The violin-like instruments that existed when Amati began his career only had three strings.[7] Amati is credited with creating the first four stringed violin-like instrument.[8] Laurence Witten also lists Amati and Gasparo' da Salo, as well as Pellegrino de' Micheli, also from Brescia; as well and Ventura di Francesco de' Machetti Linarol, of Venice.[9] Amati's first violins were smaller than modern violins, with high arches, wide purfling, and elegantly curved scrolls and bodies.[10]