German bow repair in NYC

tingj · #1 03-15-2009, 06:36 AM

I have an old German bass bow that needs repair. Any recommendations for someone who can do this in NYC?

The bow needs to be "unwarped" and the frog has missing pieces of ebony. It's obviously lived a hard life, but I'd like to invest a little money in refurbishing it to see if I like it. I feel that the stick itself has potential.

Also, does anyone know if it is possible to put more of a "bend" in the bow? It is a lot straighter than most modern bows. Are bow sticks initially carved straight and then bent, or is the curve carved into the stick from the outset?

Thanks,

JT

Sunnspot · #2 03-15-2009, 06:40 AM

Hello JT

Basically to my knowledge the only one doing bow repair in NYC is David Gage. He specializes in upright repairs, here in NY. If you have any other questions, he and his staff will more than answer them for you.

www.davidgage.com
36 Walker St
New York, NY 10013
(212) 274-1322

Cheers,
Sunnspot

Carlos2bass · #3 03-15-2009, 08:41 AM

Make sure the bow its worth the repair investment, is the the stick pernambuco?..is it from a well known bowmaker ex. pfretchner , dolling , etc..?
try googling Susan lipkins , she is near nyc. she can give you a good estimate.

Eric Rene Roy · #4 03-15-2009, 10:36 AM

most are carved straight and cambered with heat.

Missing ebony can also be repaired...most common is a Cheval which is to repair the facets of the frog that ride on the stick.

Sue is very qualified...but if your in NYC, you might find lots of qualified bow makers. Try the AFVBM

tingj · #5 03-15-2009, 05:28 PM

Good point Carlos2bass. It's not a Prfretchner or Dolling and likely not valuable. On the other hand, I don't think it would cost very much to refurbish. This is at least a 50 year old bow based on its history and the wood on it has a lovely spring to it that compares favorably to a Reid Hudson that I am playing on.

Thanks for the other suggestions. I will check out that link.

Since bows are so easy to ship, I was wonderinf if there is there one person in the continental US who stands out as a german bass bow repair maven?

JT

Phil Rowan · #6 03-16-2009, 12:39 AM

From what I hear, Salchow and Sons are excellent repairmen. Yung Chin did some reinforcement on an old French bow of mine (slight crack towards top, repaired w/ thread), and put on a new leather grip.. he did a fine job. I'm not sure if Nick Caraccio does all that stuff, but it might be worth asking (he's my guy for rehairs). Yung Chin (and Salchow, I'm sure) can re-camber your bow too.