William Retford states in his book Bows and bow makers that Peccatte, Simon and Henry can be considered as very similar. He also states that a player shall be satisfied owning a bow by any of these three fabulous makers, how true.
Over the years I have been fortunate to use bows by all three makers, they are indeed sensational, but for me Pierre Simon has something very special, a spark of individuality in how his bows articulate. He is also the toughest to find, really fine bows by him are becoming extremely difficult to find.
“Here is a demonstration of the Pierre Simon bow in use”
This bow was made around 1850 and has a Jean-Francois Raffin certificate to this effect. At this time he was just about to move to 179 Rue St. Honore having taken over the former business of his friend Dominique Peccatte. He is working alongside his other friend and younger colleague Joseph Henry.
As a young player I was passed a Pierre Simon to try, it was love at first down bow! I was smitten. Over the years I have sold a number of his bows, always with slight regret, they are just that special. On one occasion, sitting number three first violin in a symphony orchestra, the Simon bow helped me so much my desk partner promptly bought the bow.