Saturday, 3rd June 2023

Double Bass Bows and Makers

Notes on important Double Bass Bows & Makers

Double Bass bows come in two forms. The “French” bow is held overhand similar to a cello bow, and the “German” bow is held underhand, having superseded the earlier arched bow.

Bazin Double Bass Bow

Charles Nicholas BAZIN Great French bow maker (1847-1915). Son of Francois Xavier Bazin, bowmaker. Charles took over his father’s workshop in Mirecourt when he was only 18. His bows are stamped in the same way as his Grandfather’s: C. Bazin.

Fetique Double Bass Bow

Victor Fetique (1872 - 1933) son of Charles-Claude. Worked in Paris with Charles Nicolas Bazin in 1901. Established himself in 1913. Signed his bows Vtor Fétique à Paris. Title of "Greatest archetier in France" conferred on him at the 1927 Paris Exhibition.

Morizot Double Bass Bow

Louis Morizot the great French bow maker (1874-1957) worked in Mirecourt in France and started a family dynasty. He worked with Cuniot Hury, CN Bazin, and then Eugene Sartory before returning to Mirecourt to work on his own. He won the Grand Prix in 1924, and then a gold medal three years later.

Nurnberger Double Bass Bow

Nurnberger (1854 - 1931) Worked with his father in Markneukirchen. His father founded the bow making school there using Vuillaume, Tubbs and Tourte bows as models.

Ouchard Double Bass Bow

Emile A. Ouchard (1900-1969) was son of Emile François. Worked in Paris and America, returning to France in the mid 1950s. His bows are similar to those of the Voirin-Lamy school. Several other family members.

Sartory Double Bass Bow

Eugène Sartory (1871-1946) signed his bows E. Sartory à Paris. He worked in Paris from 1893 although his first training was from his father at Mirecourt. Much sought after.

Voirin Double Bass Bow

François Nicholas Voirin (1833-85) Served his apprenticeship at Mirecourt and worked for J.B. Vuillaume for 15 years before opening his own business in Paris. His bows feature smaller heads than the previous generation of makers, a style copied by his pupils Lamy, Thomassin etc. The frogs are occasionally rounded in the Vuillaume style.

Bryant Double Bass Bow

P.W. Bryant’s work is easily distinguishable by the angled frog (see photo.) This English maker is very popular amongst players.

Neudorfer Double Bass Bow

R. Neudorfer - French Style Double Bass Bow in the style of Vigneron. I used one for many years especially for Wagner Operas!

Pfretzschner Double Bass Bow

H.R. Pfretzschner also worked in Markneukirchen, Germany. A typical (German) bow might weigh in at 140+ grams – 10 grams heavier than a French model.

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Joseph Arthur Vigneron (1851-1905) Studied with Husson in Mirecourt. Before opening his own workshop in Paris worked for Gand & Freres. His bows were quite solid and followed his own individual style, though his best bows are equal to the finest in his day. He was succeeded by his son André.