Gunther Reuter (1934-2013) was born in The Hague, Netherlands. He studied at the violinmaking school in Mittenwald under Leo Aschauer and Johann Karner, graduated in 1951. Gunther worked for Anton Dietl in Mittenwald 1951-1955, making commercial instruments. He also worked for Ottomar Hausmann in Mittenwald. In 1961, he worked for Rudi Lang in Oberau making double basses.

In 1961, Gunther moved to Chicago and worked for William Lewis, doing restoration. In 1964, Gunther established a violin shop with his brother, Fritz. Gunther received two gold medals for tone and four certificates for workmanship at the 1982 VSA competition. He was a member of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers.