Need to purchase a bow
Okay so as most of you know, the spring semester for conservatory students has recently ended which means an end to the spring concert season/juries. So now since I have been putting off buying a bow since september of first semester, I realize that a crappy loan won't cut it anymore. A good bow is necessary for a good instrument.
I remember when I purchased my Derazey violin last year, my luthier told me to buy a bow that is 8K so that I could find the best match possible. Unfortunatly I am unable to spend over 4K however I am determined to find a bow at that price that will suit my violin.
I am actually considering buying a bow by a contemporary maker since they tend to be lower in price than say sartorys or Hill Bows. If anyone has any information on great contemporary bow makers it would be greatly appreciated. Also if anyone might know of luthiers in NYC that carry contemporary bows that would be great as well!
Thanks everyone!
Jon
Replies (13)
Modern bows are probably your best best. Otherwise, two words: private sale.
You might check out some of Lynn Hanning's bows.
She sent us some Bazin workshop bows (less expensive, but good still) as well as a couple of her own and ended up with hers.
There are many really fine contemporary makers who sell their bows for $4,000 or a bit less... I'd say with a little looking, you should be able to do quite well.
A player in my orchestra just purchased a new bow by Michael Vann.I think it was around $3000.00 and it was very impressive!
A bunch of great modern makers at that price, and really it is more about subjective preference than anything else. In other words, when it comes to very good bows it is about finding something that feels and sounds good for you and your violin. For me: Espy, Fuchs, Samuels, Halsey, Nher. These makers have all made bows I was crazy about...but again, what works for me may not work for you.
Jonathan,
Take a look at WWW.Bergbows.com. The Gallery section of this web site is particulary informative.
I think in your price range you can't beat the Arcus. I have an Arcus Cadenza and it is pretty much as good in every way as my Voirin at 1/8 the price. Link showing US dealers:
http://www.arcus-bow.de/arcus_partner/usa.htm
Hi Jonathan,
at that price you might just about afford a Gary Leahy bow.
Giles Apap recently bought one and used it on his last cd.
Exceptional bows and my tip for a major bow making prize in the next few years.
I second Martin's opinion.
I have tried a couple of Leahy bows recently and they are excellent both in craftmanship and sound. A real best buy right now for someone with a limited budget.
Musicora 2008 took place at the beginning of April: contemporary French bowmaking is in fine health with a seemingly larger than usual number of bowmakers displaying very interesting work with bows selling between €2000-€5000.
The VSA convention and Musicora are both great suggestions for trying out a lot of different makers bows in one place.
JanMichelle has mentioned some excellent bow makers.
Jeffrey Holmes seems to have the latitude (low overhead ?) to represent things he likes, as opposed to BSing to make a buck.
I'll second Martin,
Gary Leahy makes great bows,
Rob
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May 16, 2008 at 05:11 PM · If you can hold out untill the VSA Convention and Competition, I think the price of an airline ticket to Portland Oregon is really worth consideation. There will be bows galor both in the Competition and the show room commercial exhibit. You might even pick up a medal winner for that price.
In NYC you can hit Salchow's and Yung Chin's. Steven Salchow and John Anianno may have a bow in your price range.