Matt Wehling

Bow Maker

Matthew Wehling first began bow work in 1991. He spent most of 1995 in the shop of Benoît Rolland in Vannes, Brittany, France. Monsieur Rolland was the first graduate of the renowned Mirecourt bowmaking school, studying under Bernard Ouchard. As a consequence of his work with Monsieur Rolland, Matt was asked to join the shop of Georges Tepho in Quimper, Brittany, France, where he stayed for 5 years.

Monsieur Tepho had also attended the Mirecourt school, studying under Ouchard and Roger Lotte. Matt worked with Monsieur Tepho until he left France in the Spring of 2001. “I am very thankful to Benoît for giving me my basis of technique and my love for the work and history of French bowmaking. I am very grateful to Georges for helping me refine my technique, focus my goals, and translate the seriousness with which I learned to craft bows into being a true artisan.”

Wehling has won 5 Gold Medals from the Violin Society of America (VSA), putting him into the elite Hors Concours category.  He completed his competition career in 2011 by winning First Prize (cello bow) and Second Prize (violin bow) at the Etienne Vatelot City of Paris Competition.

He has been a frequent contributor to Strings, The Strad, and VSA Journals, and contributed to the landmark book The Conservation, Restoration and the Repair of Stringed Instruments and their Bows, volumes I, II, and III. He has also presented lectures, been on panel presentations, and judged at VSA competitions.

Wehling’s extended studies in France provide a unique background among contemporary American makers. He continues to spend a considerable portion of each year in France collaborating with colleagues.