Ralph Ashmead - Maker of Historical Bows

Ralph Ashmead has been specializing in the making of period bows for almost forty years. His client list includes leading soloists, orchestras and universities all over the world. His bows have graced the covers of the Strad, Strings and Fine Woodworking Magazines. He has been exhibiting at the Boston Earlly Music Festival (BEMF) since 1985, and every Berkeley Early Music Festival since began in 1990.

Ralph’s bows are made from the finest materials available including four kinds of Ironwood, Snakewood, African Blackwood and Pernambuco. Frog materials have included many types of wood, Mammoth ivory and more recently some very good artificial ivory materials.

A bow is as unique as the musician. One particular style or model may not fit the needs of any one player. Because of this, I make many different models and variations of bow styles for all sizes and types of bowed instruments. I try to keep a large selection of bows in stock and once we narrow down what you might be looking for we can send several bows out for a trial period.

Please visit the website for more complete information, photos of more bows and Ralph’s client list. He looks forward to helping you find the bow that will best compliment your playing style while also bringing out the best tone from your instrument.

“One can call the bow the soul of the instrument it touches.”
~ L’Abbe’ le Fils

in the Parish Hall
Table P-7