BLACK-IBIS.COM

black ibis bow

It's about the sound of the violin, it’s about a completely new bow. The timbre of a violin can touch the soul. It creates a feeling of inner satisfaction, rooted in the smallest anatomical cause, harmoniously dancing sine waves.

This beautiful sound can induce goosebumps and affect blood pressure. Such emotional and deeply personal sensations remain inexplicable amidst a sea of sounds. Biophysical high-end reactions, such as genuine tears, may arise.

One might liken these musical dynamics to quantum mechanics, where enamored sine waves move the smallest components of existence. Collectively, they form the beautiful sound, ideally produced by a bow and violin.

It's about the power of a single violin's pianissimo, the voice of the bow – be it crafted from Pernambuco wood or carbon fiber – and the dynamics of the right-hand movement.

motivation

The black ibis bow is the preliminary result from the inquisitive mind and curiosity of carbon fiber expert Manfred Negatsch, who began playing the violin at the age of seven.
Throughout his professional career, he has delved into carbon fiber technology, product development, racing, and aerospace, while also exploring the physics of aerodynamics and acoustics.

Why preliminary? Because research must never stand still. Manfred is a developer who has been constantly testing and modifying materials for many years, building broad expertise to compare alternative solutions. He draws on all available carbon fiber types and matrix systems from the aviation industry. Importantly, Manfred places great value on communication with violinists, incorporating their feedback into his work.

development

“Only those who go their own way cannot be overtaken by anyone.”
Marlon Brando

The eye-catching design of the black ibis bow isn't merely for aesthetics; it serves to deliver a powerful, beautiful sound experience and a high dynamic spectrum for the right-hand work. Knowledge of aerodynamics, effective in every movement, has been applied here, making the bow run smoother. The striking fins on the top provide stability during movement, transforming it from a traditional bow stick into a complex body.

The black ibis bow is the first in the world to feature a sound hole. It's running along its underside, and can extend over 30 cm. This sound hole is a separate development field based on various experiments.
Upon applying the rosin, you can hear the gentle emergence of sound – a bow that sings along, allowing the player to hear it – a completely new experience.

The frog is also notable. It's a Galliane 441™, a fitting choice for the black ibis bow. Cut at an angle of 15° on its lower edge, it allows full usage of the bow hair in the lower half during the natural right-hand tilt when playing. The intricately detailed screw rounds off its elegant features.

made by hand and soul

The heart and soul of the master craftsman imbue his work with a touch of magic.
He identifies with his creation, pouring his art, craftsmanship, and soul into every intricate detail.
Every bow follows an individual plan in elasticity and stiffness. Its weight is variable. Current bows weigh between 52 and 60 grams.

“All that is finished and perfect is marvelled at, all that is becoming is underestimated.”
Friedrich Nietzsche

focus

Everything I do is primarily for pure classical and new music, though without excluding anything.
It's all about the delicacy of sound. The black ibis bow should appeal to ambitious, curious soloists and ensembles who are open to discovering new ways of interpretation.

The bow requires little pressure for a full sound, thus taking the strain off the right hand. Of course, it also likes full power. This offers the bow a generous dynamic spectrum and space to explore its possibilities.

why is the bow called “black ibis”?

During the lockdown phase in 2020, I spent weeks working intensively on the design of the bows. There were four different versions back then, from which the current design has evolved. One day, I was visited at the workshop window by a Bald Ibis ("Waldrapp" in German). At first one bird came, later joined by a second. They visited me several times, watching me work and tapping their beaks on the window. So, the bow was named "black ibis" – what else?

Interestingly, Ibises have been extinct in Europe for 400 years. In 2020, there were only four such birds in Switzerland, two of which came to my workshop window. This featured in Switzerland’s largest animal magazine (Tierwelt.ch) at the time.
view the report

can carbon fiber be a sin?

Pernambuco wood contains almost 50% pure carbon. Spruce wood contains 51.9% pure carbon. This can be confirmed by any wood institute.
The only elements of a traditional violin that do not contain carbon are the small brass screws of the fine tuners and strings, apart from steel strings and parts, as these also contain between 0.8 and 2.3% pure carbon.

Carbon fiber contains, depending on the fiber type, 90 to 96% pure carbon. In composite with the epoxy matrix, a carbon bow contains between 75 and 85% pure carbon.

But it's not about the material. It's about the beauty of the sound and the exciting way of discovery other new possibilities.

info | contact

The sale of the black ibis bow is carried out exclusively by
ELS Swiss AG, Gais, Switzerland

Please send enquiries about prices, terms and conditions etc. to Mrs Svetlana Loginova
els-swiss@gmx.ch

Prices current design line:
from CHF 8'700.–
excl. VAT, customs and shipping
Delivery time from 3 months or on request

All other enquiries to
bowmaker@black-ibis.com

Phone: +4179 649 7007

impressum

Responsible for content and text:
Manfred Negatsch
manfred@black-ibis.com
Phone: +4179 649 7007

Responsible for sales:

ELS Swiss AG
Mrs Svetlana Loginova
Forren 3
CH-9056 Gais
Switzerland

els-swiss@gmx.ch
VAT number: CHE-450.127.194

Webdesign & Photography:
D-J Stieger / antlitz.com

made by hand and soul in switzerland.

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