Joseph Arthur Vigneron Violin Bow, Paris circa 1895

In our opinion Joseph Arthur Vigneron is one of the best makers of the late 19th century and his bows always seem to work. This is a lovely example in great condition, unusually refined and responsive.

JA Vigneron was an important maker who worked for the illustrious firm of Gand & Bernardel in Paris alongside FN Voirin. He lived a relatively short life, and after leaving Gand & Bernardel he worked independently under his own name for only 15 years, dying in his early 50s. However, he was very prolific, and we have seen (and sold) many examples of his work which is always assured, full of character, and without pretension.

Vignerons are often quite robust, but this example is graceful and precise – the stick is of lightly figured orange-brown pernambuco, round in section – mounts are silver and ebony.

There are no condition issues other than a bit of wear to the top of the handle.

What can I say – yet another tremendous Vigneron! This isn’t a particularly heavy bow, but somehow it knows the secret – the sound is rich and full yet articulate. It’s one of those bows which has all its energy in the right place – it has a strange ability to stick to the strings and yet fly around with ease.

For me the best Vignerons are a perfect synthesis of the 19th century bow (supple, full in sound but sometimes a bit slow) and the 20th century bow (powerful, edgy, but often hollow or metallic sounding) and this is a really god one.

We expect a lot from a Vigneron but there’s something extra here in terms of tonal colour and ease of use – highly recommended!