NEW OR ANTIQUE?

. . . .The bow, unlike an instrument, is at its best the moment it comes new from the bow maker’s workshop. From that moment on it starts to deteriorate, faster or more slowly depending on several factors; the quality of the wood, the time allowed for the wood to dry out and, even more importantly, the maintenance it receives.

. . . .There are antique bows which are very beautiful and extremely expensive, of great value both to musicians and collectors. Nevertheless there are others which have never been good despite possessing a certificate, because they are valued by the name without taking into account how they function.  A certificate guarantees the authenticity and not the quality.