Amati << ah MAH tee, >> family, was a family of violin makers who worked in Cremona, Italy, from the 1500’s to the 1700’s. Amati violins come in a variety of varnish tones ranging from dark red to light yellow. The violins have refined proportions and curves, and a high-arched shaping of the top. The arch helps produce a sweet, somewhat restrained soprano sound that was preferred for the intimate ensemble music popular in the 1600’s.
Andrea Amati (about 1511-1579) was one of the first violin makers to give the instrument its distinctive shape and features. His work was carried on by his sons, Antonio (born about 1540) and Girolamo (1561-1630). Girolamo’s son, Nicolo (1596-1684), was the most famous and influential Amati. Nicolo trained many instrument makers, including Andrea Guarneri and Antonio Stradivari. Nicolo’s son, Girolamo II (1649-1740), was the last violin maker in the family.
