Ray Melanson worked with Hans Nebel in New York before attending the violin making school in Salt Lake City. He moved back to Massachusets and taught violin making at the North Bennett St. School. In 1983 he returned to Rochester, setting up his own workshop. Over the years he has won 14 awards and medals at VSA competitions and has become one of the most respected  contemporary American makers. This beautiful violin has a full, warm tone with great depth.