I have been making bows since around the year 2000, though it has not been my main occupation until recently, restoration being most of my work. I make a range of bows, some for stock but also to order, when I will try and meet any special requirements you may have. Prices vary according to quality, fittings and style of bow. Because of my low production rate I can't guarantee what I have in stock at any time, but I usually have a violin bow, baroque style violin bow and viola bow available to be tried.
The bow at the top of the screen is an experimental transitional style bow, based on a number of photos, that I made this year to commission. Pernambuco stick, streaky ebony frog (which I personally like) and silk lapping.
Baroque Style bows. I make baroque style violin bows in three styles. I use pernambuco or snakewood (when I've got some) for the bows, and they have a simple open frog, usually of ebony. They are fitted with a screw adjuster for tensioning the hair as most players prefer this. I make straight stick bows (which gives a slight convex curve in use) and concave stick bows (though with less in-curve than a modern bow) of approx. 675mm stick length, and straight bows with a length of approx. 625mm. Viola bows come in at around 685mm, and are generally of snakewood. I have also made a couple of baroque 'cello bows, also around 685mm length. I am open to experimenting with longer 'cello bows. None of these are modelled on any particular bow, and I am still experimenting with the design.If you have any particular requirements, please contact me as I can adjust my designs to meet particular needs. My normal price for any plain baroque style violin or viola bow in pernambuco is £225.00, while snakewood bows start at £250.00,
Standard violin bows.
My violin bows are currently on a personal model (with influences from both Tourte and Peccatte) with strong heads and relatively high frogs. Weight varies but tends to be 60grams and upwards. Lapping is normally imitation whalebone or nickel silver wire on nickel silver mounted bows and solid silver wire on silver mounted bows. Prices start at £275.00 for a nickel mounted bow. Silver mounted bows start at £450.00 and I only use silver mounts on my best sticks.
Viola bows. These are similar to my violin bows, but obviously heavier, starting at around 67grams. I tend to give them a slightly more tip heavy balance as well. Prices are as for the violin bows.
Bows for Nyckelharpa. I have recently started making nyckelharpa bows. The picture shows the model 1 bow above and model 2 bow below. They are not modelled on any particular bow, and I am still experimenting with the design. The model one is for players who prefer a straighter bow, and has a wide throated frog similar to my baroque style bows. The model 2 is for those who prefer a more traditional bent bow, but I have resisted the temptation to put too much curve in as I think it makes the bow unstable. The frog is shallower and angled. The bows tend to weigh around 36 - 38 grams and the light and flexible sticks produce a sweet sound which has been favourably commented on by those who have tried the prototypes. Both bows come in a standard length of approximately 19 inches (including adjuster). I will happily make different length bows to order. The price for standard bows is £200.00 with a plain baroque style frog. I can add decoration, fit modern style frogs and adjusters, lapping and leather thumbpiece, silver tips, etc. as required, and will provide quotations for these on request.
NEW VIOLA BOWS. I currently have a number of new PAESOLD viola bows. These are not regular stock but a special purchase and will not be replaced once the current stock is disposed of.
Paesold 58 viola bow. Round brazilwood stick, nickel mounted frog and adjuster. Weight around 72g (individual bows vary slightly).
RRP £187.82 My price £160.00
Paesold 108 viola bow. Octagonal brazilwood stick, nickel mounted frog and adjuster. Weight around 71g (individual bows vary slightly).
RRP £217.00 My price £195.00