Mari Federico (Luthier, String Instruments)

At around 20 years old, Federico Mari began his journey into lutherie, initially as an amateur guitarist and customer visiting Roman workshops specializing in plucked instruments. At 22, in 2002, he enrolled at the Maestri Liutai-Archettai School in Gubbio, founded by Maestro Guerriero Spataffi, and graduated in 2004. Over time, his focus shifted from classical guitar to the construction of bowed instruments. Following his diploma, he pursued courses in instrument setup and restoration, fields he has since devoted significant time to. From 2007 to 2011, he served as workshop manager for Musicarte “la Bottega” in Rome, where he worked on numerous instruments, gaining in-depth knowledge of their acoustic fine-tuning.In 2008, a pivotal encounter with Maestro Giampaolo Savini (1943-2015), a remarkable violinist and luthier, profoundly influenced Federico’s understanding of lutherie, especially in terms of construction. A student of the 20th-century master Ansaldo Poggi, Savini was a treasure trove of lutherie knowledge and an innovative craftsman. His dedication to sound and style was a hallmark of the prestigious Bolognese tradition, which he represented with distinction. Federico had the invaluable opportunity to learn from Savini for about three years, spending countless mornings in his workshop and benefiting from his generous teaching until Savini’s untimely passing. In 2011, Federico co-founded Chroma Officina dei Violini di Roma with friend and colleague Claudio Chioccia. This workshop allowed him to refine his restoration and maintenance skills and build strong professional relationships with numerous musicians. In 2015, he left Chroma and moved part of his practice to Padua, where he resumed crafting violins, violas, and cellos while continuing his restoration work with dedication. Since 2018, Federico has been back near Rome, now working out of a studio in the peaceful town of Ladispoli, just a short drive or train ride away, where he continues his craft in instrument construction and restoration.