BOWSPEED

Bowspeed is run by Melanie Caswell who resumes the bow sales and repair services of  her father Hamilton Caswell at the family’s well-known shop premises in Bristol’s historic Christmas Steps violin-making quarter. Melanie grew up in the family business, and having studied cello and double bass from an early age, has a deep understanding of string players’ needs. She and her team of shop and workshop assistants are here to satisfy all requirements, and can advise on bow suitability, upgrades, second bows, check-overs, repairs, insurance matters etc.

CERTIFICATES AND APPRAISALS   

Our valuable old bows are often certificated by Parisian experts (if French) or by our consultant Hamilton Caswell. Hamilton is now largely retired, but continues to appraise bows for Bowspeed with his lifetime’s experience since establishing his violin shop in 1964. Hamilton spent years visiting top bow-makers throughout Europe including the late legendary French bow-maker Charles Bazin, studying their bows and their working methods. He is also very familiar with the work of English bow-makers, past and present.

Our bows, bow accessories, re-hairs and repairs, appraisals, insurance service and contact details can all be found in the following pages of this website.