Albert Nürnberger Fine Sterling Viola Bow – Markneukirchen circa 1930-1940

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Often, I‘m asked if a good bow makes a difference. Yes, absolutely! It’s always about sound. A high-quality bow influences sound production, clarity, and articulation. Musicians are always looking for balance, stability, a connection with the string, and a responsiveness that allows the bow to feel like a natural extension of the arm. Players want a bow that makes complex musical passages a breeze to play. A good bow will enhance tone, response, and help the player perform advanced off-the-string articulations. Many times, the bow is forgotten about and put on the back burner. We have players that come to the shop thinking they just need a new instrument to sound better. An 180-degree turn sometimes is very necessary. The bow is so much more important than you could ever imagine. It took me years to really understand how important the bow is for the generation of sound. It’s huge.

Carl Albert Nürnberger (1885-1971), after completing his apprenticeship in his father’s respected shop, made the Nürnberger workshop of the 1920’s into one of the most famous sites for bow making. The family name extends from the mid 1700’s to 1994. Carl Albert Nürnberger’s workmanship is exceptional, and every cut, inlay, silverwork, and intentional facet was done with precision and made in the classical proportions of the family models. Carl Albert was a gifted businessman and leader. He had that exceptionalism to never settle for average work that was endowed to him. We are glad to offer this Nürnberger viola bow which is in very good condition- the only real drawback is that the bow has been played so much by professional players that the brand is no longer fully legible.

This viola bow is pernambuco, octagonal in section, and sterling silver mounted. A professional bow through and through. The head of the bow is his standard model which was inspired by F. X. Tourte that he repeatedly used during his career. The head has a strong rounded nose. The stick is tight grain pernambuco with the typical natural satiny surface treatment of the stick; hand rubbed with a cotton cloth using linseed oil. The pernambuco is fantastic, a darker orange/brown color and it’s a strong bow, a firm player. It is a Wow!!! Viola players will love this stick. The camber starts immediately after the head of the bow, and the octagonal section stick is firm. Everything on the bow is original. The only thing replaced is the leather thumb. The frog is a Parisian eye model. The frog and button have classic lines and is one of the models used by the family from the early 1900’s. The frog has pearl eyes surrounded by a 1.2 mm. silver rings. The rounded heel is pinned, and the silver button contains a single pin. The lining of the bow is attached to the frog with two bronze screws. This Nürnberger viola bow will become a treasured bow and will help make any decent viola jump in sound and maturity.

Weight fully haired 70.2 grams