Traditional bows by Gilles Nehr
Gilles Nehr learned bowmaking traditionally in France, following the Mirecourt family line through his cousin Jean-Pascal Nehr, a student of Bernard Ouchard. Upon arriving in New York, his work was rooted in academic precision and the pure French method.
In New York, Gilles Nehr developed his style while working at the legendary René Morel shop and forming a close friendship with the Salchow family, who had their shop in the same building. At this time, New York City had the largest concentration of exceptional bows and instruments in the world, which belonged to the most famous soloists. This immersion allowed him to study and work on many prestigious old French master bows daily, blending his academic skills with their style.
Gilles Nehr's traditional bows embody this rich heritage and personal journey. Crafted entirely by hand from raw materials, each bow is inspired by the old French school. While original French master bows are very expensive, his bows offer the craftsmanship and style of early 19th-century bows at a more accessible price. Gilles Nehr's work represents a harmonious blend of historical tradition and meticulous craftsmanship, making high-quality, historically-inspired bows available to today's musicians.
PHOTOS
METHOD
Gilles Nehr follows the most traditional methods of bowmaking, working entirely by hand as the great French masters did in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He uses no machines to rough out materials or accelerate the process. Every aspect of the work is done with hand tools, guided by time-honoured techniques and an uncompromising dedication to craftsmanship.
Each bow is entirely unique. Unlike many modern makers who reproduce the same model repeatedly, Gilles Nehr never makes the same bow twice. His work is always inspired by the spirit and style of the old masters, yet each creation is shaped by his own artistic individuality and the specific needs of the musician. Every bow is a one-of-a-kind expression of tradition, artistry, and purpose.