Orchestra Bow Technician / Bow Repair Specialist
Ann Arbor, MI
Full Time
Senior Executive
Bow Technician / Bow Repair Specialist
(Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello)
Full-time / In-person
(Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello)
Full-time / In-person
We are seeking a skilled Bow Technician / Bow Repair Specialist to join our instrument repair luthier team. The ideal candidate will have strong experience repairing, rehairing, adjusting, and maintaining bows for orchestral string instruments — violins, violas, and cellos. You will ensure the highest quality craftsmanship, work with a diverse range of clients (including students, professionals, and schools), and collaborate with luthiers to support comprehensive instrument repair and restoration work as needed.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform bow rehairing: removal of old horsehair, selecting/new horsehair, setting the correct tension, tying and finishing knots.
- Repair, adjust, and maintain bow components: frogs, screw mechanisms, ferrules, winding, slipping, eyelets, etc.
- Inspect bows (variations in camber, stick condition, warps, cracks, hair wear) and make repairs or recommend replacement if necessary.
- Adjust bow balance and weight where possible (winding, reshaping, etc.).
- Work with various bow stick materials (wood: pernambuco, brazilwood; carbon; composites) and understand their care and maintenance.
- Polish, clean, and restore finish where needed without harming materials.
- Keep records of repairs, costs, parts, and inventory.
- Liaise with customers/musicians to explain repair options, estimates, and timelines.
- Occasionally assist with full instrument (violin/viola/cello) repair tasks or collaborate with luthiers for structural adjustments.
- Maintain a clean, safe work area and proper tool care
Qualifications & Skills
- Apprenticeship / formal training in bow repair or stringed instrument repair/lutherie preferred.
- Demonstrated experience rehairing bows and performing bow repairs.
- Knowledge of different bow materials, finishes, and common repair techniques.
- Strong manual dexterity and attention to detail.
- Good listening skills – ability to test bows, adjust to achieve optimal sound and feel.
- Ability to manage time, estimate repair durations accurately, and work reliably to meet deadlines.
- Excellent client communication.
- Basic woodworking/metalworking skills are a plus.
- Experience working with professional musicians or orchestras is beneficial.
- Hourly rate or salary (dependent on experience). Competitive with local industry standards.
- Paid time off / vacation.
- Health insurance (if full-time).
- Employee discounts on instruments/parts.
- Professional development opportunities (workshops, trade shows, training).
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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