Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.fiddlehangout.com/archive/48287
Hannah - Posted - 12/04/2017: 08:23:36
I have a few bows out on trial, one of which is an F.G. Pfretzschner said to be from the 1940's. I can't really find any information on this specific maker online, although there is information on H.R. and G.A. Pfretzschner. Its listed price is $675. Is there any information or advice you can give me on this bow? Any advice on how to know it's genuine?
This is my first post so I can't post a link—the bow I have out on trial can be found on jrjuddviolins.com.
Thank you!
UsuallyPickin - Posted - 12/04/2017: 09:27:36
Pfretzschner has been making bows for several generations. The older models from the 19th century can be very pricey. You are dealing with a reputable shop so you won't be buying a pig in a poke. If you truly like the bow buy it. Anything made with Pernambuco wood is going to be stable in price because the hardwood is difficult to obtain anymore. R/
bluenote23 - Posted - 12/04/2017: 13:47:56
I did a little reading here
pfretzschner-markneukirchen.de...tion.html
If the bow did come out of the H. R. Pfretzschner shop (which were the most famous bows) then they were made in the GDR, if it's post-war, which could account for the obscurity.
From my minimal knowledge on the subject, Markneukirchen was kind of like China today is for inexpensive violin making and there were several little shops in the region. So this could have been an uncle or a cousin or maybe someone who was just riding on the coat tails of the Pfretzschner reputation.
Whatever. if the bow feels right, has a good weight and balance and lets you do things your other bows don't then that's the best reason for liking it. Looking at the picture of it I can't see anything about it (though with my albeit little experienced eyes) that looks worth any more nor any less than the asking price.
illinoisfiddler - Posted - 12/12/2017: 21:10:51
Pfretzschner bows can be quite good, but playability is in the arm and ear of the player. Many of the older bows are better than the ones today mainly due to excellent craftsmanship and the availability of high quality pernambuco. I have a 1920s Roth bow that is one of the best bows I have ever played, and certainly my best bow to date.
'Done Gone - Jesse Milnes' 21 min
'The Keystone Fiddlers' 11 hrs
