The Glass Bow
Discover
A Fully Developed Instrument by Current Standards
The Requin Renard glass bow is a fully functional musical instrument. It meets the current standards of bow making, though it remains young in its instrumental history.
Each bow is designed to be played in rehearsal, public performance, and in the studio. It is neither a decorative object nor a demonstration piece, but an instrument intended for real musical use.
Why Glass
The choice of borosilicate glass is based on precise mechanical criteria.
Unlike wood, glass does not deform over time. The camber remains stable throughout the bow's lifetime. Variations in humidity, perspiration — including acidic sweat — and temperature changes do not affect the material.
The glass used is laboratory-grade, selected for its mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance. It allows an instrumental approach grounded in stability, consistency, and repeatability of behaviour.
This choice does not aim to replace wood, but to explore an instrumental alternative based on different physical properties.
Bow Making Standards
Craft and Precision
Each bow is handmade to order. The camber is shaped by glass blowing, a gesture requiring extremely high precision.
Each piece is unique. Slight variations may exist from one bow to another, particularly in the camber and weight.
All delivered bows meet the standards of modern bow making, with a target weight of approximately 61 grams and controlled balance. Any bow that does not meet these criteria is not delivered.
Validation and Collaborations
The development of the bow was based on repeated testing, extended observation, and successive technical adjustments.
Tests were carried out by amateur musicians recognised for their standards, as well as primarily by bow makers and violin makers. Their expertise validated the balance, playability, structure, and basic sound behaviour of the instrument.
The project was notably accompanied by Jean-Pascal Nehr, bow maker in Marseille, who guided and informed the technical choices throughout the development process.
An Innovation in French Glass Heritage
France has a tradition of glass instruments dating back to the 19th century. The crystal transverse flute by Claude Laurent, on display at the Musée de la Musique — Philharmonie de Paris, is its most celebrated example.
The Requin Renard glass bow is part of this heritage.
Mechanical Parameters and Durability
Hair Tension
Works according to the same principles as a wooden bow.
Handling
Like any bow, it must be handled with care. A drop can cause irreversible damage.
Long-term Stability
To date, there is not yet sufficient data on intensive long-term use by a wide range of professional musicians. However, the mechanical behaviour of glass allows for an expectation of excellent long-term stability.
Your Bow, to Your Specifications
Each bow is custom made to your specifications: violin, cello, viola. Describe your practice, expectations, and preferences.
We will get back to you as soon as possible by email to arrange a phone call or send you a personalised quote.
Limited artisanal production. Each piece is unique.
We are looking for experienced violinists based in Marseille to test our glass bow prototypes.
Your feedback will allow us to refine the balance, stick flexibility, and general behaviour of the bow. A unique opportunity to take part in the development of an instrumental innovation.
requinrenardcontact@gmail.com