It is tempting to think that great bow making is the domain of France alone but this is not the case, for the United Kingdom James Tubbs is in my view the leading maker coming from a fine line of individuals like John and James Dodd and earlier Tubbs family makers. His design is an expanded Francois Xavier Tourte but with a totally unique spin.

Some time ago I learnt an important lesson after taking a Tubbs bow in part exchange. When i practice I often play on several bows that happen to be in the collection, one day I played on the recent arrival, the Tubbs. Oh my goodness, what a revelation as the bow showed me as a player new phrasing and ease I had not considered ( i am not that imaginative). The bow actually made me a better, more interesting musician! It was sold quickly to a professional player, indeed the bow has spent most of its existence in first violin sections.

Here is a damaged but extremely rare silver engraved example from around 1890, it was, before damage, a superb, highly desirable bow. Sadly it has had two breaks to the stick, soundly repaired, we can offer a great bow at a serious discount. Needless to say, the bow still retains its great playing credentials.

A Tubbs bow is a beautiful design, the proud large head, the superb silver face, indeed all the silver work is both functional and a design classic. His highly unusual choice of pernambuco is of interest, again, it is unique to him in many cases, both beautiful and wonderful from a playing point of view. I think you can tell I am a fan! I am not alone, the eagle eyed amongst you may have noticed Hilary Hahn has just begun to use a circa 1910 example.

This bow, currently in restoration in our Spanish workshop shall be available in the spring of 2023.