Bowmaker David Samuels was born in Chicago and raised in Israel.  He grew up playing in his family string quartet and then graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan.  After graduating, he pursued his violin making studies in 1981 with Ammon Weinstein in Tel-Aviv and then relocated to Paris to work for Etienne Vatelot making violins.  Samuels’ time in France piqued his interest in bow making and he subsequently studied bow making with Stephane Thomachat.  Samuels completed his studies in NYC with Jacque Francais under Rene Morel dedication himself to the perfecting the French bow making art.  He opened his own shop in 1992 where he makes bows for the violin, viola, and cello.

From 1992 to 1996, Samuels won 7 gold medals at the Violin Society of America International Competitions for violin, viola, and cello bows resulting earning the distinction of the “hors concours” status for his work.

Playing Samuels bow must be experienced!  The bow sinks splendidly into the strings to enable playing all manner of bowing technique while retaining color and resonance.  The bow is lively, controlled, and allows the violin to speak with clarity at all dynamic levels. The player will be able to sculpt both lyrical and technical passages with this visually beautiful bow.  Ultimately, the bow becomes a continuation of the players hand/arm will play the nuances asked for with minimal effort.  Givens Violins is delighted to offer this modern bow (2000) to the most dedicated of  violinists and the professional violinist.