Paul Martin Siefried viola bow

Renowned American bow maker Paul Martin Siefried (1950-2019) began his training as a violin maker in 1970 in San Francisco, California. He turned to bow making while working in Hans Weisshaar's workshop in Los Angeles. After sweeping the 1978 Violin Society of America competition with three gold medals, and winning another three gold medals in 1980, he was designated hors concours by the VSA and served as a judge at subsequent competitions. In 1983, Siefried opened his own business in Los Angeles, before relocating in 1991 to Port Townsend, Washington-a bow-making mecca sometimes called the "Mirecourt of the United States" and home to numerous esteemed bow makers. Siefried was known to fabricate and restore the finest bows while also enthusiastically sharing his art with emerging makers. He was often contracted by owners and experts to create intelligent replicas for historic bows in need of replacement fittings, and his bows are highly desirable among professional players and collectors.