Congratulations on your contribution, both to the trade and to musicians. I appreciate the intelligence of the scope of the book and the historical references you site.
Paul Childs, bow expert
...an excellent first book for someone who is just coming to appreciate the importance of a fine bow. Well thought-out and well written. I wish that Schaff's Essential Guide had been available when I began my journey into the world of bows.
Matt Wehling, bow maker. The Strad April 2010
This wonderful compendium of bows tells you what to look for, how to shop for this deceptively simple device, and how to care for it. Here's the ultimate book for the bow enthusiast. For the price of a re-hair you can own it.
Stringendo, Australian String Teachers Association. July 2010
A useful introduction to the mysteries of the fine bow market for musicians hoping to find the proverbial magic wand--without losing their shirt. Schaff succeeds in giving the buyer enough of an orientation to recognize the big names, ask good questions, and understand the answers without getting bogged down. There's practical advice on where and how to shop.
Erin Shrader, Lutherie Editor, Strings magazine July 2009
Congratulations: it's beautiful, and very well done. I'm afraid that I have no intention of sharing it with our library, as I want to keep it for myself.
Leon Botstein, President, Bard College. Music Director, American Symphony Orchestra
Your book, The Essential Guide to Bows of the Violin Family was money well spent. Thank you very much and congratulations .
Jose Nunez Rohon, Luthier