Remembering Dov Buk
Remembering Dov Buk (NYC Luthier).
"New York violin dealer and restorer Dov Buk died November 14 of injuries sustained after being struck by a car while crossing a street in midtown Manhattan. Buk was born on a kibbutz in Israel in 1949. As a boy, he emigrated with his family to New York City. He shared a family interest in music, often sitting together at the kitchen table listening to opera, and sometimes singing along to favorite passages. His interest in violins led him to an apprenticeship with the luthier Erwin Hertel, then based in Philadelphia. In the 1970s, Dov returned to New York and in the 1980s opened his own shop in the famous building on 54th street that for years housed New York's leading violin and bow dealers.
“He was an extremely knowledgeable expert who loved the business and was always, always studying instruments and bows,” stated David Bonsey of Skinner’s auction house.
''Dov was sentimental and passionate about old instruments and bows,'' says violist Ken Mirkin of the New York Philharmonic. ''He often called me to come over so he could lovingly show off a beauty that was passing through his workshop.''
He was adept at bringing out the best sound of an instrument for a particular musician's needs, often, to those close to him, seasoned by his sense of humor. ''Dov's favorite routine when adjusting my viola,'' Mirkin recalls, ''was to take it from my hands and play the Arpeggione Sonata as horribly as possible to drive me crazy. Then he'd bring it to his bench for a few minutes, and inevitably return it to me having pinpointed the problem and made the perfect adjustment. He knew my sound better than I did.''—James K. McKean STRINGS magazine
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December 7, 2005 at 05:54 AM · I acquired my violin from him. What I loved most about him, asides from his humor, was his honesty. Never have I met a man more driven to finding the perfect sound for each customer. Rest in peace Dov.