Charline Dequincey was born in Dole, France where she was raised by a family that prized traditional arts and the preservation of cultural heritage. Her diverse early experiences with visual arts and crafts, music, dance, and woodworking led her to apply to the French National Violin Making School in Mirecourt, where she enrolled at age 15.

During her studies in Mirecourt, Charline apprenticed with several luthiers in France, including Yves Deloffres (Besançon), Alain Meyer (Metz), and Roland Terrier (Mirecourt). She also pursued apprenticeships in England and the United States, embracing the opportunity to broaden her understanding of different approaches to instrument making and restoration.

After graduating with honors in 2004, Charline worked with Gert Schrijvers in Hasselt, Belgium, and subsequently with Guy Harrison in Ottawa, Canada, where she worked for 14 years. During this period she had the opportunity to maintain and repair many fine instruments (including many historical Cremonese instruments) belonging to the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Caminex Foundation.

In 2012, while continuing to work as a restorer for Harrison, Charline began making violins, violas, and cellos exclusively under her own name. She received a Double Certificate of Merit for Tone and Workmanship in 2018 for a cello she entered in the 23rd International Competition of the Violin Society of America. Charline’s instruments are sought after throughout North America, and are currently played by professional musicians in Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Boston, and San Diego.

Charline joined the staff of Reuning & Son Violins in 2021 as a full-time restorer. She is excited to be working on many fine instruments here, and cherishes the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment among exceptional colleagues. As a maker and restorer, Charline meticulously ascribes the highest standards to her work and strives for constant improvement. She is a proud member of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers.

In her free time, Charline enjoys biking, cooking, visiting museums, playing the viola, and attending an eclectic variety of live musical events.