Bowmaking

The Bow Maker, Elizabeth Vander Veer Shaak

With almost 20 years of experience and original training in Paris, Brussels and New York, Elizabeth uses precious materials while giving consideration to design, tone and playablility to create a “one-of-a-kind” bow to be enjoyed for generations. She draws on her research of master bow graduations to create bows that have a specific feel from a particular period of time. She enjoys partnering with players when they commission a bow by listening, understanding the player's approach to the instrument and allowing the player to sculpt his or her sound. Elizabeth studied the art of bowmaking in Paris with Jean Gruneberger and Stephane Thomachot, in Brussels with Pierre Guillaume, and in New York with William Salchow in the mid 1980s. The methods she learned while studying bowmaking in France follow traditions dating back to the 1700s. Elizabeth participates regularly in the prestigious Oberlin College Bowmaking Seminars, which feature the most prominent international makers of our time.

Materials

Elizabeth uses tools that are original antiques or replicas of the old masters. Using hand tools instead of larger, faster machinery allows her to know the bow by keeping in touch with the wood. Every part of the bow is designed and created by hand -- the soldered silver or gold ferrule, the carved and inlaid frog, the turned button, and the carefully planed and graduated stick. All the materials used in the bow, down to the abalone in the frog and button are chosen with great care.

Each bow is made from materials that come from all over the world. The rare woods come from Madagascar and Brazil. The abalone and oyster pearl come from New Zealand, Japan, and Australia. The silver is mined in New Mexico. The tip is made from prehistoric mastodon tusk unearthed by glacier movement in Alaksa.

Sample Bows

Commissioning A Bow Can I try a bow before I buy? Yes. I always have one bow in the shop. You are welcome to come and try it. If you like it, you can order your own bow by putting 5% down. When I am ready to begin your bow (I have a 3-6 month wait list) anther 10% is due. You will start to receive pictures of your bow in progress via email. When your bow is finished I will send you both the custom bow and the shop bow for you to choose. What else do I need to know about ordering a bow? Meeting with you and listening to you play is the best way for me to understand what you are hoping to find in a new bow. If that's not practical, the answers to these questions can help me in choosing the best design and wood for you: How would you describe the tonal qualities of your violin? Which of these attributes do you wish to enhance? Do you feel that your present bow is limiting you technically? In what ways? Are you hoping to improve certain aspects of your playing by purchasing a new bow? The art of making an instrument for a musician is an exciting and fulfilling process for both of us. It's always a priviledge for me to help you acheive your best.     Please contact me by email at mountairyviolins[at]gmail.com or call 215-438-9031.

Elizabeth, thank you for making me this bow. It is absolutely beautiful, the looks, the balance, the tone...
I am just incredibly happy with it . Thank you so much again!!!!!

Rens van der Zalm - "Mozaik" Holland

Just returned from some gigs in Ireland and England. Played a bunch of tunes with Nickel Creek and Sara Watkins- totally fell in love with my/your bow. Very high praise indeed. Just thought you'd want to know.

Bruce Molsky - solo recording artist USA

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