Maker Background
Pio Montanari is an Italian luthier, born in Genoa in 1956. His interest in the making of string instruments started in 1978 in Romeo Bellando's workshop.
In 1988 he opened a workshop in Genoa, where he has been making violins, violas and cellos f following classical models according to the Genoese tradition.
Following his graduation in architecture at the University of Genoa, he graduated from the Scuola di liuteria A. Stradivari in Cremona and later specialized with Pierangelo Balzarini. His works have been showcased at in many exhibitions and festivals; one of his cellos was shortlisted in the competition of the Ville de Paris; his instruments have been selected in all the A. Stradivari International competitions since 1988. Since 1995 he has been part of the team in charge of the maintenance of "Il Cannone", the renowned G.B. Guarneri, now property of the Municipality of Genoa. Since the mid 80's he has been a member of the Catgut Acoustical Society, and actively involved in their research work. He is also a member of the Violin Society of America and of the New Violin Family Association. In 1988 he opened a workshop in Genoa, where he has been making violins, violas and cellos f following classical models according to the Genoese tradition.
