Bowmaking
The Bow Maker, Elizabeth Vander Veer Shaak
With almost 20 years of experience and original training in Paris, Brussels and New York, Elizabeth uses precious materials while giving consideration to design, tone and playablility to create a “one-of-a-kind” bow to be enjoyed for generations. She draws on her research of master bow graduations to create bows that have a specific feel from a particular period of time. She enjoys partnering with players when they commission a bow by listening, understanding the player’s approach to the instrument and allowing the player to sculpt his or her sound. Elizabeth studied the art of bowmaking in Paris with Jean Gruneberger and Stephane Thomachot, in Brussels with Pierre Guillaume, and in New York with William Salchow in the mid 1980s. The methods she learned while studying bowmaking in France follow traditions dating back to the 1700s. Elizabeth participates regularly in the prestigious Oberlin College Bowmaking Seminars, which feature the most prominent international makers of our time.
Materials
Elizabeth uses tools that are original antiques or replicas of the old masters. Using hand tools instead of larger, faster machinery allows her to know the bow by keeping in touch with the wood. Every part of the bow is designed and created by hand -- the soldered silver or gold ferrule, the carved and inlaid frog, the turned button, and the carefully planed and graduated stick. All the materials used in the bow, down to the abalone in the frog and button are chosen with great care.
Each bow is made from materials that come from all over the world. The rare woods come from Madagascar and Brazil. The abalone and oyster pearl come from New Zealand, Japan, and Australia.
The silver is mined in New Mexico. The tip is made from prehistoric mastodon tusk unearthed by glacier movement in Alaksa.
Sample Bows
 Frog |
 Frog |
 Frog |
 Head Uncut |
 Frog Uncut |
 Head Uncut |
 Frog Uncut |
 Head Uncut |
 Frog Uncut |
 Head |
 Frog |
Commissioning A Bow
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I try a bow before I buy?
Yes. Usually, I will have a bow that can be sent out for a 7 day approval period. A valid credit card is required. Arrangements can be made by phone or in person (215-438-9031 store). Customer is responsible for the cost of overnight return shipping.Do you make viola and cello bows, too?
Yes. I will display more on this web site as I finish them.Can I custom order a bow?
Yes. Arrangements may be made over the phone - 215-438-9031 - OR may be initiated by e-mailing me. A 10% deposit is required before I begin work on your bow.How do I begin the process of ordering a bow?
Meeting with you and listening to you play is the best way for me to understand what you are hoping to find in a new bow. If that's not practical, the answers to these questions can help me in choosing the best design and wood for you:
Please contact me by e-mail at
bowmaker@violinsandbows.us or
call 215-438-9031.
A Bow in Progress
This section is under construction
Sound Clips & Testimonials
This section is under construction
Contact Information:
Mt. Airy Violins & Bows
Elizabeth Vander Veer Shaak, Bowmaker and Proprietor
6665 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19119
215-438-9031
E-mail: bowmaker@violinsandbows.usClick on the link below and get directions to our shop on mapquest. We look forward to meeting
and serving you.General vicinity; street level (You can input your origination address in the fields under the map.
Desitination address is already entered). Clicking on the zoom levels on the right of the map will give you
different maps of the shop’s location in relation to the Mt. Airy neighborhood, Mt. Airy/Chestnut Hill,
outlining communities and the suburbs.
• Home • • Bows for Sale • • Bowmaking • • Violins for Sale • • Around the Store/Links •