Clifford Roberts (1953–2010) was a highly respected American luthier celebrated for his contemporary violas, which are prized by professionals for their powerful, "dark and velvety" tonal character.
On the advice of Philadelphia master luthier Adolph Primavera, he enrolled at the International School of Violin Making in Cremona. He studied under legendary masters including Francesco Bissolotti and Gio Batta Morassi between 1972 and 1975. After returning to the U.S., he opened an atelier in New York City in 1975 before eventually moving his shop to Philadelphia in 1987.
Roberts' instruments are found in the hands of some of the world's most elite musicians, including: John Dalley (Guarneri String Quartet), C.J. Chang (Principal Viola, Philadelphia Orchestra), Toby Appel (International soloist), and Members of the Juilliard String Quartet and the New York Philharmonic.