A 440 Violin Shop
“Just walking into A440 was an experience. For context: I hadn't touched my violin in well over a decade, and had decided to go in on a whim. I wanted a quick assessment of my instrument and maybe a string or two replaced. I ended up walking away with a newfound appreciation for the craft and a desire to earnestly pursue the practice again.
First: the place is stocked to the gills with beautiful instruments. The violas, cellos, basses, and violins displayed about the shop were obviously well-cared for, and they even had a few electric pieces that were more modern. I was sorely tempted to buy a starter instrument for my spouse who had come with me, but the sheer selection was almost overwhelming. Note: I am by no means a luthier or even someone with any real experience recognizing quality in a violin, but even I could tell they had a dizzying selection of good material on display.
Second: The staff really know their stuff too; they identified where I grew up from the name of the shop stamped on the bridge of my violin, and they instantly recognized the brand of strings I had used well over a decade ago. Andrew McKone helped us out, and just hearing him play some simple scales on my violin transported me back to my teenage years -- when my love for the violin was just beginning to take root. He replaced my gnarled A-string in a second and identified a bit of groove still left in the neck from where I had sunk hours into the thing over a decade ago. I readily purchased a new learning bow and a mute so my uncertain relearning wouldn't disturb the neighbors. I plan on returning to A440 for the rest of my musical needs going forward.”
