Here we have a very fine gold-mounted Prell violin bow from the early 1900s – the condition is excellent and the playability is outstanding.
Hermann Prell is far from a household name, but I would argue that he’s the best German maker of the 20th century. This example certainly would be hard to beat – it has flair, a quality singularly lacking in Pfretzschners and Nurnbergers! perhaps Prell’s year in Paris working for Sartory opened his eyes…
The materials are first class – the stick is of octagonal section deep red pernambuco with a kind of “Persoit” fleck, mounts are ebony and rose gold.
The conidition is excellent throughout – some minor wear to the ebony of the adjuster, a split in the outer ring of the adjuster, a small nick in the (original) face plate , otherwise no issues.
Our enthusiasm for Prell is principally to do with the musical qualities of his bows – they are consistently good, always well balanced, conservative in terms of weight, and easily controlled.
This is a stand-out – clear but full sound, a lively strong-ish stick, very stable on and off the string, and just a bit of magic floating in the air.
