A violin bow by J. A. Lamy

Joseph Alfred Lamy (1850–1919), known as J.A. Lamy or Lamy “père,” was one of the most respected French bow makers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Born in Mirecourt, France—the historic center of French lutherie—he apprenticed under François Nicolas Voirin, whose refined style strongly influenced his early work. Around 1876, Lamy established his own workshop in Paris, where he developed a distinctive personal model.

Lamy’s bows are admired for their elegance, precision, and exceptional playing qualities. He favored finely selected pernambuco wood and produced sticks of remarkable balance and suppleness, capable of both power and nuance. While inspired by Voirin’s slender aesthetic, Lamy’s bows often display a slightly stronger head and a confident, fluid line. His craftsmanship is evident in the clean chamfers, well-cut heads, and beautifully made frogs, frequently mounted in gold or silver.

Today, J.A. Lamy bows are highly sought after by professional musicians and collectors. They are valued not only for their tonal versatility and reliability but also for their consistency, making them enduring examples of the French bow-making tradition at its height.

Sean Bishop ” Sometimes Lamy bow can be on the lighter and weaker side…not this bow! Previously owned by a London Concertmaster…this draws a fine tone from any violin. £15 000 cheaper than a Sartory! Seems crazy!”

 

59.8g

Price range: £14,000+