Violins, Violas and Cellos — Direct from Cremona

Every instrument I make is a balance between tradition and innovation, deeply rooted in the historic Cremonese tradition of violin making.

Here in Cremona, where the art of violin making reached its highest expression, I create unique violins, violas and cellos, each made to respond to the personality, playing style and musical voice of the musician.

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Marco Osio holding a handmade violin in his Cremona workshop

Who is Marco Osio?

After graduating from the International School of Violin Making in Cremona, Marco Osio refined his craft under the guidance of Gio Batta Morassi, one of the masters who played a key role in restoring Cremona to its position at the heart of the international violin-making tradition.

Drawing inspiration from the classical models of Stradivari, Amati and Guarneri, Marco creates violins, violas and cellos from carefully selected tonewoods, finished with varnishes developed through years of personal research.

His instruments are appreciated for their sound, craftsmanship and individual character, and are played by musicians around the world. Over the years, his work has received numerous awards and recognitions at international violin-making competitions.


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Close-up of a handmade violin by Marco Osio

Why choose a new instrument?

RELIABILITY

A newly made instrument begins its life in excellent structural condition, without the wear, previous repairs or hidden issues that can accompany an older instrument.

Every component is carefully made and fitted to ensure stability, reliability and long-term performance.

PERSONALISATION

A new instrument is more than an object: it can become an extension of the musician.

From the model and dimensions to the choice of wood and varnish, many details can be tailored to the player’s needs and preferences.

The aim is not simply to create a beautiful instrument, but one with a responsive, dynamic sound that develops over time and grows together with the musician.

WARRANTY & SUPPORT

A new instrument also offers peace of mind.

The maker’s warranty covers possible construction defects, while direct contact with the workshop ensures ongoing support and continuity over time.

This removes much of the uncertainty that can come with older instruments and their previous history.


Musicians’ Voices

  • Joe L.

    “I own two instruments made by Marco: a 1703 Stradivari model and an Ornati model.

    The first has a sweet, creamy sound, very warm and enveloping; the second combines the power and strength of a Guarneri with the sweetness and beauty of a Stradivari, offering a strong vibration and remarkable projection.

    The craftsmanship and choice of materials in both instruments are impeccable, placing them among the finest examples of contemporary violin making. Marco is undoubtedly one of the most skilled and highly regarded makers in the Italian violin-making world.

    I hope my experience may be a useful reference for violinists and enthusiasts. Thank you!”

  • Takumi A.

    “I play a viola made by Marco Osio. His instruments offer a rich, deep sound, with a beautiful resonance that extends from the lower to the upper register.

    It is the kind of instrument that makes you want to keep playing endlessly.”

  • Artemios S.

    “A violin maker of extraordinary talent. From my personal experience, having played several of Marco’s violins and violas over the years since we first met, I can say that he creates instruments with a clear, powerful and at the same time warm sound.


    They also give the musician great freedom to shape and vary the colours of the sound with ease. I am deeply grateful to him.”

  • Takayoshi O.

    “I play a violin by Marco Osio. It was love at first sight in the shop, thanks to its extraordinary beauty. I hope the photographs can do it justice, but the Cremonese design, the elegant arching and the figure of the wood make it a unique joy to own.


    The sound is equally wonderful: delicate yet powerful, warm and luminous, with remarkable response across the entire register, from the lowest notes to the highest. I look forward to discovering how the sound will mature over time.


    I have learnt a great deal from this instrument, which I already consider a work of art. I am deeply grateful to have encountered this extraordinary creation by Marco Osio.”

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From the Blog

Blog
A Violin Built Today May Still Be Played in 200 Years
A Violin Built Today May Still Be Played in 200 Years

Built for Generations

Why a handmade violin can outlive its maker

A handmade violin is not designed to be replaced. Built with carefully selected materials, traditional methods and repairability in mind, it can evolve through playing, maintenance and time — and may continue its musical life for generations.

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Cremona Violin Maker: Where Tradition Becomes Sound
Cremona Violin Maker: Where Tradition Becomes Sound

Cremona Violin Making: A Living Tradition

From wood to sound, one instrument at a time

From my workshop in Cremona, I explore what it means to make a violin today: learning from the great Cremonese tradition, selecting each piece of wood individually and shaping an instrument whose character continues to develop long after it leaves the workbench.

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Val di Fiemme: In Search of Spruce for Violin Making
Val di Fiemme: In Search of Spruce for Violin Making

Why Val di Fiemme Spruce?

From the Alpine forests to my workshop in Cremona

From the forests of Val di Fiemme to my workshop in Cremona, I explore how I select resonance spruce for violin making and why grain, weight, stiffness and the individual character of each piece matter long before the instrument takes shape.

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