Thomson monogram

The art of
the bow

Sawyer Thomson · Expert & Bowmaker · Seoul

A bow is judged in the hand, not on paper.
Every bow that passes through this atelier —
sourced, certified, or made — is held to a single standard:
would a great artist choose it?

Expertise
Sawyer Thomson examining a bow above a display case of fine bows

A collector’s eye.
A musician’s ear.

A former cellist, Sawyer Thomson was drawn to the physical beauty and unmatched sound of fine instruments and bows from an early age. Since founding Thomson Violins Ltd. in 2017, he has built a reputation for collecting and sourcing bows of the highest quality.

Top soloists, orchestral musicians, teachers, and collectors call upon him for his keen eye and unwavering commitment to quality.

Sawyer Thomson sealing a certificate of authenticity

Identification &
certification.

Drawing on a photographic memory and years of close study of the great French, English, and German schools, Sawyer identifies and certifies fine bows — and is regarded as the leading bow expert of his generation.

Certificates of authenticity are issued from the Seoul atelier and are recognized by musicians, dealers, and collectors worldwide.

Hands shaping a bow with a knife at the bench

From player
to maker.

In 2021, Sawyer learned bow making in the French tradition from the award-winning maker Gary Leahy — and immediately gained recognition for the remarkable playability of his very first bow.

He is a unique figure in the world of bows: the only maker who came to the craft with an established background as a musician, collector, dealer, and expert. Every bow he makes draws on that comprehensive knowledge.

In the hands of
From the Atelier
E. A. Ouchard violin bow resting on its original 1960 certificate E. A. Ouchard, 1960 — with original certificate Sawyer Thomson with Leonidas Kavakos examining a bow Late nights and amazing bows with Leonidas Kavakos Sawyer Thomson with Jaime Laredo holding his violin and Op. 5 bow Op. 5 joins Jaime Laredo’s collection Head and frog of the Op. 13 bow Op. 13, for Soobeen Lee

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Visit the atelier.

Consultations, certification, and bow trials are available
at Thomson & Choi in Seoul — appointments recommended.

Request an appointment @thomsonviolins

Location

Thomson & Choi
106 Myeongdal-ro, Seocho District
Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 서초구 명달로 106

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Hours

  • Mon – Wed10 AM – 6 PM
  • Thursday10 AM – 5 PM
  • Friday10 AM – 6 PM
  • Saturday11 AM – 2 PM
  • SundayClosed