Time invested in a snubbed principal violin? (5)

I believe the answer is:

amati

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'violin?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for amati that I've seen before include "Italian family of violin-makers" , "Craftsman" , "family of workers on the fiddle?" , "Old violin" , "Noted Cremona violinmaking family" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.

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