Heartwood Violins
Fine violins and bows
Who we are
We are a European-based dealer specializing in fine violins and bows. With years of experience in the field, we connect musical heritage with clients worldwide, offering musicians, collectors and connoisseurs instruments distinguished by craftsmanship, character and lasting artistic value.
What we offer
We offer a collection of fine violins and bows sourced from Europe and other established centers of instrument making. Each instrument is selected for its musical quality and craftsmanship.
Our collection includes violins in full size (4/4) as well as fractional sizes such as 3/4, alongside a carefully selected range of bows for violin, viola and cello.
Due to our careful and selective approach, the collection is continually evolving, with instruments regularly entering and leaving.
The collection spans refined workshop instruments to master-made pieces, with an emphasis on character, condition and musical potential.
Our mission and vision
Our mission is to identify, present and connect fine violins and bows with musicians, collectors and connoisseurs worldwide, highlighting instruments that embody craftsmanship, historical integrity and musical character.
Our vision is to contribute to the continuity of European instrument-making traditions by offering instruments selected with discernment, respect for their origin and long-term cultural significance.
We value craftsmanship, historical integrity and musical character. Every instrument is approached with respect for its origin, materials and tradition, with an emphasis on quality, transparency and long-term significance.
Current selection
Bows
1. Introduction
A finely crafted German violin bow in the baroque tradition, reflecting the elegant simplicity and functional grace characteristic of 18th-century design. This piece embodies the precision and discipline of German craftsmanship, executed in beautifully grained reddish-brown pernambuco-style wood.
2. Historical and Artistic Context
Inspired by early baroque performance practice, this bow follows the classical model used by musicians of the Bach and Handel era. Its open frog and rounded screw recall the authentic forms developed before the rise of the modern Tourte model, offering both historical accuracy and refined playability.
3. Craftsmanship and Materials
Handmade in Germany from carefully selected hardwood with a deep, expressive grain. The stick balances strength and flexibility perfectly, while the open frog is carved with precision and finished to reveal the natural texture of the wood. The tip is elegantly shaped, adhering closely to traditional baroque proportions.
4. Tonal Character and Playability
Light, responsive, and articulate. This bow produces a clear, resonant tone ideally suited to historically informed performance. It enables subtle phrasing and excellent control, combining dynamic range with expressive freedom for both solo and ensemble use.
5. Condition
In mint condition, showing no structural or cosmetic flaws. Newly haired and ready for immediate use. No case included.
6. Measurements
• Total length: approx. 71 cm
• Balance point: approx. 22.5 cm from the frog
7. Packaging, Shipping, and Warranty
Carefully packed in reinforced tubing for complete protection during transport. Worldwide shipping with insurance and tracking. Every shipment is handled with professional care to ensure safe arrival.
8. Attribution
Crafted in the German tradition of 18th-century baroque bow making, with faithful attention to historical proportions and musical authenticity.
1. Introduction
This fine full-size violin bow, crafted around 2010, represents the high standards of modern European bow making. Combining traditional French–German workshop techniques with contemporary precision, it offers a refined balance, responsive handling, and the warm tonal enhancement expected from true pernambuco.
2. Historical and Artistic Context
During the early 21st century, European bow workshops experienced a revival of artisanal craftsmanship, returning to the principles established by the great French schools of the 19th century. Makers once again focused on select pernambuco, cleanly carved heads, and durable ebony frogs with nickel or silver mounts.
This bow embodies that movement: elegant proportions, reliable construction, and a playing feel inspired by the classic French models, yet executed with modern consistency and stability.
3. Craftsmanship and Materials
The bow is crafted from dense, well-selected pernambuco, exhibiting a warm reddish-brown hue.
Key features include:
Frog: Ebony with mother-of-pearl eyes and slide
Mountings: Nickel, with a matching button
Winding: Functional and secure
Hair: Newly rehaired, ready for immediate use
Button: Nickel-mounted; minor cosmetic dent visible on the collar
The overall workmanship reflects a modern European workshop of higher quality, with careful attention to weight, camber, and balance.
4. Tonal Character and Playability
With its balanced weight of 53 g and a 62 cm balance point, the bow offers agile control and a comfortable feel in the hand.
On the string it provides:
Quick, clean articulation
Stable tracking
Warm, rounded tone production
Confident response suitable for both students and advancing amateurs
The fresh hair ensures optimal grip and tonal clarity.
5. Condition
Stick: Pernambuco, straight and structurally sound
Frog: Ebony in good condition
Button: Slight cosmetic dent; fully functional
Hair: New
No structural damage or repairs
Fully playable.
6. Measurements (cm)
Total length: 74.5 cm
Hair length: 65 cm
Balance point: 62 cm
Weight: 53 g
7. Packaging, Shipping, and Warranty
The bow will be shipped in a protective tube or padded case substitute, securely wrapped and fully insured. Professional packaging ensures safe arrival. No additional restoration or setup services are included.
8. Attribution
Attributed to a high-quality European workshop, ca. 2010, working in the modern tradition of 19th-century French and German bow making.
1. Introduction
A finely handcrafted German baroque violin bow, reflecting the elegance and precision of 18th-century design. This bow exemplifies the balance and grace typical of early German workshops, executed in a rich reddish-brown pernambuco-style hardwood with natural luster and fine grain.
2. Historical and Artistic Context
Following the baroque tradition favored by performers of Bach and early classical repertoire, this model features an open frog and rounded screw typical of the pre-Tourte period. Its form offers the lightness and agility essential to historically informed performance.
3. Craftsmanship and Materials
Made in Germany from select hardwood with a deep, even texture and a polished oil finish. The open frog is carefully shaped and the shaft tapers smoothly to a refined point. Newly fitted with quality ebony-colored horsehair for authentic appearance and balance.
4. Tonal Character and Playability
This bow offers crisp articulation, fast response, and a clear, resonant sound ideal for baroque phrasing and stylistic nuance. Its light weight supports effortless control in dance movements, sonatas, and solo passages requiring subtlety and expression.
5. Condition
Mint condition throughout, free of wear or damage. Newly haired and immediately playable. No case included.
6. Measurements
• Total length: approx. 71 cm
• Balance point: approx. 22.5 cm from the frog
7. Packaging, Shipping, and Warranty
Securely packed in reinforced tubing to ensure full protection during shipment. Worldwide insured delivery with tracking. Handled with professional care for safe arrival.
8. Attribution
Crafted in the German tradition of early 18th-century baroque bow making, with meticulous attention to historical proportions, craftsmanship, and tonal authenticity.
Understanding fine instruments
Fine instruments are defined not only by craftsmanship, but by the convergence of material quality, historical context and musical character. Beyond technical construction, their value lies in individuality, provenance and the way they respond to the musician.
Understanding these elements allows distinctions to be made between instruments that are merely well-made and those that possess lasting artistic and musical significance.
Master and workshop violins
The distinction between master and workshop violins lies primarily in authorship, craftsmanship and individuality.
Master violins are typically the work of a single maker, reflecting a personal style, refined technique and artistic intention. They often carry historical or cultural significance and display a high degree of tonal complexity and character.
Workshop violins, by contrast, are produced within ateliers or workshops where multiple craftsmen contribute to the construction. While often technically excellent, they tend to follow established models and styles, offering consistency and reliability rather than individual expression.
Both categories play an important role in the world of fine instruments, appealing to different needs, budgets and artistic expectations.
French and German bow traditions
French and German bow making represent two distinct traditions shaped by history, technique and musical aesthetics.
French bows are often associated with elegance, balance and refined articulation. Emerging from the tradition of makers such as Tourte and his successors, they tend to favour clarity, responsiveness and a nuanced tonal palette. Their construction reflects an emphasis on precision and subtlety, making them highly valued by soloists and chamber musicians.
German bows, by contrast, are traditionally characterised by strength, stability and a broader, more grounded sound. Rooted in Central European craftsmanship, they often offer greater resistance and projection, qualities that appeal to orchestral players and those seeking a powerful tonal presence.
While these distinctions provide a framework for understanding bow traditions, individual bows ultimately transcend categorisation. Craftsmanship, condition and musical compatibility remain decisive factors in determining their artistic and practical value.
Our workshop services are provided in collaboration with specialized luthiers in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and other renowned luthiers in Europe. Every intervention is guided by respect for original materials, historical context and musical integrity, ensuring that each instrument is treated with technical expertise and long-term care.
Our workshop
We offer a considered selection of materials, maintenance products essential to the care, setup and everyday use of fine instruments and bows. This includes strings, bridges, fittings, rosin and cleaning products, selected with attention to quality, compatibility and traditional standards of instrument making.
Materials & maintenance
Restoration and repairs
Restoration and repair work is undertaken with careful consideration of structure, sound and historical authenticity. From subtle adjustments to complex restorations, each intervention is approached with restraint and precision, with the aim of preserving both the musical and historical value of the instrument.
Bow re-hairing
Bow re-hairing is carried out with equal attention to balance, responsiveness and traditional methods, ensuring optimal playing characteristics while respecting the integrity of each bow.
Archive
The archive presents a selection of instruments and bows that have previously passed through our collection. It reflects the range, character and historical depth of instruments we have handled over time.
Get in Touch
Whether you have a question, an idea, or just want to say hello, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help.