Baroque Violin Bows by Andrew Dipper

Introducing the Corrette Model

Now available nationwide — Violin Bow: Baroque, A. Dipper, Corrette Model for sale & finance through Vermont Violins

The Art of the Baroque Bow: Precision, Articulation, and Elegance

The Bow That Speaks the Language of the Baroque

Vermont Violins is excited to present a curated selection of period-authentic baroque bows by Andrew Dipper — each selected for historical integrity, tonal character, and the nuanced demands of historically informed performance practice.

While the modern bow is designed for the long, seamless legato of the Romantic era, the Baroque bow is a rhetorical tool—a "wand" that allows the music of Bach, Biber, and Corelli to speak with its original clarity and dance-like lift.

Our Featured Collection: The Andrew Dipper Corrette Models

We are proud to highlight the work of Master Bowmaker Andrew Dipper. Known for his historically informed reconstructions, Dipper’s bows are sought after by professional early music players worldwide.

Inspired by the 18th-century treatises of Michel Corrette, these baroque bows represent the pivotal transition where French elegance met Italian virtuosity. Historically favored for their snakewood (Brosimum guianense) construction, these bows evolved to a 68cm length to accommodate the poetic metrical structures of the High Baroque. Andrew Dipper’s modern reconstructions faithfully replicate the iconic "swan-bill" head and the unique cambered hair ribbon, a design that offers a nuanced articulation far superior to the flat ribbon of modern bows. Weighing between 52g–54g and featuring a screw-adjustable frog made from durable amourette or dense tropical hardwoods, these bows are engineered to enhance the rhetorical expression and technical precision required for authentic period performance.

Each bow in our collection is selected for historical authenticity, tonal distinction, and suitability for professional Baroque performance.

Choosing Your Baroque Bow: Key Considerations

300+

Years of History

EXPERT

Bow Specialist

50

States Served

Selecting a period bow is a deeply personal process. Unlike modern bows, Baroque models vary significantly based on the specific decade and region of the music you perform.

1. Historical Accuracy & Design

Early Baroque (Clip-in Frog): Best for short, rhythmic dance movements. The lack of a screw mechanism provides a unique, springy response.
High Baroque (Screw-Adjuster): Offers more versatility for the sustained arias of the late 18th century while maintaining the transparency needed for complex counterpoint.

2. Materials and Weight

Historically, there was no single standard like Pernambuco. Our collection includes:

Snakewood: Prized for its density and warm, round tonal profile.
Ironwood: Preferred by players seeking a brighter, more clear-edged articulation.
Weight Profile: Our violin bows typically range from 48g to 54g, providing the lightness necessary for effortless string crossings.

Baroque Bow Features

✓

Premium Snakewood

Crafted from high-density Brosimum guianense for superior flexibility, rapid articulation, and a warm, resonant tonal profile.

✓

Swan-Bill Head

A historically accurate, medium-sized head design that allows for a narrow 7mm hair ribbon, optimizing "small-bow" strokes.

✓

Cambered Ribbon

Uniquely shaped frog hair channels provide a cambered ribbon, offering nuanced expression and resistance distinct from modern flat ribbons.

✓

Corrette Model

Based on the 18th-century French-Italian hybrid style, featuring a 68cm stick length and a screw-adjustable frog for professional precision.

✓

Trial Program

Nationwide home trials available through Vermont Violins — find the perfect weight (52g–54g) and balance for your technique.

Own a Masterwork Through Flexible Finance

Vermont Violins believes that exceptional instruments and bows should not be limited by circumstance. Our finance programme makes it possible for musicians at every career stage — from recently graduated students to established performers — to invest in a Sarah W. Peck baroque instrument without compromise.

Available to buyers across all fifty states, our financing is straightforward, transparent, and tailored to your situation. There are no hidden fees, no complex eligibility barriers, and no reason to delay investing in the instrument your artistry deserves.

FINANCING OPTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions
About Baroque BOWS

What is unique about the Corrette model Baroque bow?

The Corrette model, based on Michel Corrette’s 18th-century designs, features a distinctive swan-bill head and a 68cm length. Unlike modern bows, it utilizes a cambered hair ribbon and a stick profile regulated for "poetic expression," making it ideal for the nuanced articulation of French and Italian Baroque repertoire.

Why is Snakewood used for Baroque bows?

Snakewood (Brosimum guianense) was the historical material of choice in the mid-1700s. Its high density and natural stiffness allow for a thinner, more flexible stick that remains responsive, providing the clear, "speaking" quality required for period performance.

Do these bows accommodate modern travel regulations?

Yes. At Vermont Violins, we prioritize sustainability. Our Baroque bows typically feature bone, horn, or synthetic tip plates rather than ivory, making them CITES-compliant and safe for international travel and professional touring.

Can I trial a Baroque bow before purchasing?

Absolutely. We highly recommend a trial to ensure the weight (typically 52g–54g for violins) and balance point suit your playing style. We offer a comprehensive Home Trial Program where bows can be shipped directly to you for evaluation.

Are financing options available for professional bows?

Yes. Vermont Violins offers flexible, transparent financing plans. Whether you are a conservatory student or a professional artist, we can structure a monthly payment plan that makes owning an Andrew Dipper original accessible.

How does the bow hold differ between French and Italian styles?

Historically, Corrette noted that the Italian hold was significantly higher up the stick, nearer the balance point. This position facilitates easier articulation for virtuosic, nuanced passages, whereas the French hold was traditionally lower for rhythmic dance music.