My Classical Bow (Cramer-Model)

One of the Most Fascinating Bows In My Collection: Classical Cramer Model by Basil de Visser, Rome 2025

It features a distinctive Cramer head, named after the esteemed German violinist Johann Wilhelm Cramer (1746-1799) from Mannheim. Bows of this model were widely used in the German-speaking world during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Their most recognizable feature is the hatchet-shaped head - taller and more massive than earlier Baroque designs - reflecting the evolving musical language of the time.

These bows were made from various woods, including ironwood and pernambuco, and they supported the increasing demands for articulation, dynamic range, and nuance in classical-period repertoire. In his article on Tarisio.com, Kai Köpp notes that Cramer himself introduced this model to France, where it was briefly used before being largely abandoned in favor of the Tourte model.

However, in Germany and Austria, the Cramer model remained in widespread use well into the 19th century. I felt compelled to add a high-quality replica to my collection - not just for historical interest, but also to better understand and interpret the repertoire of that era.

This particular bow is made of ironwood, as was common at the time, and features a beautifully carved ivory frog and button. It weighs approximately 53 grams. On his website, Basil de Visser describes this model as “a great bow for Mozart and Haydn” - and that’s precisely how I intend to use it.

Have you ever played with a Classical- or transitional-style bow?
What difference did it make in your approach to Mozart, Haydn, or early Beethoven? I’d love to hear your experiences.