Louis Bazin Violin Bow Mirecourt c.1920

This violin bow was made by Louis Bazin in Mirecourt, France, around 1920. The Bazin family of bowmakers span three generations: Charles Nicholas, Charles Louis and Charles Alfred. Louis' work is typical of the early 20th century French bowmaking, using excellent pernambuco but varying his model and his mount materials, especially around the First and Second World Wars. He initially learned the trade as an apprentice with his father at age 12, and eventually took over his workshop in 1907, his oeuvre eventually even surpassing his father's. Of his work, William Henley, the author of the Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers, has said, "No better bows made by any contemporary maker."

This violin bow is stamped "Louis Bazin" and weighs 54.22 grams. It has a round stick of pernambuco, measuring 743mm, with silver lapping and a leather grip. The frog is of ebony, silver mounted with a mother of pearl eye, and with a three-part button of silver and ebony. It is in good condition.

This bow has a wonderful flexibility but still draws a big, elegant sound. It draws smoothly across the strings from frog to tip and only requires a feather-like touch to create the most delicate of sounds. It excels in playing short detaché and spiccato notes, providing clarity and excellent articulation. This bow would be well-suited to anyone looking to undertake tertiary study or their upper AMEB levels.