Sofia Vettori – A 90-Year Legacy in Italian Violin Making

On a full moon night in Fiesole, Italy, Sofia Vettori was welcomed into a world of music and craftsmanship. She grew up in her father’s violin workshop, surrounded by wood, varnish jars, and the echoes of a family tradition that began in 1935.

Her grandfather, Dario I Vettori, was a musician with a dream—to become a violin maker. Against all odds, he turned that dream into reality, founding a tradition that has now passed through three generations. Today, Sofia proudly carries forward this 90-year legacy, making her family the only Italian violin-making dynasty with an unbroken heritage of craftsmanship.

At 17, she began her apprenticeship alongside her father, Paolo, and her brothers, Dario II and Lapo, in Florence. She has since dedicated her life to crafting exceptional violins, violas, and cellos, drawing inspiration from master makers such as Guarneri del Gesù, Domenico Montagnana, G.B. Guadagnini, and Santo Serafino. Her passion for varnishing has led her to study and experiment with ancient techniques, always striving for the perfect finish.

With over 130 handcrafted instruments, Sofia’s work is played by outstanding musicians worldwide, including members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Antalya State Opera and Ballet Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Washington National Opera, and Kyoto Symphony Orchestra.

For Sofia, violin making is more than just building and selling instruments—it is about creating lifelong connections. She sees every musician who plays her instruments not as a client but as a caregiver, someone who carries forward the soul of her craft.

Beyond her bench, Sofia is committed to helping fellow luthiers thrive. She teaches violin makers worldwide through her masterclasses, varnishing courses, and the Luthiers Mastermind community, empowering them to succeed in a competitive industry. Her mission is to spread art, beauty, harmony, and peace through violin making.

Today, Sofia splits her time between Florence, Italy, and Indianapolis, USA, alongside her husband, an American violin maker, and their three sons. When she’s not crafting instruments, she enjoys knitting, making lasagna, indulging in Italian gelato, and writing children’s books.

Her motto? "What you give will be yours forever."