The Finkel Workshop: A Five-Generation Legacy in Fine Bow Making

Nestled in the Swiss village of Schwanden, the Finkel Bow Workshop stands as one of the most respected names in modern bow making. With roots reaching back to 19th-century Germany, the workshop embodies five generations of refined craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation—serving musicians across the globe.

Origins in Markneukirchen

The story begins in Markneukirchen, Germany, a town long renowned for its tradition of string instrument and bow making. In the late 1800s, Ewald Weidhaas (1869–1939) laid the foundation for the family’s bow-making legacy. A master craftsman, Ewald contributed to the reputation of Markneukirchen as a center of exceptional luthier work and passed his skills on to his son, Paul.

Paul Weidhaas (1894–1962) carried the family craft into a new era. He trained with prominent makers across Europe, including in Leipzig, The Hague, Amsterdam, and notably Paris, where he worked in the esteemed workshop of Victor Fétique. Paul absorbed the elegance of the French school and blended it with Saxon precision, creating bows that were sought after by musicians and dealers alike. Upon returning to Markneukirchen, he became a master bow maker and established a reputation that would become central to the family’s renown.

A New Beginning in Switzerland

The next chapter unfolded with Siegfried Finkel (1927–2010), who married Paul’s daughter, Hanna Weidhaas. Under Paul’s mentorship, Siegfried trained as a bow maker, and the two families became united not only by marriage but also by the tradition of shared craft.

In 1952, amid political unrest and economic limitations in East Germany, Siegfried and Hanna made the difficult decision to emigrate westward. They settled in Schwanden, near the violin-making school in Brienz, Switzerland. There, they re-established the family workshop—laying new roots for what would become one of the most respected bow ateliers in the world. The move marked a pivotal evolution: the Weidhaas lineage continued under the Finkel name, blending German tradition with a new Swiss identity.

Building an International Reputation

Johannes Finkel (b. 1947), son of Siegfried and Hanna, represents the fourth generation of this extraordinary lineage. After learning the craft from his father, Johannes refined his skills through international experience—working in London with J. & A. Beare, in Los Angeles with Hans Weisshaar, and in Philadelphia with William Moennig & Son. These formative years brought him insight into global standards of restoration and bow making.

Returning to the family workshop in Switzerland, Johannes took over the business in 1984. Under his leadership, the atelier reached new heights. The Finkel name became synonymous with bows of exceptional balance, strength, and expressive nuance—used by soloists, teachers, and orchestral players alike. The Finkel workshop gained international recognition as one of the world’s foremost bow-making establishments.

The Future of the Finkel Line

Today, the legacy continues through Daniela Finkel (b. 1987), daughter of Johannes and his wife, Marianne. Trained in the family workshop, Daniela carries the Finkel name into its fifth generation. Her commitment to tradition is evident, but she also brings a contemporary sensibility to the craft. With the introduction of modern design elements in select models—such as the “Zeitgeist” collection—Daniela reflects the evolving identity of the workshop while honoring its heritage.

An Ongoing Tradition of Excellence

For more than 150 years, the Weidhaas–Finkel family has created bows that are not merely functional tools, but true extensions of musical artistry. Each generation has added its own perspective while upholding the rigorous standards set by their predecessors.

From Ewald’s early work in Markneukirchen, to Paul’s synthesis of French and German traditions, to Siegfried’s bold relocation to Switzerland, to Johannes’s international acclaim, and now Daniela’s innovative contributions—the Finkel name remains a living legacy. Their bows, including the highly regarded handmade lines and more accessible models like the Artino Atelier, reflect a commitment to quality, musicality, and tradition.

As musicians continue to seek tools that enhance their expression, the bows crafted in Schwanden stand as enduring symbols of precision, elegance, and generational mastery