Welcome to Bristow Bows

Professional violin, viola, cello & bass bow sales & services from Stephen E Bristow.

Quick Start

• Bow Services: rehairs, repairs, restorations and valuations.
• Mail Order: My own handmade bows, Bows from makers worldwide, fine instruments, bow cases and more...
• Contact Me I'm happy to talk about your requirements in person.

About Me Stephen E Bristow

I was fortunate to have probably the best apprenticeship possible for a bowmaker, five years with W.E. Hill & Sons. The Hills were, for over a hundred years, the world's greatest violin company, famous for their books on Stradivari and Guarneri, their instruments and of course for the quality of their bows. Hill bows command a high price, justifiably: uncompromising standards meant that imperfect bows were destroyed. During this time, I was influenced by the legends of bowmaking: W.C.Retford, Arthur Bultitude and W.D. Watson.

After leaving the Hills, in 1972, I was part of the partnership that produced the famous J.S. Rameau bows. Later my bows were sold via Guivier's in London . In 1983 The Strad reported that I was one of the most proficient bowmakers they had yet seen.

Today I am a maker and restorer of the highest renown the late Ralph Holmes used a Bristow bow in many of his recordings.

I only use the finest materials, the stock of pernambuco is over twenty five years old, very rare today. I undertake work for those with particular requirements. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland recently commissioned me to make a special presentation bow for Sean McGuire, the renowned fiddle player. My bows are used by violin, viola, cello and bass professionals the world over.