This instrument is part of our fifth annual Contemporary American Makers Exhibition, 2022

Violin and Bow Maker Joseph Liu has been making violins and bows that both play well and sound amazing for the last 20 years.  In addition to making, he has also been an accomplished bow restorer working for shops such as Hans Weisshaar Violin Shop and Metzler Violin Shop while living in Los Angeles.

Joseph started his training at the Chicago Violin Shop in the 1990’s.  After graduating, he moved to California to work as a violin maker at the Weisshaar Shop.  While he was there, Margaret Shipman who owned the shop at the time, allowed him to study some of the works of the great makers.  It was there that he learned to do bow work and bow making.  Later on, he worked at the Metzler Violin Shop where he continued to refine his bow restoration skills while also making violins and bows at his own workshop.

After seeing and studying many great instruments and bows, Joseph was able to utilize the construction methods and acoustic systems on his own instruments.  He strives to integrate wood, form, and acoustics into works of art that allow musicians to create their own sound.

In 2020, Joseph moved to the Kansas City area with his wife Jennifer and their two young children.  He continues to make violins and bows in his workshop at home.