Gotthard Schuster (b. 1903, d. 1987) was a highly esteemed 20th century bowmaker. He learned the craft of archetier from his father, Emanuel Schuster, in Schonbach between 1918-1923. Gotthard earned significant recognition for bowmaking as evidenced by active contacts with bow makers in Markneukirchen and Erlbach during the 1920’s and 1930’s. In 1931, Schuster opened his own workshop in Schonbach. With his excellent business acumen, Schuster employed a large staff of bowmakers and craftsmen. After some misfortune, Schuster was forced out of his shop in 1948, however, with remarkable resiliency, founded a new shop in the violin making community of Bubereuth. Eventually, he established a relationship with R. Wurlitzer in New York, who provided Schuster with valuable information regarding old master bows. As a result, Schuster’s bow making style is a seamless blending of 20th century classic German bow making and that of French models. Oh joy! This bow is super fun to play. The octagonal stick draws a sumptuous, broad sound from your viola—it’s like velvet thunder. You will really appreciate how solid and comfortable the bow feels in your hand. Experience crisp articulation, great response to subtle bow changes, and a really nice singing sound. This bow will be an asset to us violists!