What we call the “style” of a bow describes a set of design characteristics that identifies the aesthetics of an artist, independently from any stamped mark. Expert attribution of bows is based largely on recognizing these traits (shape, inclination of lines, chamfers, etc.) with a focus on heads and frogs.

Each important bow maker of the past created his personal model distinctive from that of other makers. A “personal model” combines a “style” and a set of technical characteristics in a bow. To an untrained eye the differences may be subtle, but to professional and experts they are as unique as signatures. A skilled bowmaker’s design evolves throughout his life while keeping a fundamentally constant core that represents the essence of his artistic personality.

By the time he was named Best Artisan of France, Benoît Rolland had already developed his personal model. Continuous study of the old masters is central to his evolving design. At various stages in his development, the styles of Dominique Peccatte, François-Xavier Tourte and Nicolas Maire have influenced his bows. He now likes it to simply convey a strong and sober feel. Beyond aesthetics, Rolland bows uniqueness lays in their playability and sound potential.

Hallmarks of the great French tradition are evident in every Rolland bow: elegance, purity, strength of line, feel and response. Benoît Rolland is considered as both heir and innovator of this French school, because he has combined continuity of tradition, artistry and creativity. Over more than 1,300 bows, Rolland demonstrated how heritage and innovation can coexist in the most traditionalist of arts.

In 2008 Benoit Rolland created a new line of Pernambuco bows: the Signature line. These bows, which offer an extended playing and sound potential in selected woods, complement the wide range of playing styles that the Rolland bows already proposed.