Charles Louis Bazin: fine cello bow (certificate by J.-F. Raffin)

The large and magnificently curved head of this fine French cello bow is a self-assured demonstration of craftsman excellence at its finest. This French cello bow was made by Charles Louis Bazin when he was in his early thirties, and this biographical detail is relevant because it communicates more than merely a date. Having spent nearly ten years studying at one of the most famous bow-making ateliers in all of France – the one operated by his father, Charles Nicolas Bazin – the young Louis Bazin should be envisioned as one of the most highly qualified employees of the family-run company that was approaching the zenith of its professional success. At that time, Louis Bazin was still a few years away from starting his own family and taking on the family business. As the only one of the great Charles Nicolas Bazin’s sons who followed in his father’s footsteps, he focussed all of his effort on making bows. This cello bow has a delicately crafted round stick which reflects the highest quality, confirming that Louis would become a worthy successor as the head of the atelier. The original stamp reading “Gustave Bernardel” is also to be understood as a seal of approval, which is to say that an equally esteemed company chose to include this cello bow in its catalogue.
Made of the finest quality red-brown pernambuco, it measures 71.3 cm, and its classically tasteful premium fittings — a silver-mounted ebony frog, mother-of-pearl eye and silver capsule button — highlight its outstanding musical properties. The large and bright yet warm sound of this cello bow, which has been maintained in top condition, is complex and full of nuance. Its balancing point is measured at 25.2 cm, slightly towards the frog, offering precision and decisive playing properties. The cello bow has been completely set up and made ready to play at our specialist atelier. Its pedigreed provenance is confirmed by a certificate of authenticity by Markus Wörz from Munich.

 

 

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