Fine Violin, Viola & Cello Bows for Sale in Washington, DC

The difference between a fine bow and a student bow is immediately felt under the arm. A fine bow — whether French, German, or English — offers superior pernambuco wood selection, precise weight and balance, carefully calibrated camber, and a responsiveness that student equipment simply cannot replicate. The result is a bow that draws more tone from your instrument, responds more naturally to dynamic changes, and reduces physical effort across long playing sessions. At Washington Fine Violins, every bow we carry has been personally evaluated by Jim Kelly for these exact qualities before being offered for sale. Visit our services page to learn more about how we assess and prepare our bows.

The right bow is ultimately the one that feels like an extension of your arm — balanced, responsive, and naturally suited to your playing style. Heavier bows tend to produce more volume and authority; lighter bows offer greater agility and nuance. Stiffer sticks reward players who use a lot of arm weight; more flexible bows suit players with a lighter, faster style. These are generalizations, however, and the only reliable way to find your bow is to try several in person. Jim Kelly welcomes visits to our Washington, DC showroom by appointment, where you can spend meaningful time with multiple bows alongside your own instrument. Contact us to schedule a visit.

The French bow making tradition produced the greatest bows in history, centered primarily in Mirecourt and Paris. The names that command the most respect among players and collectors include François Tourte, the father of the modern bow; Eugene Sartory, whose bows remain among the most sought-after in the world; the Ouchard family — both Emile François père and Emile Auguste fils; Victor Fétique, known for his extraordinary exposition bows; J.A. Lamy père; and François Lotte. Workshop makers like Morizot Frères, Louis Bazin, and Jerome Thibouville-Lamy produced bows of remarkable quality at more accessible price points. Washington Fine Violins carries examples by many of these makers — browse our full collection on the bows page.

Our bow collection spans a meaningful price range to serve players and collectors at every level. Workshop and student-upgrade bows begin in the $1,000–$5,000 range and represent genuine tonal improvement over basic equipment. Recognized workshop and mid-level maker bows fall in the $5,000–$10,000 range, offering strong investment fundamentals alongside real musical merit. Bows by historically significant makers — including Ouchard père, Hill & Sons, and François Lotte — range from $10,000 to $20,000. Exceptional bows by the most celebrated names, including Emile Auguste Ouchard fils, Victor Fétique, and J.A. Lamy, exceed $20,000. We believe in transparent, honest pricing based on genuine market assessment. Visit our bow appraisals page to understand how we value instruments.

Absolutely — and we strongly encourage it. No written description or photograph can replace the experience of drawing a bow across your own instrument in a relaxed setting. We welcome visits to our Washington, DC location by appointment, where you can try any bow in our collection alongside your instrument and take the time you need to make a confident decision. For clients who are not local, we are happy to discuss trial arrangements for qualified buyers. Please contact us to arrange a visit or discuss remote trial options.

Yes. Washington Fine Violins provides professional bow appraisals for insurance, estate, and resale purposes. Our appraisal reports are prepared to professional standards and are suitable for use with insurance providers, legal proceedings, and estate planning. With over 25 years of experience evaluating fine bows across all price levels and national schools of making, Jim Kelly brings genuine expertise to every valuation — a careful, considered assessment of your specific bow rather than a generic certificate. Learn more and schedule an appointment on our bow appraisals page.

Yes — and this is one of our most valued services. If you own a fine bow and are considering selling, Washington Fine Violins offers both direct purchase and consignment arrangements with a transparent commission structure of 10–20%. Unlike auction houses that can take up to 50% of your final sale price, we work to achieve the best possible result while keeping our fees fair and clearly communicated. Jim Kelly will provide an honest market assessment of your bow before any agreement is made. Learn more on our bow consignment page or our sell with us page.

Most professional players rehair their bows once or twice a year, depending on how frequently they play and how much rosin they use. Heavy players or those in humid climates may need rehairing more often. Signs that your bow needs rehairing include uneven hair tension, difficulty holding rosin, visible broken hairs, or a noticeable decline in tone and response. Washington Fine Violins works with trusted specialists in the Washington, DC area to coordinate expert bow rehairing for our clients. Visit our bow repair page for more information or contact us to arrange a referral.

Yes — historically, fine bows by recognized makers have appreciated steadily in value over time, and the supply of great bows is finite and shrinking. Bows by makers like Emile Auguste Ouchard fils, Victor Fétique, Eugene Sartory, and J.A. Lamy have seen significant appreciation over recent decades, and instruments in excellent condition with strong provenance command serious premiums at auction and in private sales. Washington Fine Violins can help you understand the investment potential of any bow you are considering, and our appraisal service ensures you always know what you own. Past sales are documented in our archival sales section for reference.

While Washington Fine Violins is primarily a sales and advisory business, we maintain deep relationships with the finest bow restoration specialists in the Washington, DC area. Through trusted partners including our own Jerry, we can coordinate expert bow repairs, stick repairs, rehairing, and restoration work — ensuring that historically significant and fine bows are handled with the care and expertise they deserve. Visit our bow repair page for more information, or contact us to discuss your bow’s specific needs.