Bob McPharlin was born in Pennsylvania but  grew up in California and became very involved in the thriving music scene of the 1960's. During those heady years Bob studied Flamenco and Classical guitar and also became an accomplished songwriter and performer, working with some of the biggest names in the business. Spencer Dreiden, Canned Heat, Jonh Fahey, to name a few. As time went by he found himself driven by the quest for excellent tone. In other words he realized what a difference the instrument itself makes to the player. Thus began the journey back  to the eastern United States where he studied the art of violin restoration and repair . He apprenticed at a topnotch violin shop before deciding it was time to open his own place. He also had  met his future wife Shelley, herself a classical guitarist and teacher and together they began McPharlin Guitar & Violin in the serendipitously named town of Harmony. In the beginning their  mission was to provide quality instruments and instruction to players of all levels. That mission remains unchanged. Each instrument is hand picked for it's workmanship, tone and value , whether it is for a beginner or seasoned professional. No instrument will EVER leave the shop before being meticulously gone over. Bridges and soundposts are properly adjusted for the stringed instruments and guitars are set up with correct playing action. McPharlin Guitar & Violin in its 20th year now caters