ROLAND G. PENZEL violin bow, gold-mounted, Germany | Metzler Violins

Technical expertise, the skill of the craftsman, and the eye of the artist all take time to develop. Such qualities are passed on from father to son, yet must adapt to changing times. This is the case with the Penzel family of Ostrach, Germany.

Over 100 years ago Emil Max Penzel, the great-great uncle of the present head of the company, founded the family business at Erlbach, a center for the making of musical instruments in Vogtland /Sachsen, Germany. His early bows were based upon those of the leading French maker, Lamy, but he soon developed his own designs and before long the trademark