Natale Carletti cello, Pieve di Cento circa 1950

Natale Carletti (1904-1979) learned the craft from his father, Carlo Carletti, and began working for the Mozzani workshop at 11 years old. He finished his formal education at the Bologna Conservatory, where he studied cello performance. Along with his younger brother Orfeo, he opened a workshop in Bologna, which operated for six years. In 1941, he and his youngest brother Nullo took over their father's shop in their hometown of Pieve di Cento, following the premature deaths of Orfeo and Carlo.

Proficient and prolific, Natale Carletti successfully distinguished himself from his peers with his impeccable construction, producing around 200 cellos and several basses in addition to his numerous violins and violas. Throughout his career, he won several awards, including a silver medal for his double bass in 1949 at the violin making competition held in Cremona.