EA Ouchard Violin Bow, Mirecourt circa 1930

Here is another exceptional EA Ouchard violin bow. This one is from the early 1930s, and it remains in near-mint condition, retaining its original lapping and thumb leather. A phenomenal player producing a big fruity sound with enough edge to project well in a hall.

Emile Auguste Ouchard was the most consistently brilliant maker of the 20th century – we always keep a few bows by him in stock, and his popularity amongst musicians is second only to Sartory. We are fully paid-up members of the EA Ouchard fan club!

This bow from the early 1930s is in outstanding condition showing very few signs of use. Peddlars of tired and worn bows will tell you that bows like this one only remain unused because they don’t play well – this is of course complete nonsense. By the same token, many bows that are worn away to within an inch of their lives are hideous players that could only be loved by their owners…

The stick is of round section orange-brown pernambuco with a very attractive random figure – mounts are silver and ebony. The lapping, thumb leather and ivory face are original.

This is one of those bows where it’s hard to find much to say – great weight and balance, a full sound which works across the tonal spectrum, and an unusual adaptability and ease. Like so many bows by this maker, it just does everything well – indeed, the best praise you could give it is that it just disappears in the hand and gets straight to work!