Careers In Music.com

Bow Rehairer and Restorer

$26,000 to $80,000+
None.
Rehairs string instrument bows and restores old or damaged bows.
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About This Music Career

It is the job of the Bow Rehairer and Restorer to replace the bow hair of stringed instrument bows, while also sometimes restoring old and/or damaged bows to get them back to working condition. The Rehairer performs such work by using tools like knives, chisels, pliers, scissors, and combs. To replace bow hair, the Rehairer must take apart the bow and remove the spent or used hair. The bow is then examined to check for damage, and cleaned if necessary.


Manual dexterity is a definite requirement of those in this line of work, as they may have to hand-carve replacement wedges and/or plugs to fit the bow. Precision and accuracy is a must, as these parts need to fit exactly or else the quality of the sound produced by the bow will be impacted.


The Rehairer must select new hairs for the bow, and then bind one end with special threads, which will be secured into one end of the bow with the hand-carved wedges. Finally, the bow Rehairer will then comb the hair neatly and bind the remaining loose ends with the special thread – this end will then be secured with wedges. Rehairers may work full-time or part-time, contacting schools, colleges, conservatories, and orchestras in an effort to obtain reharing contracts for the group's stringed instruments.

Salaries
Because of the fact that Rehairers work on a part-time basis while pursuing performance or teaching careers, it is difficult to estimate their yearly salary. The goal for Rehairers and Restorers is to secure contracts to take care of all the stringed instruments in a school, college, conservatory, or orchestra. To rehair one bow, the normal charge usually ranges from $45 to $200 or more per bow; and to restore one bow may range from $50 to $300 or more per item.


Employment
Because of a shortage of individuals who know how to rehair and restore, those who do will be welcomed with good job prospects. Major cultural cities have symphony orchestras, chamber music groups, and more that use a large number of stringed instruments, so individuals looking for work in this field might have to relocate to one of these major cities so they can advantage of one of the many opportunities.


Advancement
Advancement as a Bow Rehairer and Restorer is difficult to achieve – the best way to advance is to obtain as many clients as possible.


Education and Training
While there is no specific educational requirement for a Bow Rehairer and Restorer, he or she must be trained in the craft due to the nature of the skills involved. Training can be found in workshops/seminars, or through an apprenticeship with a master craftsman.


Experience, Skills, and Personality
A person must have hands-on experience in bow rehairing if they want to turn their craft into a successful career. As mentioned, the best training comes through an apprenticeship. Manual dexterity, patience, and attention to detail are all things required of the Rehairer and Restorer.


Unions and Associations
Rehairers and Restorers might belong to the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) if they are also performing musicians as well. The Acoustical Society of America and/or the National Council of Acoustical Consultants are other options in terms of associations.


Suggestions for Getting Started

  • Violin teachers often know of workshops in the art of bow reharing. They might also know where you can take on an apprenticeship.
  • Go to schools, colleges, and orchestras to obtain clients.
  • Hang signs, posters, or business cards on music store bulletin boards.