* Andrea Amati: Known as the "father of violin making," he is recognized for standardizing the design of the violin. Some of the best-preserved early string instruments in existence today may be Amati's, particularly "King Charles IX of France violin."
* Nicolò Amati: The grandson of Andrea Amati, he made considerable modifications to the violin, giving it the shape that has prevailed until today. He was the teacher of some famous violin makers like Guarneri del Gesù and Antonio Stradivari.
* Antonio Stradivari: Widely regarded as the most celebrated violin maker, Stradivari created 1,116 instruments, mostly violins. Among the most recognizable violins by Stradivari are "the Messiah" and "Vieuxtemps."
* Guarneri del Gesù: Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri, also known as Guarneri or Guarneri del Gesù, was one of the great violin makers whose instruments rival Amati and Stradivarius. "Cannone," "Plowden," and "Ole Bull" are three of his renowned creations.
* Jakob Stainer: An Austrian inventor and maker of string instruments, Stainer revolutionized bow construction.