Violin Maker in Cremona | Handmade Violins by Yoko Yachi
Handmade Violins, Violas and Cellos from Cremona, Italy
I am a Japanese violin maker based in Cremona, the historic home of violin making.
Each instrument is crafted by hand using traditional Cremonese techniques, carefully tailored to the needs of each player.
About
I was born in Osaka, Japan.
I began playing the violin at the age of 15 and performed in both my high school and university orchestras.
In 2003, I moved to Cremona, Italy, where I began learning the craft of violin making in the workshop of Maestro Stefano Conia.
At the same time, I enrolled in the International School of Violin Making in Cremona, where I graduated in 2007 under the guidance of Maestro Lorenzo Marchi.
In the same year, I also obtained a diploma in bow making by attending the regional course held by Maestro Giovanni Lucchi in Cremona.
Since 2005, I have been working in the workshop of Maestro Marco Osio, where I continue to refine my skills.
I create violins, violas and cellos based on classical Cremonese models, using carefully selected and well-seasoned wood, with particular attention to acoustic quality.
I use both spirit varnish and mixed varnish in warm red-brown tones.
In 2007, I participated in the National Violin Making Competition in Pisogne, where I was awarded first prize and a gold medal in the young makers category.
Between 2014 and 2015, I created my first string quartet.
In 2023, I was awarded third prize in the cello category at the “Giovanni Battista Guadagnini” International Competition in Piacenza.
Over the years, I have conducted ongoing research into the acoustic development of the cello and have developed my own personal model.
I am a member of the Italian Violin Making Association and the Kansai Instrument Makers Association.
My Philosophy
I believe that every instrument should reflect the individuality of the player.
Rather than producing standard models, I specialize in tailor-made instruments.
I carefully listen to each musician’s preferences and work together with them to create an instrument that truly fits their sound, playing style and artistic vision.
Each piece of wood is personally selected and seasoned, and every instrument is built one by one in my Cremona workshop.
Instruments
I create violins, violas and cellos based on traditional Cremonese models such as Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesù.
Each instrument is made entirely by hand, with attention to tone, balance and response.
Violas are particularly flexible in size, ranging from 39 cm to 43 cm and beyond, allowing for a personalized approach to sound and comfort.
Cellos require a deeper and more complex balance of resonance, projection and richness of tone.
I carefully design each cello to achieve a powerful yet warm sound, suitable for both solo performance and ensemble playing.
Particular attention is given to the selection of wood and the internal structure, ensuring depth, clarity and responsiveness across all registers.
Special Project
“Kachofugetsu” is a series of four violins inspired by the themes of nature:
Flower, Bird, Wind and Moon.
Each instrument expresses a unique visual and acoustic identity through carefully selected wood and detailed craftsmanship.
This project reflects my desire to connect traditional violin making with poetic expression and Japanese aesthetics.
