Fine Bows
Explore a curated collection of contemporary, modern and antique bows for violin, viola and cello. Each bow is selected for its craftsmanship, balance, response, tonal character and compatibility with the instrument and musician.
BALANCE, RESPONSE AND CHARACTER
Each bow in our collection is selected for the way it responds in the hand, complements the instrument and supports the musician’s individual technique. The selection brings together bows by contemporary makers and historic examples valued for their craftsmanship, condition, provenance and playing qualities.
Our team supports musicians, collectors and institutions in finding a bow that offers the right balance of control, expression and tonal character, while also providing expert guidance for its long term care and preservation.
A Private Conversation
Some of our most exceptional violins never appear publicly. Our team can guide you through available pieces and private opportunities, tailored to your repertoire and intentions.
or write us at info@amorimfineviolins.com
About This Collection
A fine bow is far more than an accessory. It is the point of connection between the musician’s movement and the voice of the instrument.
Its weight, balance, flexibility and response influence articulation, projection, dynamic control and the ease with which different bowing techniques can be performed. The Philharmonia Orchestra describes the bow as an equally important part of the violin, noting that its weight and balance have a significant effect on both sound and playability.
Two bows may appear similar but respond very differently in the hand. One may offer greater stability and depth, while another may feel lighter, quicker and more agile. The right choice depends on the musician, the instrument and the sound they wish to create.
The form of the modern bow developed through generations of European craftsmanship, particularly within the French bow making tradition.
François Xavier Tourte became one of the most influential figures in this development. His work helped establish principles of balance, camber, strength and responsiveness that continue to shape bow making today. The Metropolitan Museum of Art refers to Tourte as the father of the modern bow, while historical accounts describe how his designs responded to the changing technical and musical demands of string players.
Traditional bows are often associated with pernambuco, a dense and resilient wood valued for its ability to combine strength with flexibility. Historical examples held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian include pernambuco sticks, horsehair and frogs made from materials such as ebony or pearwood.
Contemporary bows offer the opportunity to experience the work of living bow makers. These makers continue established traditions while developing their own approach to the stick, camber, balance, materials and playing characteristics.
They can be an excellent choice for musicians seeking precision, reliability and a bow shaped around the demands of modern performance.
Modern bows can combine established craftsmanship with the playing qualities required by professional musicians. Their character varies according to the maker, school, materials and period.
When evaluating a modern bow, authorship should be considered alongside condition, originality, response and its compatibility with the instrument.
Antique bows can hold important artistic, historical and musical value. Their qualities may reflect the work of recognized bow makers and traditions that helped define modern playing technique.
Because bows are exposed to continuous physical tension and movement, their condition must be carefully assessed. Previous repairs, alterations, the integrity of the stick and the originality of the frog and fittings can all affect their importance and performance.
The bow should feel balanced and natural in the hand. It should provide control without creating unnecessary tension and allow the musician to move comfortably between sustained passages and more articulated bowing techniques.
The shape, weight and balance of bows vary between makers, which is why personal trials are an essential part of the selection process.
A responsive bow should engage the string clearly and react naturally to changes in pressure, speed and contact point.
Some musicians prefer a bow with strength and stability, while others seek agility and a quicker response. The ideal choice depends on technique, repertoire and playing style.
A bow should be evaluated together with the instrument. The same bow may create different results when paired with different violins, violas or cellos.
During a trial, musicians should consider clarity, projection, tonal colour and the way the bow supports the natural voice of the instrument.
For modern and antique bows, condition and documentation are essential considerations. The stick, head, frog, button, fittings and previous repairs should be examined carefully.
Clear attribution and provenance can also contribute to a better understanding of the bow’s history, craftsmanship and long term significance.
Our bow collection is selected according to craftsmanship, condition, response, balance and musical character.
Each bow is considered in relation to the instrument and the needs of the musician. From our atelier in Cremona, our specialists provide guidance throughout the selection process, helping clients compare bows and understand how each one influences playability and sound.
We also provide professional maintenance, rehairing, adjustment, conservation and restoration services to preserve the bow’s performance and structural integrity.
Frequently Asked
Common questions from collectors, musicians and institutions exploring our collection.
A bow should complement the instrument’s response, projection and tonal character. Its weight, flexibility and balance should also feel natural for the musician’s technique and repertoire.
Yes. Each is designed according to the physical and musical requirements of its instrument. Viola bows, for example, differ from violin bows in areas such as the shape of the frog and the dimensions of the stick, while cello bows are built to support the
Yes. Private trials can be arranged at our atelier in Cremona. We recommend testing each bow with your own instrument whenever possible, allowing you to compare balance, articulation, response and tonal character.
Contemporary bows may include documentation from their makers. Modern and antique bows may be accompanied by certificates, provenance records and condition reports, depending on the individual bow. Our specialists carefully examine the available document
Fine Italian Violins
From the first inquiry to long-term advisory, our team is here to guide every step of the journey with patience, precision and discretion.
