This beautifully executed Sartory model violin bow by Frank Modenese reflects the strength, balance, and refined aesthetic of the great Eugène Sartory, interpreted through the hands of a skilled modern Italian maker. Crafted from ipe — a dense, resonant tropical hardwood known for its tonal clarity and durability — this bow offers a compelling alternative to traditional pernambuco, combining excellent performance with eco-conscious material sourcing.

The stick is strong yet supple, with a steady, reliable feel favored by players seeking stability and projection across a wide dynamic range. Modeled after Sartory's later work, the bow features a broad, well-defined head and a precisely carved ebony frog with gold fittings, including a classic three-piece button and Parisian eye. The craftsmanship is meticulous, with smooth fittings and clean lines that speak to Modenese’s attention to detail and respect for the French tradition.

Whether in the hands of an advancing student, a chamber musician, or a professional seeking a dependable modern bow, this Sartory copy delivers elegant articulation, smooth tracking, and a generous, singing tone. A fine example of contemporary bowmaking rooted in time-honored design.

• Round ipe stick
• Ebony frog w/ gold mounts
• Weight: 61.9g
• Stamped “Frank Modenese"

The stick is of red-brown ipe, round in shape changing to octagonal at the butt end. The frog is of ebony and gold with a Parisianl eye at each of the faces. The button is capped in gold.

With pernambuco becoming scarce, bowmakers around the world are seeking alternative materials to ensure the legacy of quality wood bowmaking continues. The master bowmakers at Arcos Brasil are doing just that by offering Ipe as an alternative. Comparable in quality, appearance, and response, the ipe bows we have evaluated here are every bit as good as the comparable pernambuco bows we have grown to love and admire.

Frank Modenese da Rós (b. 1983, Aracruz, Espírito Santo, Brasil) began his professional life as a soccer player before turning to the art of bow making. In 2012, he started working with bow sticks at Arcos Brasil, and by 2013 had progressed to crafting full bows. Early in his career, he drew inspiration from prominent Brazilian makers Claudio Chagas and Celso de Mello.

Today, Frank serves as the foreman at Arcos Brasil’s workshop, overseeing quality control and the grading of Pernambuco wood blanks. His hallmark bow stamp reads “F. Modenese – Brasil.” With a foundation rooted in both traditional techniques and Brazilian innovation, his work—often in the Sartory model—balances tonal power, precision, and elegant design.

1-Year Limited Warranty
This item comes with Shar's 1 year warranty covering defects of workmanship or materials. General wear and tear or misuse are not covered. Non-transferable.

30-Day No Hassle Return Policy
If you are not satisfied with this item for any reason, you may return it for a full refund within 30 days of purchase.

If you have any questions, please contact our Fine Instrument Professionals at 866.742.7270 or email us at violinshop@sharmusic.com.