Brazilian Bowmaking with European Tradition In the early 1970s Horst John sent Brazilians to Germany to learn as apprentices of master craftsmen and then extended personal invitations to the European bowmakers themselves to participate in a type of laboratory at his Guarana factory. European bowmakers came to his renowned Brazilian workshops and nursery to share in his findings and see for themselves how, for example, a certain variety of pernambuco wood was the most appropriate for a violin or cello. The Europeans also marveled at John’s reforesting efforts as a tribute to future musicians This ongoing international exchange of bowmakers helped the Brazilians master specific skills such as cutting and carving the stick correctly, gluing and setting the tip, working the frog, wrapping the bow’s grip and combing and stretching the hair. Horst John is known for the skill and care of its staff of bowmakers from a line of Brazilians who have been trained by master European craftsmen. All Brazilian bowmakers got their start at Horst John.