Charles Louis Bazin (Louis Bazin): French cello bow (certificate by J.-F. Raffin)

French cello bow by Louis Bazin with a certificate from J.F. Raffin, Paris

The large and magnificently curved head of this good French cello bow is a self-assured demonstration of craftsman excellence at its finest. This French cello bow was made by Charles Louis Bazin when he was in his early thirties, and this biographical detail is relevant because it communicates more than merely a date. Having spent nearly ten years studying at one of the most famous bow-making ateliers in all of France – the one operated by his father, Charles Nicolas Bazin – the young Louis Bazin should be envisioned as one of the most highly qualified employees of the family-run company that was approaching the zenith of its professional success. At that time, Louis Bazin was still a few years away from starting his own family and taking on the family business. As the only one of the great Charles Nicolas Bazin’s sons who followed in his father’s footsteps, he focussed all of his effort on making bows. This cello bow has a delicately crafted round stick of tropical wood which reflects the highest quality, confirming that Louis Bazin would become a worthy successor as the head of the atelier. Made of dark borwn tropical wood, the cello bow measures 71.5 cm, and its classically tasteful premium fittings — a nickel-mounted ebony frog, mother-of-pearl eye and three-part nickel ebony adjuster — highlight its outstanding musical properties. The large and bright yet warm sound of this Louis Bazin cello bow, which has been maintained undamaged with minor flaws in top condition, is complex and full of nuance. Its balancing point is sensed slightly towards the upper half of the stick, offering precision and decisive playing properties. The cello bow has been completely set up and made ready to play at our specialist atelier. Its pedigreed provenance is confirmed by a certificate of authenticity by J.-F. Raffin Paris.

 

 

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