User:Mareoraft/René Morel



René A. Morel is an experienced and influential luthier who is highly regarded by leading international string players. He has served on the juries of many violin making competitions, and holds offices in both the International Society of Violin and Bow Makers (Entente) as well as the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers.

Early life
Rene A. Morel was born in France. Morel's grandfather, Paul Mangenot, was an instrument maker. As a result, Morel began gaining experience in workshops from 12 years of age. He worked for Amédée Dieudonne in Mirecourt, Marius Didier, and Bossard Bonnel in Rennes. Finally, Morel returned to Mirecourt where he repaired violins until the age of 18.

Morel completed service in the French Air Force, and then moved to America where he worked for Kagan & Gaines in Chicago.

Mid life
In 1955, Morel began work at Rembert Wurlitzer's shop in New York, the leading instrument dealer in the city. Simone F. Sacconi ran the shop and taught Morel many new concepts about violin restoration. Because New York is one of the large centers for string players, this is where Rene Morel claimed his fame.

Thus, in 1964, Rene Morel decided to open his own shop at Jacques Français, Rare Violins, Inc. in New York. Using French techniques of tool handling and ideas learned with Maestro Sacconi, Morel had now been developing new methods of restoration and repair for over 30 years. Morel's advancements further improve the quality and acoustics of viols. Many virtuoso string players seek out Rene Morel specifically for sound adjustment in their instruments.

Later life
On February 1, 1994, Rene opened Rene A. Morel Rare Violins in the same location, expanding his expertise to include dealing. In 1999, Morel & Gradoux-Matt, Inc. was started to make room for another experienced luthier, Mr. Emmanuel Gradoux-Matt.

Starting in May 2008, René Morel has been working at Tarisio: Fine Instruments and Bows in yet another new location in New York.

Hobbies
"When he is not cutting wood for violins, René keeps fit by landscaping at his home far away from the city. He enjoys being close to the earth, horticulture and gardening occupy his free time. M. Morel also pursues hunting when he is not otherwise engaged...A bon vivant, M. Morel hopes to retire someday to his own vineyard, but in the meantime his favorite wines can be purchased through the Sherry-Lehmann catalogue." When he entertains in the city, he frequents René Pujol, Restaurant Français, La Côte Basque, and Les Sans Culottes.