How Much Do Violin Bows Cost, and How Much Should You Spend?

English Violin Bows

Many of the most highly acclaimed early modern bow makers were English, and their work was quite influential on the development of the modern bow. 18th-century London witnessed a booming trade in fiddles and bows and John Dodd I (1752-1839) was one of the most celebrated bow makers from this period. Dodd began his career as a metalworker but switched to bow making in the 1770s. Ultimately, he created a new style of English bow making that is still influential today. 

Hill Violin Bows

Since the mid-18th century, the W. E. Hill name has symbolized the highest standards of bow making. From its roots in London, this firm’s work has stood the test of time and, as recently as 2018, relocated their workshop back to London. The Hill name is also tied to an exceptional archetier, James Tubbs (1835-1921), who was considered one of England’s most prolific archetiers. Trained by his father, Tubbs collaborated with the Hill workshop during the 1850s. Over time, his work was so highly regarded that it was frequently copied by French and German workshops, including the prestigious Bazin and Pfretzschner brands.

Hill bows, especially those made before 1920, are sought after by professional and conservatory students for their fine playing characteristics and reasonable price points.

Prices for top-quality English violin bows can range from $8,000 for a silver mounted Hill violin bow to over $20,000 for the finest examples of Dodd and Tubbs. 

German Violin Bows

German workshops were quite prolific in producing bows in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and the resulting glut likely contributed to the myth that they were cheap and mass-produced. In fact, so many fine bows were made in the workshops of famous instrument-making regions such as Markneukirchen that the extensive supply led to decreased demand. Even today, the quantity of German bows available keeps prices moderate compared to other fine antique bows, making them a true bargain!

In the 19th century, Germany had access to some of the best Brazilian Pernambuco wood, as well as many highly skilled craftsmen. The most impressive German bows come from three Markneukirchen violin making families: Knopf, Pfretzschner and Nürnberger. 

Knopf Violin Bows

The Knopf family, beginning with Christian Wilhelm Knopf’s (1767-1837) work, was notably influenced by Dodd and Tourte. The Kopf archetiers stretch across five generations, including Heinrich Knopf (1839-1875) and J. Wilhelm Knopf (1835-1915).

Pfretzschner Violin Bows

Hermann Richard Pfretzschner (1857-1921) worked in Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume’s Parisian workshop alongside François Nicolas Voirin, and Pfretzschner brought the latest French techniques home to Germany. He was extremely popular with professional musicians and worked at the court of Saxony.

Nurnberger Violin Bows

Although the Nürnberger family had a long, rich tradition of violin and bow making, their brand was not formalized until Franz Albert Nürnberger II (1854-1931) and his sons, Carl Albert (1885-1971) and Philipp (1882-1946), grew the family business to reach international prominence around the turn of the twentieth century.

German antique bows can range in price from $1,200 for a good Markneukirchen workshop bow to over $10,000 for the finest examples from Pfretzschner or Nürnberger.