The Making of a Paesold Bow

Paesold’s skilled craftsmen first travel to Brazil to personally inspect and select trees, which are the best obtainable, for their production of Pernambuco and Brazilwood bows. However, before this wood can be used for bow making, it must be allowed to naturally air dry for many years. Only then does it fulfil the specific requirements needed to make Paesold bows. Weight, balance, and flexibility are the determining factors in the playing qualities of all bows. According to traditional methods and skills honed over generations of bow making, Paesold’s craftsmen have become experts at interpreting each piece of bow wood to achieve the optimum combination of these essential qualities.

The History of Paesold Bows

Roderich Paesold – Born in 1891 in the Bohemian “Musikwinkel” (music corner) close to the district town of Eger, Roderich Paesold grew up with musical instruments. His father owned his own string and bow business, and after his apprenticeship, Roderich himself joined the family business. In 1939, he travelled to London for business negotiation just as World War II began. Throughout the entire war, Roderich was not allowed to leave the United Kingdom, which later proved to be extremely beneficial. After the war, he settled in the Bavarian town of Bubenreuth and in 1959 he re-established the family bow-making business.  Due to his skilled craftsmanship and entrepreneurial initiative, the company gained a reputation that went far beyond Germany’s borders. Many important bow makers studied or worked at the workshop of Roderich Paesold. In 1981, the Paesold company was integrated into the Boosey & Hawkes group. Thanks to worldwide sales distribution, Paesold products became available to leading musicians in all countries. Paesold is strengthening its outstanding position in the world market through extensive research and development activities. Paesold products are among the finest in the world, which is why many orchestra musicians worldwide choose to play Paesold.

Bow Info