The Hoyers were one of the dominant families of 27 violin and bow makers mostly in Saxony. Beginning with Andreas (1703-1780) and continuing on until the mid 20th century. Otto Hoyer was one of the most important bow makers of the family. After training in Markneukirchen, he took the unusual step of moving to Paris where he worked for several years with Eugene Sartory. Returning to Markneukirchen, he opened his own workshop producing outstanding bows of excellent quality, which show the influence of the great Parisian bow makers.
Born in Chicago, David Samuels moved to Israel where he worked with Amnon Weinstein. He then worked with Etienne Vatelot and Stéphane Thomachot in France and with Jacques Français in New York. He has since become one of the most important bow makers working today, His bows are in demand by musicians and collectors all over the world and has won 7 gold medals at VSA competitions.
Nicolas Maline is considered one of the greatest bow makers of the classical period of French bow making. He was the student of his father, Guillaume. After his apprenticeship he worked for Etienne Pajeot along side Nicolas Maire. From about 1840, he made bows for J.B.Vuillaume.
Born in 1930, Richard Grünke trained with a number of important bow makers before setting up his own workshop in 1975. The tradition continues with Richard’s son Klaus.