BOW REPAIR SERVICES
As a professional violinist I understand the need for high quality bow and instrument maintenance work. In Louisiana, there are very few places that offer these services, and I have not always been happy with the work done. This is why I decided to dedicate time and learn how to perform the necessary maintenance work myself.
CREDENTIALS
I have bow repair and rehair certificates from the University of New Hampshire Craftsmanship Institutes 2015 and 2016, where I studied under the direct supervision of the distinguished bowmaker and restorer Lynn Hannings. Take a look at before and after photos for samples of my work.
CLIENTS
My main clients are colleagues from the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra and Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, as well as students from the local schools in Lafayette and Baton Rouge areas.
REPAIRS
I offer quick, friendly and professional repair and restoration services for violin, viola, cello or bass bows. In the past few years I have repaired over 100 string bows. I use only the finest materials in the French tradition when working on the bows such as unbleached stallion horse hair, sterling silver parts and windings, French silk thread, Mammoth bone and various types of mother of pearl. See bow repair price list for estimated repair cost.
SERVICES
The following repair and restoration services are available:
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Tighten bow hair
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Rehair
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Tip and tip-tip replacement
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Thumb grip replacement
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Collar replacement
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End protector replacement
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Winding replacement
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Inlay wood at thumb projection
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Mother of pearl slide and eye replacement
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Ferrule replacement
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Under slide replacement
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Heel plate replacement
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Screw replacement
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Eyelet replacement
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Paris eye ring replacement
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Frog pin replacement
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Stick straightening and recamber
When should you bring in your bow for rehair?
Sometimes you can tell that your bow needs new hair by simply looking at it, other times you need to play with it to better evaluate its response. How often you need a bow rehair depends on the amount of hours played with the bow, the intensity of your playing and repertoire.
Too many broken hairs cause uneven tension on the bow and will sooner or later warp the stick to one side. Straightening of the stick is always risky, even if performed by the most experienced luthiers. It is best to bring your bow for a rehair regularly to avoid this problem.
You should have your bow rehaired when:
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You notice that you need to apply rosin more often. This shows that the bow hair is worn out and cannot hold the rosin.
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The bow hairs are splitting and breaking more frequently. In this case the hair has lost its flexibility due to overuse.
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The hair is dirty and will not hold rosin.
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The hair of the bow has shortened so much that it is impossible to decrease the tension completely. This is quite common during the cold and dry winter season and it is potentially very dangerous for the bow. This is why two rehairs per year (winter and summer) are strongly recommended.