German viola bow by Horst Schicker

This German viola bow was made in the late 1970s by Horst Schicker, master of bow making in Baiersdorf. It is a good example of handcrafted bows from the region of Bubenreuth, a traditional place of violin making in Bavaria. Schickers family roots lead back to the historical center of violin making in Germany, the so-called "Musikwinkel" in Saxony/Bohemia, where he was born in Fasattengrün near Eger (Cheb). After World War II, he absolved his apprenticeship with Emil Kühnl in Bubenreuth, and he opened his own workshop in 1971, a successfull family business since his daughter Michaela Schicker-Volkmann joined him in 1987. This viola bow is featuring a highly comfortable balance at a total weight of 73.5 g. Its balance point is measured at 27.8 cm of the total length of 75.3 cm; with a slight incline to the tip it is felt well-centered. The finely crafted round stick of brown pernambuco wood is quite strong and perfectly suitable for active and precise playing, featuring a clear, warm and well-rounded sound. The bow bears the original stamp "SCHICKER" on shaft over the nickel-mounted ebony frog and is offered in perfect condition.