Restoration of a French “Louis Bazin” Violin Bow

A recent French “Bazin” violin bow restoration that DaVid took in. The video here shows just a bit of the process that went into recreating a new abalone slide (for structural integrity) and eyes for the missing pieces on the frog of this fine bow. The end results are so beautiful. * Because a bow frog has a rounded heal does NOT make it a viola bow. There are many factors such as weight, balance, length, setting of the head and talon and also taper that will distinguish a violin bow from a viola bow. This bow in particular is a fine example of a violin bow that happens to have a rounded heal in the tradition of the time and from F.X. Tourte, the father of the modern bow who made many exquisite specimens, and were also copied by his pupils after him. In the modern commercial manufacturing of bows a rounded heal is typically given to viola, cello, and basses. Master Bow Makers do NOT follow the same rules. We make our bows in specific patterns and traditions of our choosing to create a handmade custom tool for our clients to utilize in their mastery of playing.