Powerful and active Markneukirchen viola bow: F. C. Pfretzschner

This viola bow belongs to the internationally esteemed collection of top-quality bows which were commissioned by the renowned company  GEWA and crafted at select workshops in Markneukirchen, the small town with its rich violin-making tradition. These bows were then sold under the label F. C. Pfretzschner. The name is an homage to an influential family of bow makers from the Vogtland region of Saxony and thus articulates a high standard, one which this viola bow from approximately 1950 fully meets thanks to its outstanding acoustic and playing properties. The stick reflects the substantial artisanry of a well trained and experienced bow maker who shaped this beautiful light brown pernambuco with a sensitive eye towards the proper weight distribution and balance. The silver-mounted ebony frog is ornamented by a mother-of-pearl eye and a three-piece silver button; above the frog, the stick bears the original stamp reading F. C. Pfretzschner. Our luthiers received this viola bow in flawless condition and made it ready to play; its voice features a lucid clarity and a bright radiant character yet still has a pleasant warmth.