A Brief Summary
Mark Moreland returned to the Pacific Northwest in the fall of 2010 to open the Moreland Violin Shop in Battle Ground, Washington. The shop was started to service other major shops in North America, build violins & cellos, and for Mark to focus on building new instruments. It was apparent right away for the need of a full-service violin shop in the SW Washington area.
The selection of Battle Ground, Washington as a location was based on many factors including climate and proximity of the Portland International Airport. The local climate of the Battle Ground shop is nearly ideal for the building of cellos throughout the year.
Mark’s Violin Shop shares a nearly identical feature to one of the world’s most famous violin making cities Cremona, Italy. Both towns share latitude, similar weather and are almost identical in proximity to the mountains and the sea.
The Pacific Northwest has been a significant location for decades of instrument making of all sorts. The making of guitars, mandolins, harpsichords, bow making, and many violin makers has been the norm for many years. To this end, Mark’s employment as shop foreman and eventual shop manager of Schuback Violin Shop in Portland, OR spanning nearly 24 years made him quite familiar with many in the music community.
It was during an 8-year period after leaving Schuback Violin Shop that Mark and his wife, Sharon, worked and lived in the Washington DC area and then New Mexico. Both Mark & Sharon worked for Eastman Strings in Clarksburg, Maryland and then Potters Violin Shop in Bethesda, Maryland. In late 2005 the Moreland’s moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico for positions at Robertson’s Violin Shop.
Mark & Sharon have established Moreland Violin Shop to serve the surrounding communities as well as musicians & shops across the United States and other parts of the world. Mark builds instruments of the highest quality while also offering his exceptional repair, restoration, and tonal adjustment knowledge.
The Moreland Violin Shop is situated in East Battle Ground on Grace Ave. between 199th (Eaton Blvd.) and Main Street on the west side of the road. With lots of off street parking available, and a location inside the local community, Mark looks forward to being able to service all your instrumental needs.
The shop offers instruments and bows for purchasing, rentals, affordable rates and quick turnaround on repairs, and a limited stock of strings & accessories.
Mark chooses to conduct business on an appointment only basis. In this capacity he can give his full attention to each and every customer one at a time. A brief phone call or e-mail ahead of time will make it possible for him to personally attend to your needs promptly and at your convenience.
Mark’s ambition is to provide impressive craftsmanship, professional service, and has the highest regards for the convenience of his customers.
Mark Moreland is a full member of the American Federation of Violin & Bow Makers and The Violin Society of America. Mark’s personal instruments grace the music halls of Europe, Canada, Africa, and the USA. He has won numerous awards in International Competitions as well as multiple articles written about his work.
He also has worked on many great instruments over the years including the 1689 “Archinto” Stradivarius cello, 1693 Ex “Misha Schneider” M. Goffriller cello, numerous Tecchler cellos, countless Vuillaumes, and several famous del Gesu and Stradivari violins.