*MATHIAS DAHL nickel violin bow, 64.3 g. Minneapolis | Metzler Violins

Matthias Dahl (b.1888, d.1973) was one of the most important historic Minnesota violin and bow makers. Many professionals are known to use his instruments for their entire careers. Dahl was born in Norway and made his first violin when he was 7 years old. At such a young age it was clear he had a particular aptitude for working with instruments. In 1910 he moved to Minneapolis to study under H.P. Blakkestad’s through the Blakkestad Music Company. Dahl followed models of Stradivari and Guarneri instruments as closely as possible and was clearly inspired by these great Cremonese makers. Dahl’s masterful precision is best represented through the sound holes, the scroll, and the purfling on his instruments. In 1958 he won first prize at a violinmaking competition judged by Simone Sacconi.

The frog on this bow is well-worn and repaired, but the stick itself is a pristine, beautiful dark plum-red Pernambuco specimen.