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Michael J Taylor (b. 1949) is today considered as the most important English bowmaker of our time. He was founder of the bow division of Ealing Strings in London where he worked until 1995, whereafter he set up his own studio. He is also a foremost restorer of highend bows and his personal output as maker is limited, with the consequence that his bows are today considered as very rare and hence extremely desirable. His bows are almost exclusively in the hands of foremost professional musicians.
This gold-mounted bow is stamped Ealing Strings on the player side and has the maker's name on the far side, hence it almost certainly dates from before 1995. Yet it is in mint condition. It is characterized by the extremely high quality of workmanship associated with Taylor's work. The materials are simply outstanding and crafted to perfection.
Interestingly, the plain ebony frog sits directly on the stick without an underslide. The number 1809 is stamped into the stick under the frog, right by the adjuster mortise and the frog is fully mounted in mother-of-pearl - extremely beautiful!
This bow has extraordinary playing properties, which sets it aside as one of the best bows I've ever played with.
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The Stick :
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Excellent pernambuco. Octagonal
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The Nut :
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Plain ebony, fully mounted in mother-of-pearl
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Lapping :
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Golden lapping. Black leather thumbpad.
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