The bow a player chooses to use can have a significant effect on the quality of the music produced. Every bow will draw a distinct tonal range from a given instrument, and will respond differently to various bow strokes. The right bow can bring out the best qualities of an instrument, and enhance a player's abilities. How do you go about finding the "right" bow for you? The best way is simply to try them in the circumstances in which you normally play. You will know when a bow works for you. The weight and balance, the feel of the bow in your hand, the way it plays both on and off the string strokes, the tone that it draws from your instrument: these are all elements that should be considered, and they can be satisfied with a fine handmade bow.
Since 1993 I have made bows one at a time, incorporating time honored methods and materials. Each stick is carefully chosen for its characteristics of grain, density and flexibility. I pay close attention to every detail that goes into making a fine bow, from the silver or gold fittings, to the weight and balance, to the final finish. These factors all contribute to a bow that responds to a player's utmost demands.
After thirty years of bow work, I'll be retiring in mid-November, 2023. In the months leading up to then I'm looking forward to spending a bit less time in the shop, and more of that time making bows rather than doing rehairs and repairs. To that end, I've stopped taking in work from schools and shops, which has relieved me of a portion of that work, but I still occasionally get overwhelmed with rehairs and repairs. In order to even out the influx of work, I'm limiting rehairs, or the equivalent repair work, to two a day and/or five a week maximum. That should still leave enough time to take care of my individual customers' bows, though I may not be able to give everyone quick turnaround. In the past I've occasionally gotten requests for a rehair right away, because of an audition, a concert or a recital coming up in the next day or two. I may not be able to accommodate those requests now, so please leave enough lead time for me to get to your bow. I'll still do same-day rehairing by appointment.
Thank you to all who have purchased my bows, and thanks as well to all of my rehair and repair customers for trusting me with your bows over the years. It's allowed me the opportunity to pursue work I enjoy while working from home. Could hardly ask for more...