Specializations
Violins, violas, cellos, Restoration and repair, Evaluations, Baroque instruments, Violinmaking accessories

Stefano Conia was born in Hungary on January 10, 1946. When he was young he began studying the violin and became interested in violinmaking following the example of his father who has a diploma from the International School of Violinmaking in Cremona.

After finishing high school and his violin studies in Hungary, he moved to Italy and attended the International Violinmaking School in Cremona from 1968 and studied with Master Sgarabotto, Master Morassi and Master Bissolotti.

He returned to the School of Violinmaking in Cremona as a teacher for over 20 years, first as expert in varnish and restoration, then to teach construction as well. In his workshop, in the heart of the city of Cremona, he makes his instruments inspired by the models of the classical makers and later using various models.

In making his instruments he uses carefully chosen aged wood. The shape and arching are classical and the varnish intense. Each piece of his violins is carefully controlled and perfected according to its acoustic function. Each instruments has its own certificate and guarantee.

Master Conia has been awarded many prizes in national and international competitions. His instruments are recognized and appreciated throughout the world. He is member and founder of the Italian Association of Violinmakers (ALI) and the European Association (AEL). More detailed information can be found in:

– Strad magazine of 1976-77-78;
– “La Bottega dei Miracoli” Ed. Stradivari 1982;
– “Liutai Italiani di ieri e di oggi”, Arte Liutaria di GioBatta Morassi 1984;
– Dictionnaire universel des Luthiers 1985;
– Lütgendorf: Die Geigen und Lautenmacher 1990.

If you are interested in Master Conia’s instruments valuation please contact auction houses such as:

– Sothebys
– Philips
– Bongards
– Christie’s
– Dorotheum