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. The tightly grained spruce and narrow flaming of the two- piece maple back is enhanced by the warm brown over amber varnish.