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Ifshin Rare & Fine Instruments

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Vigneron Père *SOLD*
23289

A prolific maker of superb quality bows, Vigneron apprenticed with Claude Nicolas Husson before working with Jean Joseph Martin. This early training from some of the finest archetiers in France helped propel his career. From about 1880 he worked for the important firm, Gand & Bernardel Frers, further developing his career. He set up on his own around 1888. This cello bow is an exceptional example of his work. It perfectly matches both strength and agility.

Victor Fetique *SOLD*
I-21744

Victor Fetique was an exceptionally talented bowmaker, and winner of the coveted prize, “One of the Best Crafsmen of France”.  Originally from Mirecourt, he apprenticed with the Husson family and Charles Nicolas Bazin, before working with the newly opened Parisian firm, Caressa & Francais, in 1901.  While there he worked side by side with another great archetier, Claude Thomassin.  By 1913 he set up his own shop and before long started supplying large numbers of bows to the musical community of Paris, and beyond.  

His best work was made personally, with the assistance of great makers such as his younger brother, Jules Fetique.  He trained or hired bowmakers such as his son, Marcel Fetique, Paul Weidhaas, Louis Morizot Sr., and Andre Richaume, among others.   Because of his dependable quality, his bows are in high demand by top level musicians.  

His bows are characterized by their unwavering strength and flexibility, at once clear in tone and rich with color.  They are consistently easy to play, handling the versatile technical demands of concert musicians. We are delighted to have an unusually large selection of his bows, some of which are in mint condition with the original wrapping.  They exemplify all the playing qualities that have given Victor Fetique his great reputation.   

Victor Fetique *SOLD*
23847

Victor Fetique was an exceptionally talented bowmaker, and winner of the coveted prize, “One of the Best Crafsmen of France”.  Originally from Mirecourt, he apprenticed with the Husson family and Charles Nicolas Bazin, before working with the newly opened Parisian firm, Caressa & Francais, in 1901.  While there he worked side by side with another great archetier, Claude Thomassin.  By 1913 he set up his own shop and before long started supplying large numbers of bows to the musical community of Paris, and beyond.  

His best work was made personally, with the assistance of great makers such as his younger brother, Jules Fetique.  He trained or hired bowmakers such as his son, Marcel Fetique, Paul Weidhaas, Louis Morizot Sr., and Andre Richaume, among others.   Because of his dependable quality, his bows are in high demand by top level musicians.  

His bows are characterized by their unwavering strength and flexibility, at once clear in tone and rich with color.  They are consistently easy to play, handling the versatile technical demands of concert musicians. We are delighted to have an unusually large selection of his bows, some of which are in mint condition with the original wrapping.  They exemplify all the playing qualities that have given Victor Fetique his great reputation.   

Joseph Arthur Vigneron
24188

The latter 19th and early 20th centuries were the “Golden Period” of French bow making. The great masters like Victor Fetique, Claude Thomassin, Eugene Sartory and of course Joseph Arthur Vigneron brought the standard of bow making to a new level. Known as Vigneron Père, he studied with his stepfather, C.N.Husson along side Alfred Lamy in his native Mirecourt. He subsequently worked for J.J.Martin and Gand & Bernardel among others before establishing his own Parisian workshop in 1888.  

This bow is an excellent example of his work and is very suited to a professional cellist.

Vigneron Père et Fils
23288

This fine cello bow is the work of both Joseph Arthur (Père) and André (Fils) Vigneron. This bow is fully certified by Jean-François Raffin.

A.Lamy á Paris *SOLD*
17778

One of the premiere figures in Parisian bow making of the late 19th and early 20th  centuries, Lamy studied with Husson and Voirin before setting up his own shop in Paris in 1885. His work was in such demand that he never had to make bows for others like most other makers of the time. This bow is an exceptional example by this master and is in excellent condition.

Andre Chardon *SOLD*
20711

In addition to being a talented bowmaker, Andre Chardon was also a renowned violin repairman and successful businessman. He headed the family company, Chanot-Chardon, selling fine quality bows and instruments. Grandson of the great violin maker Georges Chanot, Chardon began training as a luthier with his father at the age of 15, shifting to bow making after World War I. Because the family firm occupied much of his time, he was not as prolific as many of his peers, though the quality of his production was quite high. Part of his success as a bowmaker rests upon his grandfather's collection of first rate pernambuco. This bow is strong and lively, and is accompanied by a Raffin certificate.

Benoit Rolland *SOLD*
22976

Benoit Rolland is one of the finest bow makers working today. Growing up in a highly musical family he began playing the piano later switching to the violin which he studied at the Paris Conservatory. In 1971 he began studying bow making with Bernard Ouchard in Mirecourt. In 1976 he opened his own workshop in Paris. His shop was frequented by many of the most important string musicians. He and his wife moved to Boston in 2001. His bows are in such demand that they are difficult to find. We are pleased to be able to offer this fine cello bow which was made in the 1990’s in Paris.

Charles Bazin
22368

Charles Bazin (1907-1987) was the final member of the Bazin bow-making dynasty which spanned four generations. This cello bow is an exceptionally fine example of this maker’s work.

Christian Barthe
21468

One of the finest contemporary Parisian makers, Barthe has won prizes in various competitions, including in 2016 in Paris for a viola bow. After studying violin for several years, Barthe embarked on his bowmaking career at the young age of 16, apprenticing with Gilles Duhaut. He perfected his skills with Stephane Thomachot and Jean-Jacques Millant. Since 1997 he worked in Paris, where he continued to seek the advice of the inimitable Bernard Millant. Barthe’s work is reminiscent of historic French making, yet possesses distinct characteristics all his own. The bows are remarkably responsive and supple, drawing a warm, clean sound. They are excellent for any young musician seeking a fabulous modern bow at a reasonable price.

Guillaume á Bruxelles *SOLD*
13455

Gold and silver mounted examples. Pierre Guillaume has become one of the best known and important bow makers in the World. He studied with makers like Morizot, Bazin and Ouchard in Mirecourt. He also operates the famous Maison Bernard in Brussels. We are delighted to be able to offer these fine bows.

Morgan Andersen
5804, 8394, 22701

Silver and ebony mounted, multiple examples.

A native of Seattle, Morgan became interested in violin making while still in high school. He attended the Violin Making School of America, graduating in 1977. He became interested in bow making while in Salt Lake, but there were no classes in that field at the violin making school. After graduation, he worked with Frank Passa in San Francisco who was looking for someone specifically interested in learning bow making. After two years making bows at the Passa shop, he returned to the Seattle area. Since then he has become one of the best known and respected makers in the world, winning many medals and awards. For an in depth discussion about Morgan Andersen and his work, check out Jay Ifshin’s article on our website.

See our article on Morgan Andersen for more information

Christian Barthe
20349

One of the finest contemporary Parisian makers, Barthe has won prizes in various competitions, including in 2016 in Paris for a viola bow. After studying violin for several years, Barthe embarked on his bowmaking career at the young age of 16, apprenticing with Gilles Duhaut. He perfected his skills with Stephane Thomachot and Jean-Jacques Millant. Since 1997 he worked in Paris, where he continued to seek the advice of the inimitable Bernard Millant. Barthe’s work is reminiscent of historic French making, yet possesses distinct characteristics all his own. The bows are remarkably responsive and supple, drawing a warm, clean sound. They are excellent for any young musician seeking a fabulous modern bow at a reasonable price.

Robert Morrow *SOLD*
20624

One of the top American bowmakers today, Robert Morrow has also been a respected judge at bowmaking competitions, including the VSA. He trained with Charles Espey before setting up on his own in Port Townsend, WA. In 2008 he received the title "hors concours" at the VSA for his numerous gold medals. His work is always as elegant as it is functional, and this bow is no exception. Strong and vibrant, it is capable of drawing a huge tone from the instrument.

Emmanuel Bégin
16899

Montreal. The young Emmanuel Bégin first studied with his father, the bowmaker, Louis Bégin. He also studied with Yannick Le Canu before setting up on his own in Montréal. He has won several prizes for his bows, most recently winning gold medal for his violin bow in 2014 at the Violin Society of America competition, and winning unanimous gold in 2016 for his violin, viola, and cello bows. His cello bows are a testament to his free and elegant sculpting. The bows are artfully nuanced, articulating each note with precision and clarity.

Thomas Dignan
20688, 23393, 23394

Tom Dignan started his career working for Bein & Fushi in 1979. He opened his own workshop in Boston in 1983. Since then he has won 17 awards for his bows, including two gold medals from the Violin Society of America. His bows are owned by professional musicians all over the world.

Douglas Raguse
22713

Before becoming a bow maker, Douglas Raguse was an accomplished violinist graduating from the University of Miami school of music. He worked with Lloyd Liu and William Salchow before setting up his own workshop in Chicago, moving to Michigan in 1996. Over the years he has won twelve gold medals at major competitions.

J.S. Finkel *SOLD*
17456

Gold mounted. The son of Siegfried Finkel, and grandson of the renowned Paul Weidhaas, Johannes Finkel is a 4th generation bowmaker, highly regarded in his own right. His credentials include apprenticeships and employment with Siegfried Finkel, J.A. Beare in London, Hans Weishaar in Los Angeles, and Moennig in Philadelphia. Since 1984 Finkel has run the family's workshop in Switzerland. His bows are of consistent quality following the rich tradition of his family. In excellent condition, this bow is responsive and powerful- an excellent value for a gold bow.

J. Daber
22712

For over 40 years the J.F.Daber workshop in Lyon has been producing the highest quality bows

Jacques Poullot
9714

Jacques Poullot studied bow making in Mirecourt with the great Bernard Ouchard along side many of the finest young French bow makers, graduating in 1979. Since then he has won numerous medals and awards for his fine bows. We are always pleased to be able to offer his beautiful work.