James McKean has been making instruments since 1973. After graduating from the Violinmaking School of America in 1977, he returned to New York City, where he joined the shop of noted luthier and restorer Vahakn Nigogosian. The three years he spent as assistant to Mr. Nigogosian of offered him an opportunity to learn the techniques of fine restoration and acoustical setup and adjustment along with affording him exposure to some of the examples of the work of the masters of violinmaking throughout history.
Mr. McKean established his own atelier in 1980, dividing his time between restoring and making violins, violas, and cellos. Since then, his instruments have won several awards, including a gold medal, in competitions sponsored by the Violin Society of America and the American Federation of Violin and Bowmakers A member of the Federation since 1988, he has recently completed a term as Secretary of that organization, and is currently serving as Vice-president McKean is a contributing editor to Strings magazine, where his articles on the art and history of violinmaking appear regularly.
While working primarily from his own original models when making instruments, McKean also makes exact copies in varying degrees of antiquing. He has made more than fifty instruments, many of them on commission. His instruments can be found in concert halls around the world.
James N. McKean, 250 West 54th. St. #709, New York City, New York 10019, 212-582-4369