The Good Life – March-April 2015

After two years of working in Milwaukee, Wis., full time at
a music repair shop, Miiller wanted to be closer in proximity
to his roots. With $1,200 in his figurative pocket, no place to
stay and not a job in sight, he “up and moved to Fargo.”
Not long after his relocation, Christian Eggert Violins
opened the shop in Fargo, and Miiller found himself in his
niche.
Relishing his craft
Ten years and countless repaired instruments later, Miiller
is still finding gratification in his craft. Music from Classical
Minnesota Public Radio appropriately serenades the shop as
he works. Knives of all shapes and sizes are strewn over his
working space, and a blowtorch rests on a desk awaiting its
next use.
There is organized chaos all around this quaint hospital
for battered violas, violins, cellos and the like, and Miiller
wouldn’t have it any other way.
“The good life to me is having a fulfilling day at work and
feeling like I’ve really helped people,” Miiller said. “When
somebody brings in their instrument in tears, they come back
in a week and get their instrument again – that’s the most
fulfilling thing for me.”
Christian Eggert Violins is open weekdays from 9:30 a.m.
to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is
located at 618 Main Avenue in Fargo, N.D. More information
can be found on their website, christianeggertviolins.com, or
by calling 701-280-7017.