Violinist with the Kronos Quartet

“The bow is fantastic! The fun thing about doing all of these performances [with Kronos Quartet] is that I get to use your bow on every concert — what a joy and what an eye opener! It really has made a big difference for me in both executing passages and sound production. It's beautiful to look at, too. Ever since I got it, it is the only bow I want to use.”

A professional recording musician based in Los Angeles. Morgan specializes in viola, violin, and nyckelharpa.

“I am the proud owner of a two of Darrell’s bows. 

After a year of careful listening to my fiddle playing, he made a violin bow for me that blew my mind. It is like having a whole new violin — and a much better one at that! On top of that, the bow was so agile and responsive that it simply defied limits of speed and articulation that I had previously assumed were due to my own bowing technique.  It was such a universe apart from anything I had ever known or had even trained myself to expect. 

Darrell also created a viola bow for me which unlocked a world of inner voices from my beautiful Italian instrument. The bow increased the depth, richness, projection, and subtlety of sound. Darrell’s passionate dedication to his craft and his humor-fueled quest for perfection made me fall in love with my viola all over again, and I have never looked back. 

It is now my deepest pleasure to slap any one of my friends over the head who are considering wasting their hard-earned money on a vintage bow and tell them, “No no, let me introduce you to my tailor. Let him make you a bow that will last you a lifetime!”

Darrell is a passionate, humble, and humorous craftsman and teacher — I have learned more fascinating things about bows, craftsmanship, history, acoustics, fishing, and Scottish whiskey through our friendship than I had ever imagined could be crammed into a single craft.”

Internationally known fiddler and storyteller

"In forty years of playing fiddle, I have tried many wonderful bows. None has brought out my fiddle's full voice as richly and powerfully as the bow Darrell made for me. He listened deeply to my instrument and crafted a bow that seems to know my fiddle's soul. Darrell is a wizard."

Cellist with Northwest Piano Trio 

"It was like getting a new cello when I got your bow. My instrument has never sounded better!"

Violinist for the Delgani String Quartet

"Working with Darrell on a bow to match my 1927 Charles Brugère violin was a very rewarding experience. From selecting the wood to fine-tuning the balance, Darrell was always focused on what was going to be enhance the tone of my violin and feel good to my playing style. Since the bow was completed in 2014, I haven't played on anything else!"

Principal bassist of the Milwaukee Symphony

Cellist with Zig Zag String Quartet, Rockstop Cello Quartet and performs with the Portland Cello Project

"My Darrell Hanks bow is the best!"

Professor of Cello at Portland State University and founding member of the Florestan Trio.

"My (Darrell Hanks) cello bow is beautifully made and perfectly balanced.  A pleasure to play with it."

Former principal cellist of the Rogue Vally Symphony, Michal now teaches cello at Southern Oregon University and plays with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.