Purchasing Information

A. Models Available

Ebony

Violin Viola Cello
$2500 $2500 $2750
This stick is mounted with a traditional German style ebony wood frog which is fully mounted with sterling silver, a Parisian eye and a three piece button. These bows are engraved, "BERG."  It includes an ebony wood tip underlay and has fine silver wire wrapping. For value, these bows are unsurpassed in the history of the craft. Our distinguished clients often say they perform as well or better than the finest French bows.

Deluxe

Violin Viola
$4000 $4000
These bows are entirely crafted by master bow maker, Michael F. Duff, and are accordingly engraved, "M. F. Duff." Those sticks which come closest to theoretical perfection, based on parameters established by our original scientific research, are selected by Mr. Duff and mounted with an elegant French style ebony wood frog with tapered pearl slide. The tip is hand polished to a mirror finish and has an ebony wood underlay. The grip is lizard hide, cushioned with an underlay, and is treated with atom wax to protect against skin acids. Many properties of these bows, such as colour, balance point, frog weight and mountings can be customized to meet our clients preferences. The bows are wound with fine silver wire and haired with exceptionally high quality horsehair.

Gold Fleur-de-Lys & Gold Parisian Eye

Violin Viola Cello
$5500 $5500 $5750
The specifications for these outstanding bows are the same as for the deluxe bows but with the addition of a 14 carat gold Fleur-de-Lys or Parisian Eye frog and 14 carat gold wire wrapping. (All Berg Bows are haired with high quality horsehair.)

Tourte-Voirin Model

Silver Mounted
Violin
Viola
$7500
$7500
 
Gold Mounted
Violin
Viola
$8000
$8000
Includes Parisian Eye or Fleur-de-Lys
These are our highest quality violin and viola bows. There is a consensus among famous artists that they are extraordinary in performance and beautifully crafted. See endorsements and pictures in the GALLERY.

B. Postage, Insurance & Handling

USA
$30

Canada, Mexico & domestic overnight
$35

All other countries
$50

C. Ordering and Payment Options

To place your name on our waiting list we require a 30% deposit on all models.  Visa and Master cards are accepted for deposits. Balance of payment is due immediately upon completion of your order, and you will be notified when your bow nears completion.  Bows are shipped upon receipt of the balance. Options for paying the balance owing are: cashier's check, visa and master cards only with a 3% of the balance added for the bank processing and commission fee.  Berg Bows absorbs this 3% fee on deposits. For overseas purchases, wire transfer into Berg Bows bank account is the best option for a nominal $20 bank processing fee.  Exact replicas of preexisting Berg Bows are offered only at the deluxe quality because the extra detailed work involved is equivalent to that in crafting a customized deluxe bow. 

D. Trials

Trials are sometimes possible, depending on availability. They begin from the day of receipt of a bow. If you elect not to buy it but to return it, the return shipping must be dated WITHIN or ON the SEVENTH day. Default constitutes purchase of the bow.

E. Shipping

Berg Bows uses the DHL company to ship bows. They have proved especially reliable when shipping overseas. FedEx is probably the next best.  When shipping bows back to us clients are requested to WRAP them before placing them inside the PVC tube, and also to INSURE the package for the same amount of insurance as Berg Bows did when shipping out.  If you ship any bow back to us unwrapped inside the PVC tube you will be charged a $40 refurbishing fee, because the resulting abrasion breaks hairs, soils the hair and scratches the surface of the bow and frog.  Always LOOSEN the hair before shipping.  You have a perfect example to follow when you receive a bow from Berg Bows.

F. Guarantee Policies

We guarantee, to the original purchaser, the integrity of the shaft, i.e. the molded stick, against structural flaws for the lifetime of the bow. Normal wear and tear is not guaranteed. Nor is damage inflicted by incompetent craftpersons covered by Berg Bows.  Another guarantee applying only to 'Ebony' models is as follows: From the day of receipt of your new bow you have a seven day trial, after which you may either request a refund or request a second bow to be made with changes you specify.  In the situation of a refund request, Berg Bows will deduct only the shipping, insurance and handling cost the company incurs. If purchaser requests, in a replacement bow, specific changes in specifications, this will be treated like customized deluxe bows and will not qualify for a refund.

G. Frequently Asked Questions

In the search for that "perfect bow", one cannot be inquisitive enough. Please call the shop anytime with specific questions.

  1. "What are the differences between Ebony, Deluxe and Gold model bows?"
    Of the sticks that we mold, the top ten percent are selected for our Deluxe and Gold models. Michael F. Duff, Master Bow Maker, selects these bows himself, based on camber and appearance. Our Ebony models offer the same strength and durability, as well as sound quality and beauty. The frogs, wrappings and fittings essentially increase in value with the higher models of bows.
  2. "Can I choose the color and weight of the bow?"
    We do offer weight specifications for all of our bow orders. The weight ranges for Berg Bows are:
    Violin - 60-61.5 grams (Ozim model), 61.5-63 grams (Gulli model)
    Viola - 66-73 grams
    Cello - 81-86 grams
    Weights may be specified and are guaranteed to the half gram. Color options are offered for Deluxe and Gold bows. Most of our bows are a beautiful hue of reddish brown pernambuco.

 




P.O. Box 6235
Bloomington, IN 47407-6235

  

Phone: 812-336-8994
email: bergbows@bergbows.com