René A. Morel (11 March 1932 – 16 November 2011) was an experienced and influential luthier who was highly regarded by leading international string players,[1][2] who had been described as "arguably the best violin restorer in the world".

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

[7] Using French techniques of tool handling and ideas learned with Sacconi, Morel had now been developing new methods of restoration and repair for over 30 years.

[4][5] On February 1, 1994, he opened René A. Morel Rare Violins[8] in the same location, expanding his expertise to include dealing.

When he entertains in the city, he frequents René Pujol, Restaurant Français, La Côte Basque, and Les Sans Culottes.