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.