Peter Hembrough bows

Peter Hembrough developed his interest in violin bows during his teenage years when he studied classic French bows and violin making with Arthur Bentley on the Wirral in the UK. He sold his first bow (he renovated it himself) aged 14 and has dealt in bows ever since!

As a professional violinist he is in the unique position of being able to advise clients on the playing potential of an instrument or bow, as well as understanding its historical context.

Knowing many colleagues in the profession gives him an insight into their tastes and requirements, and he never has less than four bows in his case when travelling to a gig.

Peter is happy to chat about bows for hours and you are welcome to visit him in rural Hertfordshire via Hertford North train station (40 minutes from Finsbury Park) at any time to try out bows, or simply for an informal chat about what you are looking for.

What our customers say ...

“On his website, Peter Hembrough writes that he’s open to financing options so that players on a budget can afford fine violin bows. He means it.

I approached Mr Hembrough to purchase a Tubbs violin bow, and he could not have been more kind, understanding, and knowledgeable. It was a pleasure buying from Mr Hembrough and I could not be more pleased with my purchase!”

Po Chen

"I bought a circa 1860 Dominique Peccatte bow from Peter Hembrough Bows - a uniquely pleasant experience. Not only is the bow absolutely astonishing and a marvel to play, but Peter proved to be very kind, reliable in interaction and professional during the whole process. I have the utmost respect for his knowledge, his candour and his genuine interest in the satisfaction of his clients. I can recommend his firm wholeheartedly to anyone in love with great bows."

Juan

I first bought a bow from Peter, astonished by his body of knowledge, his patience when advising and his huge experience. I was so happy with this first bow that, two years later, I bought a marvellous and fine second one from his collection. Nowadays, some of my friends and pupils have one of Peter’s bows … and I only can recommend you to buy a bow from Peter Hembrough Bows

Raffael

Misza is fortunate to play on a Landolfi, I used a Landolfi for a number of years and still remember it's unique qualities. He has selected a top of the range Persoit bow from us to be its partner in his musical endeavours. We wish him well with his wonderful combination!

MISSION STATEMENT

My objective is to bring fine bows to players, to advise on suitability of bows for various playing styles and to marry appropriate bows to clients’ violins. I am committed to restoring fine bows to their former glory both from a historical and an ecological standpoint.

Worn or damaged bows are often the bows with the best playing credentials – their wear and tear is because they have been well used! The value of restored bows is increasing in the marketplace as demand rises due to a surge in interest from the Far East.

I believe it is important for violinists to educate themselves about different bow makers and to realise just what a difference a fine bow can make to their playing.

Finance

I have several financial strategies to help you to buy a good bow; please feel free to discuss these matters since many avenues can be pursued to aid purchase. I remember only too well as a young player wishing I could own a first class bow, so all efforts are made to help with finance schemes. Furthermore, if a purchase has been made a client has, in essence, bought into a collection, and that payment can be put towards another bow if the client wishes to trade up. Part exchange is also often possible, for less expensive bows easy payment schemes can be used.

It is important to bear in mind that my prices are very competitive and are structured on the global trends with as much discount as possible to aid the violinist in their musical quest.

Sometimes if I offer players bows at substantially lower than elsewhere they feel something must be wrong with the bow! I feel that I should point out that once in a while I do come across a bargain and feel I should allow my playing colleagues the benefit of my good fortune.

Conversely if a good Sartory is averaging £25,000 please don’t expect pinned ones to be much less than half that price!

Global trends for fine French bows continues to rise, my advice to you is to buy whilst it is still possible, since increasingly rare bows are being bought at a high price then stored to be sold at a later date.

Over the last few years I have sold stock only to find replacement is not possible at the price I sold at, this is a testament to the market place which has a large appetite and will only increase as countries like China and India become more active.