Music has a transcendent quality that seems to connect us with our spirits. The calming, meditative power of music has been obvious for a long time. Musical instruments abound, some popular favorites being the electric and acoustic guitar, piano, drum, flute, and saxophone. Listening to a truly beautiful composition with a complex melody can literally bring us to tears. Different types of music create lasting impressions and associations. Music is no doubt an extremely powerful form of expression.

But one instrument in particular has the power to create the most striking melodies. Violins are a master instrument for creating moods and adding shape to a musical composition. There are various brands of violins, but the most popular brand is no doubt the Amati violin. The name comes from the Amatis, an Italian family of violin-makers that goes back generations. It began with the patriarch Andrea Amati, and the family trade was passed down through the years to Antonio and Girolamo Amati, followed by Nicolo Amati to the present day.

The accuracy and tooling of instruments made by the Amati family remain a standard to be met. Even in shops where precise tools are used instead of the old ways, the results are not the same. If an instrument is marked as an "Amati Violin," no bells and whistles are needed. The quality is apparent from the first note.

The luthiers of Italy are popular throughout the world. When Andrea Amati made the first violin in his family, little did he know what the future had in store for him and for his descendants. Such is the craze of the fiddles made by this family, that in Italy the term violin is synonymous with an "Amati-violin".

Italian violins are known for the meticulous attention to detail that leads directly to their distinctive sound. Whether they are played in a jazz band, a world class symphony, or as a bluegrass fiddle, the warmth and style of the music will not fail to impress listeners.

Amati violins have such beauty, style and quality that even a few thousand words would not do the violins justice. The incredible sound and beauty that these hand-carved Italian violins produce cannot be adequately described with mere words. However, if you make a trip to a music store that sells Amati violins, your ears will allow you to take a journey of beautiful melody and peace.

Ye Old Violin Shop features every type of Italian violin. If you're browsing for violins, be sure to consider one of the fine copies of an Amati violin that are available.