Elements of both French and German traditions in manufacturing the bows
The hybrid-production style resulting incorporates the best of each method, combining subtle handwork with precise machine work. The company production philosophy is a balance between traditional and contemporary technique. When you purchase a Marco Raposo Bow you are investing in both a high-end product and the protection of a rare wood species so critical to the future of music.
We believe that bow making is an art form. Like all the best artists, our craftsmen are constantly working to improve their skills and technique.
Our staff is hired locally expressing the social-cultural commitment towards the community. They receive basic musical education and complete a rigorous training program under one of our master craftsmen. It takes an average of five years for a new bow-maker to complete their apprenticeship and enjoy the privilege of signing their a bows.
We have created an incentive program for our staff, based on exchanging knowledge with local and overseas communities, developing programs and identifying potential artists who can add up to our team. They receive training with well known bow-maker working with the German and French tradition, guiding them for their full professionals.
Hand-Picked
We only use mature Pernambuco trees, that are over thirty years old. Once a tree is selected, the heartwood is extracted from the core. The wood must have straight veins and be free of knots in order to be used for bows.
Finely Tuned
Cores are classified according to their weight and density for use in the manufacturing of bows for violin, viola, cello and bass. Once the wood is classified according to a specific instrument, it is divided into lots, which are then dated and taken for drying.
Crafted with Love
The bow is bent by hand using fire. This process is extremely delicate and requires a very skilled hand and eye to ensure the proper curve and the straightness of the bow. The bending process determines the bow's tension and playability.
