16 replies to this topic

[C.B.Fiddler]

I had a singular experience lately involving a privately purchased violin bow, an issue of an old attribution, and a tremendous act of unobliged ethics and professionalism from Jim Warren of Kenneth Warren & Son Violins.

Throughout my primary role as a performer as well as in my more recent studies as a hobbyist-maker, I have been “trained” to be prejudice of all violin dealers; that all in the industry are surreptitous and unscrupulous by nature. I, personally, have felt the sting resulting from the combination of my naivete and an unprincipled dealer. This, in chorus with my “training”, gave me quite a jaded perspective of the industry.

Over the past 12-13 years, I’ve had the pleasure, through this forum and other means, to meet many in this industry as a friend, a customer, and quietly as an observer. After meeting and dealing with Jim Warren, Josh Henry, Jeffrey Holmes, Jon Crumrine, Isaac Salchow, Stephanie Voss, and others, I honestly believe that today’s generation of respected dealers and makers are genuinely acting with integrity and transparency. While I may reserve to retain a wise degree of skepticism for those dealers I’ve not delt with and/or do not come recommended, I am pleased that I will not have such disinclination with those listed here.

Without delving too deeply in the details of my journey with this particular bow, Jim Warren stepped up and “made things right” without a stitch of hesitancy or legal obligation. Being a local musician half-a-country away, there was little incentive for this special attention outside of a personal commitment to professionalism and integrity.

This is not a commercial. This is a public letter of appreciation to Mr. Warren and those that have helped me by offering their sage advice, expertise, and extraordinary talents. I have a renewed perspective.

Thank you,
Chris Burndrett

[MeyerFittings]

Here, Here. Thanks for taking the time and effort to comment. You singled out some worthy representatives.

[vclatl]

Well said, Chris.

1) I can add that my professor bought his cello from the father many decades ago now, and he told me he would deal only with them. (at least in Chicago)

2) I know personally of a deal in which one of our former concertmasters bought a bow from Warren, and he offered that the bow in question was on consignment by the concertmaster previous to her. Probably not a deal breaker, but still it's nice to have full disclosure.

3) I'm almost positive I read in Starker's memoir that Warren did all the work on his instrument.

And on a different note, I can vouch for Stephanie first-hand. Not only does she do all the work on my instrument, but I consider her a personal friend, and a business person of the highest repute. Well-trained in the German tradition, and patient to a fault. We're truly lucky to have her here.

[Johnmasters]

This is not a commercial. This is a public letter of appreciation to Mr. Warren and those that have helped me by offering their sage advice, expertise, and extraordinary talents. I have a renewed perspective.

Thank you,
Chris Burndrett

In a previous thread, I made a comment that was perhaps overly cynical. I am happy to hear about your good experiences with the Warrens.

[C.B.Fiddler]

Happy indeed! I may be convinced to post pictures of my "new" bow, if anyone is interested...

[GlennYorkPA]

Happy indeed! I may be convinced to post pictures of my "new" bow, if anyone is interested...

I'm very interested to see pictures of the bow.
Does it involve a repair or a change in attribution?
I, for one, am intrigued.

Glenn

[C.B.Fiddler]

Happy to oblige!

Auguste Barbe for N. Audinot c. 1890:

[Janito]

Auguste Barbe for N. Audinot c. 1890:

Super head, lovely wood. Thanks!

[Walter O'Bannon]

That's a real looker, and you're quite the photographer. Does this bow have a head spline?

[C.B.Fiddler]

Thank you, I think I'm rather bad at instrument photography, so I really appreciate your comment!

No spline. The bow is in very good+ condition. It's a real player too!

[jonfrohnen]

This looks a bit like my Glasser ca1890

[C.B.Fiddler]

This looks a bit like my Glasser ca1890

Please excuse my friend Jon. Evidently, his care-taker let's him play with a computer during recess.

[jonfrohnen]

The similarities are remarkable!

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[C.B.Fiddler]

Remarkable indeed. Please inform your physician that the meds are not working. (Nice touch with the Parisian eye, by the way).

[GlennYorkPA]

Remarkable indeed. Please inform your physician that the meds are not working. (Nice touch with the Parisian eye, by the way).

Chris,

I'm still not sure about what you mean by 'make it right' in your original post.
When we look at the pictures of your bow are we looking at an' invisible' repair of the type referred to in my thread on invisible repairs (if so, well done as I can't se the repair) or are we talking about making it good in some other sense?

Glenn

[C.B.Fiddler]

Hi Glenn,

While I do understand your question and curiosity, I don't wish to go into the details of my particular scenario. This thread was intended to let those in the industry know that I had a great experience with those listed. There are many like me that play for a living, don't bleed money, and want to know where they can go to feel secure about the precious dollars they spend to improve their craft. This effort is to publicly appreciate Jim Warren and the several experts cited for their adherence to ethics and professionalism. I hope you will forgive me for any ambiguity.

The bow pictured above has no repairs, invisible or otherwise.

Chris

[GlennYorkPA]

Hi Glenn,

While I do understand your question and curiosity, I don't wish to go into the details of my particular scenario. This thread was intended to let those in the industry know that I had a great experience with those listed. There are many like me that play for a living, don't bleed money, and want to know where they can go to feel secure about the precious dollars they spend to improve their craft. This effort is to publicly appreciate Jim Warren and the several experts cited for their adherence to ethics and professionalism. I hope you will forgive me for any ambiguity.

The bow pictured above has no repairs, invisible or otherwise.

Chris

Thanks Chris - you have answered the question.

Glenn