About

Every instrument carries a unique story through its structure, sound, and history. My work is to understand that story, solve its structural and acoustical challenges with precision, and preserve its voice for generations to come.

As both a violin maker and restorer with an engineering background, I combine traditional Cremonese craftsmanship with analytical thinking. Rather than relying solely on intuition, I approach every instrument through structural analysis, acoustics, and careful observation, while respecting the individuality and artistic character of each instrument.

Today, I build new instruments, restore historical ones, and provide professional setup for musicians ranging from students to professional performers. My restoration work is particularly focused on preserving both structural integrity and tonal character, earning the trust of musicians who seek thoughtful, long-term solutions rather than temporary repairs.

Journey

My journey into violin making began unexpectedly during graduate school. While collecting classical recordings, I discovered Il violino di Paganini, recorded by Salvatore Accardo on Niccolò Paganini's legendary 1742 Giuseppe Guarneri 'del Gesù' Il Cannone. The extraordinary sound, together with the timeless beauty of the instrument itself, inspired me to devote my life to violin making.

Before entering the violin world, I worked as a research and development engineer on large-scale engineering projects, including civil engineering and military submarine programs. My work involved structural dynamics, vibration, noise control, and structural analysis—disciplines that continue to shape my understanding of how stringed instruments function both mechanically and acoustically.

In 2010, while visiting the Museo Civico in Cremona during a business trip to Europe, seeing original masterpieces by Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri 'del Gesù' became the defining moment that led me to pursue violin making professionally.

I subsequently studied for five years at the I.I.S. Antonio Stradivari in Cremona, Italy. During my training, I closely examined the works of the great Cremonese masters and developed a deep understanding of their craftsmanship, design philosophy, and historical context.

Because of my engineering background, my teachers affectionately called me Ingegnere ("Engineer"). My mentor, Maestro Dante Fulvio Lazzari, encouraged me not to abandon my analytical approach but to combine it with the traditional wisdom of the old Italian masters. That advice became the foundation of my philosophy as a maker and restorer.

My graduation thesis, Analysis of String Instruments Using Laser Optical Sensors, received high recognition from both the faculty and the examination committee for bringing engineering methodology into the study of violin making.

Today

After returning to Korea in 2016, I gained extensive experience in professional restoration before establishing Kimy Strings in 2018.

Alongside building new instruments, I continue to undertake restoration work for a wide variety of string instruments, including those owned by professional musicians from Korea and abroad. Every restoration is approached with the same objective: preserving the instrument's historical value while allowing it to perform at its highest musical potential.

My work draws inspiration from Antonio Stradivari, Giuseppe Guarneri 'del Gesù', G.B. Guadagnini, and Carlo Bergonzi. I build both contemporary instruments and Old Antique models, seeking a balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern analytical understanding.

Philosophy

I believe tradition is not about copying answers—it is about understanding how the great masters approached problems.

By combining the accumulated wisdom of classical Cremonese violin making with modern engineering principles, my goal is to create and restore instruments that musicians can trust throughout their musical lives.