Matteo Yi began his auspicious string instrument making career studying with master luthier Mr. He in the Guangdong Province, China. Yi then advanced to his professional career (2005) making fine instruments in the Hengsheng Violin Studio and has enjoyed a meteoric rise to making highly sought- after replica instruments.  Yi’s focus has been learning traditional violin and viola making and keenly analyzing exquisite European master vintage instruments for over 10 years.  With each instrument he makes, Yi refines his techniques and skill sets as is evident in the detail, responsiveness, and the beauty of the result.

You will love the Yi viola!  The response jumps off the viola making it fun and easy to play.  The sound has a yummy butterscotch quality that is powerful, rich, and brimming with sustain.  Yi modeled the viola after the iconic 1785 Guadagnini pattern which is so conducive for violists to play blazing technical passages, double stops, and so much more.  The Yi viola is ideal for the player looking for a 16”+ viola sound in a slightly smaller and remarkable instrument.