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Our Story

Salchow & Sons is not just a business, it's a family tradition that goes back more than 60 years. 

 William Salchow was the first American to study the art of bow making in France. In 1959, he received a Fulbright Scholarship and traveled to Mirecourt, the cradle of French bow making, to learn the traditional style of the craft. He studied under Georges Barjonnet and Charles Alfred Bazin, both of whom came from a family of bowmakers.

"William Salchow and Barjonnet, Mirecourt France 1959"

When he returned to America in 1960, William founded Salchow & Sons. Over the course of his half-century career, he perfected his technique and became the leading American bowmaker and teacher. William’s grandson Isaac began working in the shop at the age of 19 and is recognized as one of the world’s leading experts in French and German bows. 

The bows that both Isaac and William have crafted are highly respected and sought after by discerning players. As bowmakers, Salchow & Sons innately understand the importance of the bow in music-making and the considerable investment required to own one. Because of this, we deeply value our role in caring for your bow.

Since 2009, Isaac has continued the tradition inspired by the old masters. Under his leadership and expertise, the shop’s talented staff continues the Salchow family trade in the areas of repairs, certification, appraisals, and sales.

"I have been going to Salchow & Sons for over eight years. I first went for their great bow rehairs, then repairs, and ultimately wound up buying and selling bows with their help. (I love the bow Isaac found for me so much!) I will continue taking my business to Salchow & Sons because..."
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Matthew Lipman
Concert Violist
"If you are looking for a calm, warm and friendly atmosphere, not only for you, but for your bows, go to Salchow & Sons, and success is 100% guaranteed! For the last 30 years, whenever I visit New York City, I always stop by Salchow & Son - not just for my bows..."
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Yuri Gandelsman
Viola Professor of Michigan State University
"I trust the expertise of Salchow and Sons when considering the purchase of a bow or any repairs..."
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Jennifer Koh
Concert Violinist
"I always make a point of stopping by Salchow’s whenever I’m in New York. They offer the best selection of bows around, impeccable repairs, and wonderful employees I look forward to seeing each time. I’ve purchased two bows from them in recent years and have had nothing but the most positive of experiences..."
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Helen Kim
Associate Principal Second Violin of the San Francisco Symphony
"I have known Isaac Salchow for over 20 years, starting from the time I was a student. One could say that my friendship with Isaac has directly informed my musical journey. It is through my numerous visits..."
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Nina Lee
Cellist of the Brentano String Quartet, Quartet in Residence at the Yale School of Music
"I truly look forward to visiting Salchow's for any occasion! It's one of the great joys of the NY music scene and of course it's likely you meet any number of heroic musicians depending on when you show up! It's a shop that feels like a throwback to a different time, but of course, they are on the cutting edge of knowledge and technology in the field..."
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Eric Jacobsen
Cellist, Artistic Director of The Knights, Music Director of Orlando Philharmonic
"Salchow and Sons is simply the best there is when it comes to bows. Everything from appraisals to rehairs is handled with care and great expertise. The staff is passionate and knowledgeable, and they have empathy for clients every step of the way..."
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Zlatomir Fung
Concert Cellist
"I feel so fortunate to have the team at Salchow and Sons. Their rehairs and repairs are reliable and beautifully done. But more importantly, you see their commitment and devotion to this art form, and coupled with their honesty and trust, I couldn't think of a better place to turn to..."
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Grace Park
Violinist and First Prize Winner Naumburg Competition
“I have been very happy and fortunate to have a close association with Salchow and Sons for over 45 years! From my early time in NYC as a student through years of living five minutes from Bill Salchow in Westchester and still now as I visit the beautiful shop in the city, I know my bows have always been in the best of hands... ”
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Ani Kavafian
Violinist and Professor, Yale University

A Commitment To

Excellence

"I arrived in NYC from Sonoma county at the age of 19 with the intention of working with my grandfather, William Salchow. “Bill”, as he was known, was often referred to as the Dean of American bow making, and had been running a shop dedicated exclusively to bows since 1960.
My grandfather was a tough teacher with exacting standards and musicians from around the world would visit the shop for his bows, repairs and expertise. It was a truly grueling apprenticeship, probably not that dissimilar to that experienced by bowmakers of the past. However, more than anything I had done in the past, I was truly inspired and dedicated to learning the craft of bow making and developing real expertise.

My grandfather’s commitment to this unique and special field continues to inspire me. Each day brings new opportunities to work with musicians, and to learn more about the great makers of the past. Few things bring me more satisfaction than sitting with fellow experts and musicians, sharing knowledge and my enthusiasm for these unique creations.
Isaac Salchow
Owner of Salchow & Sons
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