A violinmaker begins by finding the right tree, and then the work begins. The tree is cut, split, and the ends are waxed. It is stored to dry and temper for a minimum of five years because only then can the wood be selected for making fine instruments. Klein uses scores of handheld tools to craft five kinds of wood into several different models and sizes of instruments. All parts of the instruments, except a few metal parts and the strings, are made in the violin shop. Klein works from a list of orders and carves out the violin family of instruments, one at a time. His wife, Janice, works with silver wire, leather and horsehair to restore fine bows and rehair them.

It was Michael's good fortune to study the craft with Vittore E. Giardinieri, master violinmaker. Michael now teaches, in his log cabin, his own classes on violin making.

Michael Klein's professional affiliations include the Violin Society of America and the Southern California Association of Violin Makers. He is also on the board of directors for the Rogue Valley Symphony and the Arizona Association of Violin Makers International. He has won eleven awards for his sound, workmanship and varnish in competition. Instrument orders are taken for both professionals and serious students.