Imported into Europe as a dye until about 1850, Pernambuco was first used for bowmaking around the middle of the 18th century. The Tourte brothers were among the first to appreciate the exceptional qualities of this wood.

Previously, bowmakers used various other tropical woods. All of them having a remarkable density and hardness, they were mostly referred to as “Ironwood”.

James Tubbs in his workshop (circa 1915)

Within a short time, Pernambuco replaced all these other woods because the sound qualities it produced were much favoured by musicians and also because its physical qualities make it an ideal material for crafting cambered bowsticks.

Two hundred and fifty years after it was first introduced, no comparable substitute for Pernambuco is known to bowmakers or musicians the world over. Its combination of rigidity, flexibility, density, beauty and ability to hold a fixed curve are properties which make Pernambuco a unique material for bowmaking.