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 plan ed 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.
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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.
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Elizabeth 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 Vander Veer Shaak's beautifully crafted bows heighten articulation and tone like no others I've played. My Shaak bow seems to know what I'm going to play before I do!"
Bruce Molsky (old-time solo recording artist )
"I love my Shaak bow. I never knew how much difference a bow could make!"
John Blake Jr. (jazz violinist)
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10% Off Our Already Low Prices On All Cases and Coda Bows 
