James McKean is one of the leading string instrument makers in the United States. He attended the prestigious Violinmaking School of America in Salt Lake City and spent three years apprenticing with master maker Vahakn Nigigosian in New York City, before opening his own shop there in 1980. His instruments are highly sought after and are only available in select violin shops around the country. This violin, which McKean calls the “Three Kings” violin, was made as part of a 2003 project with makers Guy Rabut and Arthur Toman. It has a projecting and resonant voice with a broad tonal color palette. Instantly responsive, it produces clear, ringing tones easily articulated and perfect for the demanding advanced or professional player.