John Greenwood is a maker of artist quality violin, viola, cello, and French and German bass bows. As an accomplished conservatory train
ed violinist, John is uncommonly attuned to the playing and tone producing qualities of his bows throughout the making process, when subtle adjustments can yield dynamic results.
Each Greenwood bow is a unique piece, meticulously crafted one at a time. John's work is the product of over a decade of "hands-on" bowmaking and the in depth analysis of dozens of fine bows made by the world's most respected bowmakers.
It's gratifying that numerous sophisticated players continue to put aside famous French and other "big named" bows after acquiring a Greenwood bow. Not to take anything away from the finest well preserved specimens, but many older antique bows are now priced far more for their value as rare collectables than for their perfection as playing tools.
Can a modern bow play and sound up to the standards of the finest historical bows? John's experience indicates an emphatic "yes!"
John received comprehensive training in the traditional handmade “French Method” of bowmaking during an extended instruction period with the renowned French master, Jean Grunberger. He has further engaged in valuable studies working along side such modern masters as Tim Baker and Pierre-Yves Fuchs.
John Greenwood continues to be a regular participant in the Oberlin Bowmaking Workshop, the premier annual gathering of master level bowmakers. His most recent attendence was in June, 2008.
Some Bow Photos
Violin Bow - 2006, 58 gms. Octagonal stick.
Cello Bow - 2007, 82 Grams. Round stick.
Viola Bow - 2007, 71 gms. Round stick. Gold mounted.
Violin Bow - 2007, 62 Grams. Round Stick. Inlaid mother-of-pearl shield.
Pernambuco
The soul of a fine bow resides in the stick which is fashioned principally from pernambuco, a scarce tropical wood which comes only from the coastal forests of Brazil. John is fortunate to have assembled a substantial cache of first class pernambuco wood, the quality of which rivals that of the great French masters. 
Before commencing work, each stick is meticulously evaluated to determine its greatest potential. This includes: 1) Testing the wood ultrasonically using a Lucchi Meter which objectively measures the relative liveliness and stiffness of the stick; 2) determining the density of each specimen by floating each stick in prepared saltwater solutions of varying densities; 3) and of course, careful visual inspection of each piece.
Ultimately, it's hard won experience which guides the bowmaker to the most appropriate stick for the bow he wants to create. Wood that does not meet the most exacting quality standards is rejected.
John is an active member of the International Pernambuco Conservation Initiative (IPCI) which is devoted to the legal distribution, responsible conservation, and renewal of pernambuco wood in its native Brazil. In an effort to conserve pernambuco supplies John continues to actively experiment with substitute exotic wood species such as pau d'arco (ipe), 
amourette (snakewood), and swartzia (wamara). Painstaking wood selection has resulted in bows with playing qualities intriguingly and objectively comparable to that of fine pernambuco.
Trying a Greenwood Bow
If you would like to try out a Greenwood bow, please contact us. Although John has an ongoing customer waiting list, he generally maintains a stock of representative bows available for immediate purchase.
If possible, John would prefer to meet with you personally by appointment in his San Francisco workshop. When you visit you're encouraged to bring along your own instrument and the bow(s) that you currently play with. We do have instruments in the workshop if bringing your own instrument isn't practical. Working together, we can then discuss your playing style and what sort of bow would be ideal for you and your instrument.
Violin Bows: Starting at $3,200
Viola Bows: Starting at $3,200
Cello Bows: Starting at $3,400
Bass Bows: Starting at $3,800
Bow Rehairing, Restoration, and Repairs
We are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality work on your better quality bows. With the hands-on experience gained from working on literally hundreds of bows, we offer:
Expert rehairing with the finest hair
Skillful repairs
Meticulous bow restoration.
With John's seasoned bowmaking skill and practical playing experience, we're confident that we can meet your high expectations. We look forward to working with you.
Please note that our hours are by appointment only.
Telephone: (415) 664-2624
Fax: (415) 664-2624
Address: 301 Carl Street, Suite 11, San Francisco, CA 94117 USA
Email: john@greenwoodbows.com