AMATI, the name of a family of Italian violin makers, who flourished at Cremona from about 155o to 1692. According to Fetis, Andrea and Nicolo Amati, two brothers, were the first Italians who made violins. They were succeeded by Antonio and Geronimo, sons of Andrea. Another Nicolo, son of Geronimo, was born on Sept. 3, 1596, and died on Aug. 12, 1684. He was the most eminent of the family. He improved the model adopted by the rest of the Amati and produced instruments capable of yield ing greater power of tone. His pattern was usually small, but he also made the so-called "Grand Amatis." Of his pupils the most famous were Andrea Enamieri and Antonio Stradivari.