Ashmead Bows
Maker of Historical Bows
Ashmead historical bows are made from the finest available materials. They are designed in consultation with professional baroque and classical musicians, keeping within the historical framework of the day.
Within this site are samples of many modern and period bows, all hand crafted by Ralph Ashmead. The information presented here is intended to be used as a first step towards selecting the bow that most closely meets your needs.
Baroque violin bow – Copy of Stradivarius
Snakewood with ivory frog and button –
early 18th century.
Snakewood with ivory frog and button –
early 18th century.
Featured in Strad Magazine
Praise for Ashmead Bows
I’m glad to write you that I decided to keep the bow with me. I like it very much. As my former bow was too flexible, I could not do well with your bow on the first day. On the second day, however, I began to like it. I showed
…
I’m glad to write you that I decided to keep the bow with me. I like it very much. As my former bow was too flexible, I could not do well with your bow on the first day. On the second day, however, I began to like it. I showed it to my teacher, Ms Setsuko, and she assured me that I should have it. She praised your bow in detail, but I cannot translate her delicate expression from Japanese to English. I think I will use this for my life long (maybe 15 or 20 years). Thank you.
Haruhisa Kurokawa