From my private collection, considerably below average market prices: this versatile German master bow plays very well ‒ notably, steadily and controllably despite its comparatively low weight. Choice octagonal pernambuco wood of remarkable strength, flexibility and elasticity. Fully silver mounted ebony frog and button with two silver rings. Beautiful workmanship in an excellent state of conservation. The previous owner was a principal in the "Staatskapelle Dresden" (aka "Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden").
Metrics:
- weight: 76.7 grams
- center of mass (aka balance point): 8.98 inches
- overall bow length: 720 mm
- length of stick: 702 mm
Maker:
Edwin Lothar HERRMANN (1914-1987) hailed from a storied dynasty of achetiers spanning more than 200 years. At the height of his craft, his bows sold for as much as those of his now better-known French colleagues. HERRMANN learned his craft from his grandfather Franz Albert HERRMANN (1868-1960) and his father Edwin Otto HERRMANN (1893-1972). After completing his apprenticeship, HERRMANN continued to work in his father’s workshop until 1950. In 1949 he completed his master’s exam at the then world-renowned school for stringed bowed instrument making in Markneukirchen ‒ the centuries-old birthplace and hub of Germany's string instruments/bows craftmanship steeped in tradition. In 1950 he opened his own workshop in Schönlind. In 1961 he moved to Markneukirchen and continued to craft highly sought-after bows well into his old age.
Tryout/borrowing:
The bow is available for tryout at any time. Serious prospective buyers can borrow the bow free of charge.
Modalities of transfer:
- Switzerland: personal collection (preferred) or delivery by me free of charge.
- Abroad: shipping in a secure multilayer crate by courier (DHL or FedEx). The shipping costs listed below refer only to destinations outside of Switzerland via courier.
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