We spend days making bows. It's quiet work.
The quiet ends when a note arrives from someone who's playing one of our bows. That's when the circle closes. The wood's potential becomes a real sound in someone's hands, and they are kind enough to write back to tell me about it.
Those notes mean the world to us.
With the deepest thanks to the players who sent them, here are part of their words.
From Hans Bras, The Netherlands
Dear mr. Wang,
Thank you very much for the 2/4 Master Pernambuco cello bow (gold quality with silver fitting) you have made for my wife (order # 946).
The bow is really a masterpiece. It looks beautifull, is very well crafted, is well balanced, feels fine, is very good responding and sounds great.
My wife loves that bow and finds it even better than her high quality 4/4 cello bow made by Herbert Wanka (master bow, silver fitting).
As far as I can compare/judge, the bow is at least at the same level as my gold fitted Finkel viola bow or even better.
You are highly recommended.
Best wishes,
Hans Bras
To read that a bow has become a player's favorite, and to have it placed alongside such respected makers, is an honor. It tells me the work connected. Thank you, Hans.
From P. Camilien
Dear Mr. Wang,
I have received the now and it looks really nice and sounds great.
Thanks for all,
P. Camilien
The simple joy of something that works, right away. That's what we hope for. Thank you, P. Camilien.
From Soo hyeong Lee
Dear Jimmy, Sang Wang:
Thank you for your beautiful and wonderful bow which I received last week.
I am very happy with your bow, and one of my friends envy me my bow.
Thank you.
Soo hyeong Lee
The pride in your instrument, and the relief of a smooth process—I'm so glad both came through. Thank you for sharing that moment, Soo hyeong.
From Max
Dear Jimmy:
Hello: I'm very pleased with your Advanced Ironwood cello bow, thanks. It's stiff and fast without overtensioning, yet well balanced so it's doesn't feel at all heavy. It has a very pleasant and smooth tone, and the design is simple but elegant. The cream coloured hair gives good grab of the strings. In fact, It's just what I hoped for.
Can you suggest a rosin which has good 'grab' but also with a bright sound please? I'm currently Tartini cello/bass rosin (no longer available). That has excellent grab, but not enough brightness for my style of playing.
Best Regards,
Max
Max, your note is a masterclass in feedback. You described exactly what the bow does, and then invited me into the next part of your musical journey with your rosin question. That's the greatest sign of trust a maker can get. Thank you.
From Paul
Hi Jimmy,
I got the bow a few minutes ago. A great bow to match my acoustic-electirc violin!
Thanks for all your help and advice,
Paul
The immediate match—that instant feeling of "this is right." That's wonderful to hear. Thank you, Paul.
From Raffi Zhang
Dear Mr. Wang,
I have got my bow this morning and found the bow in such a great condition! It looks great, and everything looks exquisite. Thank you again!
Sincerely,
Raffi Zhang
The care in the making, recognized in the unboxing. That matters deeply. Thank you, Raffi.
From Mary
Jimmy,
Bow was received and is beautiful! Any special kind of rosin or other care to know about? Is it treated in a similar way to a modern bow?
Mary
Your care for the bow's future, right from the start, shows you see it as a partner in your music. I'm truly grateful for that mindset. Thank you, Mary.
From Brian Newman, Winston Salem Violins
Hi Jimmy,
I really like the bows I received. They're strong, straight and pull a good sound.
I'd been looking for a source of bows in this price range for awhile.
Finding inexpensive bows that are not warped and weak wasn't easy. I look forward to doing business with you in the future.
Thank you!
Sincerely yours,
Brian Newman
President
Winston Salem Violins
Brian, to earn the trust of someone who handles tools for a living, based on the fundamentals—strength, straightness, sound—is one of the most meaningful validations I can imagine. Thank you for that.
From J. Dalley
Jimmy,,,
Package arrived,, everything looks great Your frogs are fine
quality!! I was hoping for a slightly larger piece of silver plate,
but perhaps if I send you another order, that can be included. Thanks
again,,,
J.Dalley
The dialogue about details—that's where the craft lives. Thank you for the direct feedback and the trust to discuss the next order, J.Dalley.
They are reminders. They connect our silent workshop to the sound of practice, the focus of performance, and the quiet satisfaction of an instrument that feels like home.
I am deeply thankful to every musician who has written. You have given our work its truest purpose.
If you are reading this and searching for a bow that feels like yours, please reach out. It would be my privilege to listen and to help you find it.
With sincere thanks,
Jimmy
