H.R Pfretzschner Viola Bow Germany

This bow was made in the workshop of Hermann Richard Pfretzschner in the German Democratic Republic in the mid 20th Century. After briefly studying with his father Carl Richard, Pfretzschner attained a job in J.B. Vuillaume's workshop in Paris in 1874, and worked there for one year. Pfretzschner opened his first workshop in 1880 in Markneukirchen, where he produced bows until 1900. His workshop supplied bows worldwide to a variety of firms, however ones from his own workshop were uniformly stamped 'H.R. PFRETZSCHNER'. Once receiving a title of nobility in 1901, Pfretzschner began stamping a coat of arms onto the frogs of his bows, and after opening another branch of his workshop in Dresden, he began stamping bows from there accordingly. To this day Pfretzschner is unquestionably one of the most important figures in German bow making.

This viola bow is stamped 'H.R. PFRETZSCHNER' and weighs 68.14 grams. The stick is of pernambuco, and is octagonal, measuring 74.8mm in length with silver lapping and a leather grip. The frog is of ebony, fully mounted with silver, with a Parisian eye and three-piece button. It is in good condition. 

The stick is wonderfully balanced and maintains its stability throughout the bow. It has enough flexibility that it allows you to sink into the string in the steady legato strokes, and achieve a full and rich tone, but is also springy enough to have a controlled and clear sound when playing with spiccato bow strokes. This bow would be suitable for advanced players looking to complete their upper AMEB levels or tertiary level study.

Please contact us if you would like to book an appointment to try this beautiful viola bow!