Bow Repair II/Independent Study:
Whether your plans include making a bow in its entirety and/or developing valuable skills to maintain your customers bows, this class will be an important addition to your education. Participants choose their own project(s) after consulting with Mr. Rubino. Topics may include, but are not limited to:
Repairs to the stick, replacement of pearl parts, head splines, repairs to the frog and button, and making specialty tools. You will learn techniques for use of a metal cutting lathe, drill press, and other small power tools. This part of the course is for students of all levels of experience.
It is recommended that the student has attended the UNH Violin Craftsmanship Institute bow making classes or has equivalent experience. Please contact Mr. Rubino if you have questions about your experience level and qualifications for this part of the workshop.
For students interested in bow making:
When making a bow, many important decisions occur during the finishing process. Final weight, balance, strength, and varnishing are critical to the playability and marketability of the finished bow. The students will be required to bring sticks, frogs, and buttons that are prepared and ready for final finishing. Mr. Rubino will work with each student individually to guide and advise them on the various options each bow presents. To evaluate the playability of their bows, students are encouraged to bring an instrument on which to play their bow.
For students interested in restoration/repair:
Students should bring projects to class. Mr. Rubino will provide guidance and advise on tools, materials, and various options that each repair presents. Projects should be discussed in advance with Mr. Rubino for the best use of class time.
Frog & Button Making:
A frog and button that compliments the stick will ensure that the finished bow plays as well as possible for the musician. Mr. Rubino will present traditional frog making techniques that can be used to make or restore a frog or button. This part of the course is for students of all levels of experience.
A list of the tools and materials required for this course can be found in the Tools & Materials tab above.
George Rubino studied with William Salchow as a student and teaching assistant at the UNH Violin Institute for many years. He has been in the forefront of American bow making for over 45 years. At the 1982 Violin Society of America Salt Lake City convention, Mr. Rubino was awarded a Certificate for Eminent Playability for a viola bow.
Many of the finest string players play Rubino bows, and bows made by his students, worldwide. Mr. Rubino’s interest in the French tradition of bow making, quest for knowledge and musicianship, facilitates his ability to make bows known for their fine aesthetic quality and capability to produce everything the music demands. He shares his knowledge and experience with students through teaching. Since 1988, Mr. Rubino has been a bow making and bow repair instructor for the UNH Violin Craftsmanship Institute. Mr. Rubino has also taught numerous bow workshops in the US, Europe and Australia. Several of his students are employed working professionals and/or successful shop owners.
Mr. Rubino studied double bass at the New England Conservatory and taught double bass at Dartmouth College. In addition to maintaining his own shop in Pownal, Maine and working at the Institute, he has been a member of the Portland Maine Symphony double bass section for over 50 seasons.
After a career operating a repair facility for Music and Arts Center and a long affiliation with the UNH Violin Craftsmanship Institute, Kevin keeps a shop focusing primarily on bowmaking and repair.