This edition of DIY's
Handmade Music travels to Mendocino, California to learn from Steven Beckley how to craft a violin bow. Violin bows may look like a sticks, but viewers will be amazed at the complexity, precision, and dedication required in building them. Beckley’s bows are among the best in the world. Like most hand crafted bows Steven’s are made from rare and highly coveted pernambuco wood. Its density, color and strength-to-weight ratio make it the perfect choice for violin bows. Choosing and cutting material is only part of the process, and Steven demonstrates the transformation from blank to bow. The first step comes with carving the head. Then a gradual process of creating tapers, transforming facets, and bending a camber in the stick is revealed. But this stick requires hardware as well and Steven demonstrates for host Jeff Wilson the techniques he uses to build a frog and a button. One of the oldest methods of finishing is chosen for this bow as Steven Beckley "suns" the stick to enhance the pernambuco’s color. A French polish is applied and horsehair is added to prepare the bow for play.
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