A Silver/Ivory Cello Bow By Loyd Liu

Lloyd Liu was an internationally recognized achetier with storied clients such as Heifetz, Yo-Yo Ma, and many others. He left Hunan, China to study bow making in Argentina and then emigrating to the United States in 1946 to work at Wurlizer’s, where he became one of Simone Fernando Sacconi’s most celebrated protégés. He established himself in New York in 1970 and continued making bows of exemplary playing properties, sought after and welcome at auction houses. Earlier in their careers, both Douglas Raguse and David Crowder studied under him. Unfortunately, he fell victim to and passed away from the first wave of Covid, after which his bows have quickly appreciated. This silver mounted bow with an ivory frog is a rare treat, a stunning example of this maker’s work now available at Cohen Violins; a strong, dense stick which effortlessly draws a deep, round sound, and produces a surprisingly nimble spiccato for its 91.2 grams.