# Michael G Donnerstag Bow Maker > Fine Bows for Discerning Players ## Posts - [Craft and Collaboration: My Fortnight at the Oberlin Bow Making Workshop](https://mgdbows.co.uk/craft-and-collaboration-my-fortnight-at-the-oberlin-bow-making-workshop/): As a bow maker based in Lincoln, UK, I spend much of my time at the workbench, shaping wood and balancing weight, tone, and feel. While this solitary work is at the heart of my craft, every now and then, it’s important to step away from the bench and into a space of shared learning and collaboration. That’s exactly what I did recently during a remarkable two-week workshop in Oberlin, Ohio. The Oberlin Bow Making Workshop is one of the world’s most respected gatherings of professional bow makers. It draws participants from across the globe – from seasoned experts to newer […] - [Pernambuco: The Heartwood of Masterful Bow Making](https://mgdbows.co.uk/pernambuco-the-heartwood-of-masterful-bow-making/): When it comes to crafting bows for string instruments—whether violin, viola, cello, or bass—no wood holds the same revered status as Pernambuco (Caesalpinia echinata). For centuries, this dense, richly colored hardwood has been the gold standard for bow makers (archetiers), and its legacy continues today. But Pernambuco’s story is not just about excellence—it’s also about scarcity, conservation, and the global effort to preserve this irreplaceable natural resource. Why Pernambuco? Native to Brazil’s endangered Atlantic Forest, Pernambuco is prized for its rare combination of characteristics that make it the perfect bow wood: For professional musicians, a fine Pernambuco bow is more than […] ## Pages - [Home](https://mgdbows.co.uk/) - [A Bowmaker's Blog](https://mgdbows.co.uk/blog/) - [Bow Care](https://mgdbows.co.uk/bow-care/): With proper bow care, your new bow should last a lifetime and beyond. - [Cello Bows](https://mgdbows.co.uk/cello-bows/): This page lists a small selection of cello bows made recently and currently in stock. Cello bow inspired by François Xavier Tourte, 80.6g, round stick (Code 1F3) Cello bow inspired by Eugene Sartory, 84.0g, octagonal stick (Code 1F9) - [Viola Bows](https://mgdbows.co.uk/viola-bows/): This page lists a small selection of viola bows made recently and currently in stock. Viola bow inspired by Dominique Peccatte, 71.0g, round stick (Code 1F5) Viola bow inspired by Dominique Peccatte, 69.5g, octagonal stick (Code 1F6) - [Violin Bows](https://mgdbows.co.uk/violin-bows/): This page lists a small selection of violin bows made recently and currently in stock. Violin bow inspired by Dominique Peccatte, 60.6g, round stick, silver-mounted (Code 1FA) Violin bow inspired by Dominique Peccatte, 59.3g, round stick, silver-mounted (Code 1F7) Violin bow inspired by Dominique Peccatte, 59.6g, round stick, silver-mounted (Code 1FB) Violin/Light Viola bow inspired by John Stagg, 62.4g, octagonal stick, silver-mounted (Code 1FC) - [Rehairing](https://mgdbows.co.uk/rehairing/): Horsehair, sourced from the tail of a horse, is the traditional material used for hairing instrument bows. Its unique properties are essential for producing sound, as the hair is tightened and rosin is applied to create the friction needed to vibrate the instrument’s strings. Over time, the hair undergoes natural stretching due to the tension placed on it during play, reducing its ability to produce consistent sound. Horsehair degrades over time from regular use, exposure to humidity, temperature fluctuations, and the natural oils from the player’s hands. As the hair wears down, it can become brittle, break, or lose its grip […] - [Testimonials](https://mgdbows.co.uk/testimonials/) - [Maintenance](https://mgdbows.co.uk/maintenance/): I routinely perform maintenance to instrument bows such as cleaning and removing rosin, repolishing, replacement of lappings and leather thumb-grips (bands) as well as ensuring the tensioning mechanism is working correctly. I am capable of performing all types of bow maintenance, ensuring that each task is done with care to preserve the bow’s authenticity. Please enquire for further information and quotations for work required. Cleaning Bow sticks should be cleaned of rosin dust after each use using a soft cloth. The bow should be tensioned to do this, as you only want to wipe the dust off the stick and not […] - [Contact Me](https://mgdbows.co.uk/contact/): Email mike@mgdbows.co.uk Phone 07501 357013 Address 30 Swallowbeck Avenue,Lincoln LN6 7HA (Please call to make an appointment) Opening hours Monday: ClosedTuesday to Friday: 10:00 – 17:00Saturday: 10:00 – 13:00Sunday: Closed - [Bows](https://mgdbows.co.uk/bows/): I make bows for violin, viola and cello players. Click on the relevant button below to view a selection of recently made bows in stock for your instrument. Selecting a bow to match you as a player, your instrument and your music style is a highly subjective process. For this reason, I always stock a selection of bows with a variety of playing characteristics, though I will also take commissions if you have something particular in mind. Please enquire for further information and pricing. I include a free first rehair with all of my bows. Materials I use the finest pernambuco […] - [Restoration](https://mgdbows.co.uk/restoration/): I am able to handle everything from repairing minor wear and damage to replacing missing parts, as well as freeing seized adjusters and making camber adjustments. All restoration work is performed with minimal intervention, respecting authenticity and ensuring reversibility. Below are examples of restoration projects I have completed. Please enquire for further information and quotations for work required. Stick repair Frog Replacement Adjuster Replacement Head Face (tip) Replacement Replacing Missing Wood in Bow Head - [About Me](https://mgdbows.co.uk/about/): “If the instrument is the palette,the bow is the paintbrush” I am a bow maker based in Lincoln, UK, crafting violin, viola, and cello bows in the French tradition. Inspired by legendary makers such as Dominique Peccatte, François Xavier Tourte, and Eugène Sartory, I work with the finest pernambuco wood, carefully crafting each bow to capture the design and playing characteristics of these iconic bows. My love for woodworking and music began early, leading me to the Newark School of Violin Making in 2012, where I developed a passion for making bows. Under the mentorship of John Stagg, an ex-Hill bow […] ## Optional - [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/mgdbows.co.uk/mcp) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)