We all know people, that put everything they have into their craft or work. They are not only competent in what they do but, they are focussed and intent on every detail....they could be a musician, carpenter, electrician, mail person , plumber or anyone who does something or makes something.
One such person recently put magic in my music world . I had been looking for a new cello bow for about 2 yrs....I do not even remember how many bows I tried....nothing sounded good on my Zadlo or felt good in my hand....then, Ken Altman, a Master bow maker in Oregon, was recommended by a professional cellist I knew ....I was so discouraged ...I was so lucky finding my current bow...it seems that a bow and its cello and the player have a soul mate thing going on....
After my first contact with Ken, I knew I was in the right hands...when he said he went thru my site (it's on my email) and read all the sayings and said he uses them also , to keep things "right" like I do....after much discussion of what my perimeters were and what my objectives were , a cello bow was on its way from Oregon...almost all the way across country....I was very excited and worried...how could his bows be any different from the many I tried?.....
I waited and watched for the Fedex guy that day and was so happy when it arrived.
I knew from the first touch of the bow to my cello that.....Fedex delivered magic....it was amazing......
As Ken and I were wrapping up the business end to this magical transaction, I asked him...how do you do it?....how did you create magic for my cello?....he sent me a full page of details that I read thoroughly and when I was done...I knew I had a bow that was made with such positive energy and intent , along with craftsmanship....no wonder I felt and heard magic....his bow is so well designed and different in one special aspect that allows me to play a few hours more a day....lessened the fatigue factor for me....when questioned , he said....he designs the bow for the player so that they have minimal discomfort ...no sharp edges that the thumb touches....unlike any I have ever used ...including my current (at the time)......and he mentions that he "hand picks" the hairs for the bows when he does a rehair....to make sure he doesn't get kinks or the like that affects sound negatively.....he mentioned that he makes his own tools....I have some photos at the end of this musing....he mentioned he used a special new type of Sterling Silver to lessen tarnishing from the players hands....details, details ,....details. From his words, I also felt the love of his craft as he makes each bow .
I reread this wonderful email several times again before beginning this musing and it just touches my heart as I know why my bow is magical. As mentioned, there are photos and I have included Kens website address if you should like to explore this further.
Although, this writing features Ken and his marvelous work .. I mentioned at the start of this musing....these qualities are also prevalent in many people doing all kinds of things.....you might be one of them...a person who cares about every single detail of what they do and always want to be their best at it....nothing less than that is acceptable to them..they basically care and strive for perfection whether they are a mail carrier, auto mechanic, electrician, musician , nurse, or????.........(you name it).
If you have these qualities and attitudes about something you do or make..then.....this musing could have been about you !!
QUOTES:
"Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude." - Ralph Marston
Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.
William A. Foster
Ken's site: http://www.altmanbows.com/
One such person recently put magic in my music world . I had been looking for a new cello bow for about 2 yrs....I do not even remember how many bows I tried....nothing sounded good on my Zadlo or felt good in my hand....then, Ken Altman, a Master bow maker in Oregon, was recommended by a professional cellist I knew ....I was so discouraged ...I was so lucky finding my current bow...it seems that a bow and its cello and the player have a soul mate thing going on....
After my first contact with Ken, I knew I was in the right hands...when he said he went thru my site (it's on my email) and read all the sayings and said he uses them also , to keep things "right" like I do....after much discussion of what my perimeters were and what my objectives were , a cello bow was on its way from Oregon...almost all the way across country....I was very excited and worried...how could his bows be any different from the many I tried?.....
I waited and watched for the Fedex guy that day and was so happy when it arrived.
I knew from the first touch of the bow to my cello that.....Fedex delivered magic....it was amazing......
As Ken and I were wrapping up the business end to this magical transaction, I asked him...how do you do it?....how did you create magic for my cello?....he sent me a full page of details that I read thoroughly and when I was done...I knew I had a bow that was made with such positive energy and intent , along with craftsmanship....no wonder I felt and heard magic....his bow is so well designed and different in one special aspect that allows me to play a few hours more a day....lessened the fatigue factor for me....when questioned , he said....he designs the bow for the player so that they have minimal discomfort ...no sharp edges that the thumb touches....unlike any I have ever used ...including my current (at the time)......and he mentions that he "hand picks" the hairs for the bows when he does a rehair....to make sure he doesn't get kinks or the like that affects sound negatively.....he mentioned that he makes his own tools....I have some photos at the end of this musing....he mentioned he used a special new type of Sterling Silver to lessen tarnishing from the players hands....details, details ,....details. From his words, I also felt the love of his craft as he makes each bow .
I reread this wonderful email several times again before beginning this musing and it just touches my heart as I know why my bow is magical. As mentioned, there are photos and I have included Kens website address if you should like to explore this further.
Although, this writing features Ken and his marvelous work .. I mentioned at the start of this musing....these qualities are also prevalent in many people doing all kinds of things.....you might be one of them...a person who cares about every single detail of what they do and always want to be their best at it....nothing less than that is acceptable to them..they basically care and strive for perfection whether they are a mail carrier, auto mechanic, electrician, musician , nurse, or????.........(you name it).
If you have these qualities and attitudes about something you do or make..then.....this musing could have been about you !!
QUOTES:
"Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude." - Ralph Marston
Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.
William A. Foster
Ken's site: http://www.altmanbows.com/
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