which tells me that when the instrument was set up, someone took the time to play it and make sure that everything was as it should be. I can't recommend Andy Fein highly enough. It is a treat to deal with someone who is not only a skilled craftsman but is a person of high integrity. read more

Went in to inquire about my violin bow being rehaired and came out with a new bow! I was given a violin and a bow from a family member and one of my bows needed new hair. Fein violins sends out bows to be rehaired but will let you loan a bow while it's being worked on. The bow I was gifted from family was actually a very inexpensive bow and wouldn't be worth it to rehair but I was able to buy a new bow. Diane showed me some options to choose from and I could hear the differences as I tried them out on my instrument. She also showed me some violins the owner was in the process of making. It's super cool to see the instruments being made on site! I'm excited to use my new bow, thanks Fein Violins! read more

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For anyone reading on here and seeing the negative reviews, I question their authenticity and am dismayed at their disparaging of a small business that is a cornerstone of the St. Paul community. Here is my review: We moved to the Twin Cities and my daughter needed a new cello rental for school. The quality of the rental was very decent compared to other shops. After a few years, she had advanced in her play in high school. She was moving up through the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony, first chair in her current section, and first chair in her school orchestra section as well. We had the opportunity through a family gift to purchase her a more intermediate student cello. We went to Andy first, since we had a credit with his shop. He was sold out of the price points we were looking at but let us come and play on a few instruments on hold for other buyers. He was incredibly gracious. In the meantime while we waited on more instruments to be available, we did our due diligence and tried cellos and bows at other shops around town, and had her teacher weigh in on a few. In my mind I didn't like any as much as one we had played at Andy's shop before, but I was trying to approach it from a neutral position. We found two that were fine instruments in our price range and would have served. One shop even offered us a discount to make up some of the difference in not having a rental credit with them, and another shop was having a sale. This process really helped us in our decision, because when Andy had two cellos available we went back in to try them. Wow! My ears had not deceived me. After all the time spent listening to my daughter playing perhaps as many as 20 other cellos, the quality of sound in Andy's cellos stood out as warm and resonant across the entire range. My daughter almost immediately fell in love with one. We spent over an hour playing on them above his shop, to which he graciously gave us the space and privacy to try out cellos and bows and discuss. The cello we have purchased is so beautiful and will serve her for many years as she advances in her play. Andy had recently had a cello sale over the holidays and he and his business manager, Diane, offered to extend those prices for us. He also sent us with a nicer bow than we had originally planned, and a beautiful case and dampits and new rosin. He was nothing but friendly, gracious, knowledgeable, and clearly loving of his craft. I have received nothing for this review, except I felt compelled to write one after our experience working with Andy and to tell anyone else on here to ignore the negative reviews because I can recommend his work and his shop and his person without reservation. Of note, Andy has been serving the community for decades with instrument rentals and sales as a small business owner. Some of these reviews are about people thinking they found some $150k violin (unlikely!) and were angry at being told otherwise, or people irritated that his small shop wasn't open when they stopped by without appointment. Ridiculous! I would recommend you call in advance. This is customary for most luthiers. They are small and many are by appointment only, or may need at times to step out or handle business or appointments away from the shop. It also enables them to prepare for your visit and ensure the practice space and instrument types you are seeking are available. read more

Fein Violins - Beautiful wood flame on this cello and a sound to match! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

I was on tour from the west coast and stopped by Fein Violins to replace my bow. Andy, helped me find the perfect one! He was extremely accomodating, professional, responsive and thus, helpful. He continued to fit me with gear that that would satisfy my craft for a long time. Meantime, I was educated about the characteristics of a well made bow, and my Fein bow is indeed very well crafted. I recommend this shop with complete confidence. In addition, I found the staff very friendly and warmhearted. Great shop! read more

I have a ~$1k viola bow from their shop and cannot believe how well it plays. I would compare it favorably to a $6-8k bow. I noticed that some of the negative reviews here are based on service. Who cares if they roll out the red carpet? I'm just happy to have a dynamite lifetime bow that I could afford. read more

I recently examined a violin sold by the Fein Violin Shop. It was sold to this gentleman as an Italian violin made be a member of the Gagliano family of violin makers. Typically a Gagliano violin should cost $150,000 to 3000.00 dollars. Apparently this violin was sold with an insurance appraisal of $70,000 written by Mr Fein. I examined the violin and informed the owner it had a value of $500-700. The only thing it had that might indicate it was a Gagliano was the false label glued the interior of the violin. I hope this poor fellow will be able to get his money read more

Andy and his staff (Diane) have been extremely helpful, courteous and friendly. I have purchased my first violin and decided to upgraded my violin two years later! I also wanted to try some bows to make sure I got the sound I was looking for. Andy sent three! I wish Andy had a shop in California! I picked the premier bow! What can I say...I love it! Even though we have conversed on the phone and email this has been the best experience! Thank you Andy and staff! I love my violin! -Nisi read more

Fein Violins - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

if I could give zero stars to this place, I would. Andy Fein is rude and extremely unprofessional. I have never had a worse experience at a music shop in my entire life due to his complete negligence and lack for empathy and compassion. If you're thinking about renting, god forbid buying from this place, please don't. You'll probably end up being lied to, scammed, and cheated by this excuse of a business owner. Andy, If you're reading this, please treat your customers with basic human compassion and try to keep your head out of your backside. read more

I am deeply impressed by the professionalism, expertise, and quality I have encountered at Fein Violins. I brought in my violin - a priceless heirloom that was constructed by the hands of my own great-great-grandfather in Poland in 1929 - after it sustained significant damage, including a snapped neck and numerous cracks. I eagerly waited for a month, and when I got it back, it was like a brand new instrument. Restored varnish, masterful woodwork, and evident care that resulted in a splendid sound. He also restored my bow, which is now in great shape. For as long as I live in the Twin Cities, this will be my go-to luthier. I could not recommend Fein Violins highly enough. read more

Never written a yelp review before but I had to after what I experienced here. I bought a cheap violin online and this guy literally refused to work on it and told me to toss it out. What a snob!!! read more

I am an adult beginner and I had been looking for a quality cello that was not made in China. I had read all the reviews about Fein Violins and compared what they offered to other online vendors. I emailed the shop on a Saturday evening thinking I would get a reply sometime the following week. I got a reply on Sunday and it was from the owner Andy Fein. He answered my questions about the different models of cellos that he offered and made some suggestions. Andy was very responsive and even during the COVID 19 crisis he was offering a discount on some of the instruments that he has to offer. He worked with me in financing and being an adult beginner I wanted an instrument that would last as I learn. I inquired about a Don't Fret sticker to put on the keyboard while he was building it and he did not carry this item. I sent him the information where to find it and he said he could include and install that for me, no charge! Well today, I received my nicely packaged 4/4 Milan cello just as ordered with the Don't Fret sticker installed. Wow, I was blown away!! Great looking cello with stripes on the back, Whittner pegs installed, a hybrid bow, and hard sided case! He even included dampits, rosin a polishing cloth and polish as a bonus. The cello also has Larsen Strings! I believe now that I'm all set for my musical journey! I tuned the cello and now I am ready to break it in. By the way the lower register sounds great, just what I wanted. The cello that I had been renting a John Juzak will be returned shortly as I believe I have a keeper! Update: I noticed that there was a small crack in the top plate of the cello just under the foot of bridge. I contacted Andy and he got out a replacement cello within 1 week free of charge. He included a return shipping label for the cracked cello and the new cello was received without issue. Once again, top quality work and it looks and sounds great. My cello instructor was also pleased with the sound. I look forward to many happy years playing this Fein instrument! Andy, my personal thanks for such a great transaction and for such a fine instrument! Fein Violins is a small shop but top quality business that you should give a try; you won't be disappointed! read more

Service was Great! I asked them to look at a violin I had purchased elsewhere. I needed the chin rest put on and asked for a quick look at the instrument. The man gave me an honest opinion of the violin; good student violin with fairly bleh strings and a bow that will keep me through to summer before it needs new hair (I am paraphrasing.) I had him replace the strings and when I asked what rehairing the bow would cost he told me they had better bows for the same cost as a rehair. I will put that on my things to do list... So I am a happy customer and I will be a loyal customer for my violin needs. read more

We needed a short-term cello rental while visiting the Twin Cities. Andy and the staff at Fein provided us with an outstanding instrument within hours--in the middle of a pandemic! They were incredibly friendly and helpful and the cello was of infinitely higher quality than any we've previously rented in the area, including from House of Note (which I do not, under any circumstances, recommend even if it is far more conveniently located to you). Plus, when we accidentally returned the cello with our sheet music still in the case, Fein contacted us immediately and offered to mail it back. It seems the negative reviews here are all about online experiences and I can't speak to that, but for in-person service and excellent instruments I absolutely and whole-heartedly recommend Fein. read more

Saint Paul, this is your friendly neighborhood luthier shop. Since moving to the Twin Cities 6 years ago, I had used the services of other area violin shops for repairs and maintenance on my beloved 110 year old cello and bow. For a long time, I had been strongly considering either getting a new instrument or getting my older cello restored. With each shop that I went to, I was left wanting. I desired a place that had a higher standard of quality, a place with staff who were able to listen to me without me feeling judged of my skills, rank, or role in the music world. The purchase of a new instrument, and/or having an instrument with sentimental value restored, has the potential to be a very personal and stressful process. After all, a musical instrument is like an extension of the musician's own body and self. This is compounded by the fact that most musicians do not have an overflowing pocketbook. Luthier Andy Fein, along with assistant Kevin Berdine, worked with my unique needs and concerns. After a few trips by the shop, some discussion of my options and trying out the number of fine instruments available at the shop, I could finally make a decision. I was able to both purchase a new instrument that met my standards AND have my old instrument restored. All by Andy, all within my budget. I have since worked with Andy to have a transducer installed on my newer cello, along with the purchase of an acoustic DI to help me maximize my sound during plugged-in performances. I leave each visit to Fein Violins feeling that I not only had my immediate needs met, but that I had the assurance of an independent business partner in the community to support my work as a musician. read more

Wonderful store, friendly service, very knowledgeable staff. They love what they do and are eager to help. As attentive to the novice as to the seasoned professional. They have violins in different price ranges, but no cheap flimsy things, you can be sure you are getting a quality violin for your money. Andy is wonderful and you can tell he loves his work, his staff is great too. I purchased a violin from here and have other interactions and purchases over the years and felt it was time to write a review. I love walking into their store, you feel like you are stepping back in time when things were made by hand, with attention to detail and care. Wonderful experience, would go back again and again. read more

Went in with questions on an appraisal & a man there (possibly owner) with glasses was quite rude and short. It is almost like he hates his job. Left there with an awful feeling that he didn't want my business. I find it hard to believe that some still don't understand that being a jerk to a customer ultimately costs money. read more

I restarted playing violin after a break of many years. I have been quite satisfied with my progress, guided by my teacher, Randy Cono of Monte Serreno, California. I have recently evaluated several violins as upgrades for my Eastman Klier 702 which have served me quite well but I felt I am ready for an upgrade. I searched online and found Fein Violin. I started an email exchange with Andy Fein, the owner of the shop. He sent me two models to try and I ended up buying the Diva model. The Diva's sound is beautiful (warm and with nice projection), Its looks is beautiful and just as importantly dealing with Andy was all around a positive experience. Andy truly strives to meet your needs with a fair deal. I will go back to Andy when I look for the next upgrade. read more

I've been here twice. I will not come back. I had to buy a bow case, and it was an emergency, and that experience was fine enough. My second experience, I came in because I needed a quick bow rehair and a couple strings. I am actually very curious how this place is open. Firstly, it turned out they don't do rehairs themselves. I have never come across this problem, and I've been to many luthiers. They told me it could take up to two weeks for me to get my bow back because they send it off to somebody else like when you take a leather jacket to a dry cleaner. I've never had a rehair take more than 2 days with even the slowest, worst service. Plus, from my mental math I had to do with what the price would have been, he must have been charging over 100 dollars for this. I've never paid more than 70 dollars for very, very good rehairs. Then, the strings. He's charging something like twice the price of what you can get online. I only bought them because I was on a time crunch. Just... don't go here. read more

I am always SO impressed by what excellent work Andy and his team do. I have been a customer of his for more years than I can count, and he helped me find a beautiful violin and bow that were absolutely perfect for me. Just a great place - if you want an expert AND personal service, well, you can't do better than this! read more

I phoned the shop to find out a price of the specific model of their violins that was selling in 2011. A woman named Diane was very unfriendly, snappy, and just a money - oriented individual. She refused to give me any information, and was trying to push their violins in stock. When I asked her to talk to Andrew Fein himself, she hung up on me. I would not recommend this place to anyone. Violin shops are not a corporate office. And I have been to much nicer offices than that. read more

I went in once and haven't been back since. When I arrived the store was locked with nobody inside, despite it being during business hours. I figured I'd wait a bit, and eventually an employee came and opened up. Through the whole interaction (I was buying a string for my violin), the man who was working was very rude and it seemed like my being there was bothering him. I'm sure the products are great, but I'm afraid to go back if that's how they do business. read more

This guy is a cheat! We brought our elderly father in to have a violin assessed so he could sell it. He gave him advice took his money then after a buyer was found finder we referred her to Andy who then provided a completely different assessment. We called him on it and he offered no explanation or refund just suggested we were suckers. Be careful! read more

A wonderful experience, the violin's tonal qualities on both the high and low notes are superb! We bought a violin for my daughter and we couldn't be happier! The service and staff were wonderful during the search. We are so glad that we used Fein Violins! Would recommend them to everyone looking. read more

Received my 16" Atelier Cremone/Andy Fein PIEDMONT viola today and it is, in a word, exquisite--warm tones, great resonance and almost massages the ears. The quality of the instrument is outdone only by the top-notch customer service care I received from Andy and Diane. No question was too small and I learned a great deal in my discussions with Andy who has proved himself to be a great luthier. But the best part was dealing with a craftsman of real character and caring. When I called Andy before purchasing the viola, we discussed the importance of bows, which led to a discussion of the bow being advertised on the website as coming with the instrument. Andy quickly recognized that a more upscale bow was being mistakenly advertised than the one intended, but quite willingly honored what was being advertised--a free $825.00 bow. Then when he notified me that the viola was one its way, he casually mentioned that he had upgraded me from the Andy Fein/Atelier Cremone STRADIVARI viola to the Atelier Cremone/Andy Fein PIEDMONT viola, a substantially more expensive instrument. Am delighted beyond words with the instrument and having met Andy and Diane. I am a customer for life. read more

I have visited this shop on at least six occasions - initial visits were at the shop on Selby and more recently at the shop on Grand avenue. My experiences with this shop have been mixed. I purchased a violin and bow some years ago from this shop and found that experience to be a positive one. However, work on my instrument and bow has been less than satisfactory. Andy recommended that he "recamber" my bow. A short time later, I took the bow to another shop in town for a rehair and was told by a highly experienced luthier that the bow was bent and the only person to work on that bow was Andy. On another occasions, I brought in my violin to have the strings replaced and when I picked it up found fine tuners on all four strings when I only had one fine tuner for the E string at the time the violin was dropped off. During another visit staff sold me the wrong size dampit for my violin. Customer service in the shop varied depending on who was working in the store. I was having trouble fitting a chin rest to my instrument so came in on three different occasions to try out different chin rests. The third visit to the store I definitely picked up an attitude from staff regarding my wanting to check out yet another chin rest. So in all honesty I can't give any more stars to this review. read more