An instrument maker and his ancient art go digital

Instrument making is one of the few arts in the world that can boast a tradition of artisanship that has been passed down nearly unchanged over the past 1,500 years.

Edo Sartori is a Venetian instrument maker inspired by the Cremonese school, which is the best in the world. When he chose to pursue this path, he also decided to share his art online by creating his own website. That is why Edo became one of our #incostars: he did it all himself.

Discover the whole story.

Edo Sartori didn’t start out creating string instruments: he received his diploma in electrical engineering, then began his career at his family’s knitwear company.

Edo worked there for twenty years, even though he always kept dreaming about the world of violins, violas, and cellos…

He took it slow, but remained determined: after twenty years, Edo decided it was time to turn these dreams into reality. So he left the family business and began studying instrument making. He started out studying the craft alone and teaching himself, then attended specialist courses and seminars throughout northern Italy.

As he immersed himself in the ancient art of instrument making, he began to receive recognition: his creations started to stand out and gain a following.

It was time to bring them online and take his project to the next level.

The art of instrument making is very ancient, but Edo isn’t stuck in the past: he wanted to use the web to showcase his original pieces and promote his store. This led him to search Google for a tool that could help him with this project.

He was amazed by what he read about WebSite X5, which was described as easy-to-use software that allowed users to build their own websites quickly. That was just what Edo needed, since he had no knowledge of programming languages and didn’t have time to study them.

So he decided to try the demo version of the software: improvisation isn’t as strong suit for him, he prefers to test out a solution first.

After trying the demo, Edo decided to purchase Incomedia's software to improve his project.

Edo wanted to create a practical website with a clean design to showcase his original works and promote his workshop. In fact, his online display window is essential for earning the trust of musicians in specialized stores both in Italy and beyond.

He decided to use a pre-made template so he could go online quickly: in just a few steps, he replaced the default images with photos of his violins, added text and contact information, and launched his project online.

The inquiries soon started coming in: from Italian musicians who wanted to see his products for themselves and requested meetings.

But it didn’t end there: Edo also received inquiries from abroad, from specialist stores with whom, over time, he has developed trusting relationships.

The website is also only part of his web presence: Edo maintains a profile on Facebook, through which he also receives international inquiries.

With WebSite X5, Edo created a website that reflected his goals: in just five steps, he was able to share his art through a showcase of the instruments he has perfected over the years.

As for the future, he has many projects in the pipeline.

First of all, he wants to participate in the 15th edition of the prestigious Antonio Stradivari International Triennial Competition of Stringed Instrument Making, considered the “World Finals” for instrument makers.

He also has plenty more ideas for his website: Edo is thinking about adding videos so visitors can see and hear his instruments being played, which would complete even more the web experience.

He also wants to add some technical content to provide a more detailed view of the ancient art of creating and repairing string instruments.

His website will continue to introduce his products to more and more musicians around the world.