Roger Zabinski (b. 1950, d.2024) was a celebrated maker of modern bows, highly decorated by his peers in numerous competitions, and a cherished contributor to the archetier tradition. We are so fortunate that he was our neighbor here in Minneapolis, MN during his entire career.  Zabinski trained with Vaido Radamus in violin and bow making in 1973.  In 1976, Zabinski began training with Martin Beilke, an internationally known bow maker also based in Minneapolis, until 1979.  Roger worked at Claire Givens Violins from 1978 to 1983 after which he specialized in bow making. He went to on to learn the French methods of bow making from William Salchow in 1984.  Zabinski made over 900 bows.  He was inspired by and modeled his bows after Sartory, Peccatte, and Tourte before evolving into his own original pattern.  We are pleased to offer this fine viola bow at Givens Violins.

The bow plays beautifully and beckons you to play more as more nuance and color is heard the more notes you pull with it.  It is a very comfortable bow to play and will take care of you through the most demanding of music.