Emily and I've spent decades perfecting the art of sourcing the highest-quality bow hair for musicians around the world. One of the key moments in this journey took place in 2004 when my wife Emily and I traveled to Anping, China, to meet with a bow hair supplier. It was an eye-opening experience that not only helped us establish a strong relationship with a reputable workshop but also shaped the foundation for our business.
The Search for Excellence: Our First Visit to Anping
Upon arriving in Anping, we were taken on a tour of the workshop where the hair was processed. I still remember the meticulousness of the workers as they straightened the hair using hackles, carefully drawing and sorting out any damaged strands. The hair was then bundled and packaged, ready to be shipped to a customer in London. Each step in the process was done with precision and care, which gave me the confidence to negotiate a fair price for our first order. We sat in a small, cold office drinking hot water, a customary Chinese tradition, while the terms were settled.
This trip solidified our commitment to providing only the best-quality bow hair, and it marked the beginning of what would become a longstanding partnership with our supplier.
Expanding the Scope: The Return in 2005
We returned to Anping in 2005, this time expanding our focus beyond bow hair. The demand for high-quality horse tail hair for push brooms, brushes, and furniture had grown, and we were there to negotiate prices for these products as well. This broadened our expertise in the industry and allowed us to offer a diverse range of products, ensuring that we could meet the needs of various customers across different sectors.
Since then, we've been steadily importing small quantities—around 10 kilos at a time—of both bow hair and other horse hair products. Our commitment to quality has remained unwavering, and we've continued to source the best hair for our clients.
The Impact of the Pandemic and the Changing Industry
Like many industries, ours was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, we had to pause all orders due to global disruptions. After four long years, we're excited to announce that we are starting back up again. However, the landscape has changed significantly, especially in terms of pricing.
Several factors have contributed to the steep rise in prices. One of the primary reasons is the decreasing number of animals, which has resulted in a shortage of high-quality hair. Another issue is the lack of proper training within the Chinese hair-processing industry, leading to inconsistencies in quality control. Lastly, the tariffs on animal products from China have increased, further driving up costs.
Despite these challenges, we continue to provide the finest bow hair in the industry. We pride ourselves on our careful selection process, ensuring that only the best quality hair reaches our customers.
Bow Hair Products Available for Purchase
We offer a variety of bow hair products, each one carefully wrapped in butcher paper and measured at 83cm. Whether you're a professional player or a student, we have the right bow hair to suit your needs.
Unbleached Natural White, Double Drawn, Visually Sorted
Our Best Product. This is the finest bow hair we offer, perfect for professionals seeking impeccable performance.
Unbleached Natural, Double Drawn, Visually Sorted
Ideal for student bows, offering reliability and quality at an affordable price.
Unbleached Coarse, Double Drawn, Visually Sorted
A great option for fiddlers, providing the strength and resilience needed for traditional playing styles.
Black Coarse
Specifically designed for bass and Baroque bows, offering durability and aesthetic appeal.
For pricing inquiries, please email us at [your email].
At Sweet Music USA, our dedication to quality has not wavered, despite the changes in the global market. We continue to source the best materials so that you can perform at your best.
