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Read an article about Harry in
Business People-Vermont
November 2012
H.F. Grabenstein, All Strings Considered

Click Here
to read an Interview with Harry in the
Dec. 2010
Viola Da Gamba Society
Pacifica Gamba News

See the bows by Mr. Grabenstein
that were on display at
The American Craft Museum
in New York City.

Motomi Igarashi using HFG  bow
for Violone - on # XII - The Ascension

Frog carving at fish camp 2002

Client Comments

• I don't even know how long I've been playing with one of Harry's bows. Decades for sure. But I clearly remember the moment when I first drew this bow across the strings. We were doing a show at the Flynn Theater in Burlington and Harry came by with a bunch of bows for me to try out. I picked out the bow that I use today, and Neal Conan, who was there on stage for the soundcheck, turned around and said, "What is that?" We had been performing together for years and he had never heard my instrument sound so beautiful, so clear. It was huge. I played with it that night and it was a little like going from a VW to a Ferrari. A little out of control, a little wild - but we are a team, the bass viol by Marc Soubeyran, the bow by Harry, and me. That bow has done everything I have asked it to do, and that's saying a LOT.         Carolyn Surrick
  
  
  
  
• I have to tell you, the more I play this bow, the more I love it. It has made a huge difference.
   
   
• My Grabenstein bass viol bow is my go-to bow for both early and experimental viola da gamba playing because its versatility and comfort open up countless sonic possibilities.
  
   
• Musically, this bow feels like it is an extension of my mind.
  
   
• Thanks so much for the great bow. Someone described the response of your bows as intelligent. I cannot agree more.
   
   
• I have found more beautiful ways of shaping notes and phrases than I was ever able to find before, and this bow makes it all possible.
  
  
  
• All of the bows were works of art, and all handled very well. I know I would have done well to keep any one of the three you sent.
  
   
• Thanks for the new gamba bow... it can only be descibed as kickass. 
  
  
• I am absolutely delighted with both bows. The new bow is all I ever hoped for, which was a lot, and the repaired bow looks and plays as though nothing had ever happened to it.
  
   

VIDEO

Fermi's Paradox
by Ronn McFarlane and Carolyn Surrick

Pincombe plays Bach

 
Will Hurd, Violoncello da Spalla

Niccolo Seligmann at
The Mansion at Strathmore

• As I played with your bow I realized what a smooth and good sound it gave, and at the same time felt easy in my hand.
   
   
•  ....I feel that the blackwood bow I have kept is a real instrument! It's already brought me a lot of pleasure, and I look forward to long term enjoyment.
  
   
• I'm a very sleepy person today...   I couldn't stop playing last night.  The bow is better than new.  Rich, full sound, easy articulation.  The feel is truly lovely.
   
   
• I have decided to keep this bow, very nice work! I had another bow I was trying that I thought I'd prefer but yours' knocked me out. Feels like it was made for my hand and I did not know the treble strings of my German gamba could sound so good.
   
   
•  Lots of compliments on the sound and looks of the bows from the audience .I am really enjoying the fact that I can use an underhand or overhand grip, I find it very easy to draw the tone I want from the instrument.
   
   
•  Thank you so much for sending the wonderful quality bows.  I greatly admire your workmanship! We would like to purchase three of the ones you sent.
  
  
  
• As to the bows, I actually might like two bows, and to be honest with you, every bow you've made works for me.