About Us

Joseph Renard

Our workshop draws inspiration from the rich legacy of early 20th-century violin workshops like William Lewis and Son in neighboring Chicago, where craftsmanship and artistry set the standard of American workshop violin making. We honor this tradition by creating our own handmade instruments, a dream our founder has had since we started StringWorks in 1997, blending time-honored techniques with modern refinements and skilled lutherie. This dedication to craftsmanship allows us to create instruments with exceptional quality, tone, and construction, keeping the legacy of these pioneering workshops alive for musicians today.

Our process: Our head luthier selects the wood blanks, using a very specific set of density requirements, and PUT THE PROCESS HERE  ALSO add: If you’d like to be involved in the creation of your instrument, we’re delighted to offer photos and videos throughout the process, allowing you to be an integral part of its journey from start to finish.

The name "Joseph Renard" was inspired by the French word for fox, renard, reflecting our roots in Wisconsin's Fox Valley before relocating to the Fox Valley in Illinois. With our founder’s last name of "French", choosing a French name felt fitting. "Joseph" was selected to honor the lineage of our first instrument model, The Kreisler violin by Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù, as Joseph is the English equivalent of Giuseppe. Additionally, it carries personal significance, as it is also the middle name of our head luthier, adding a meaningful connection to our team.