Born in 1666 from Andrea, the initiator of the Guarneri tradition, Giuseppe was the younger brother of Pietro (who later moved to Mantua), and formed a link between the strong Amati influence still expressed by his father and the originality of Guarneri del Gesù.
During his career, his style was strongly influenced by his main competitor, Antonio Stradivari. The body model was developed with a longer C-bout, which followed a stiffer and less rounded shape; the same type of evolution can be seen in the model of the F-holes. The influence of Stradivari is visible as well in the varnish color, of a more lively red than the shades previously found in other members of the Guarneri family.
The model of the head is similar to that of his father, Andrea, although in Giuseppe the carving and finishing were generally less accurate, and several tool marks remain visible, particularly in his scrolls. His cellos are also highly appreciated; after 1730 Giuseppe retired, but continued to carve heads for his son's instruments.
