American bow maker and violist Jon Crumrine holds a degree in viola performance from the University of Michigan. While working as an orchestral musician, Jon became interested in learning more about instruments and bows, and in 1992, he began working with bow maker and restorer Jerry Pasewicz in Ann Arbor. Continuing his bow-making studies, he worked with Lynn Hannings and George Rubino at the Violin Craftsmanship Institute at the University of New Hampshire, and he later began a series of visits to Munich to work with Markus Wörz. Jon has also participated in numerous sessions of the Oberlin College Bow Makers Workshop, where he worked with French master Jean Grunberger and other distinguished bow makers.
Jon has held positions at some of the top violin shops in the U.S. including Williams Gengakki Violins in Atlanta, Reuning & Sons Violins in Boston, and Johnson String Instrument in Newton. Jon currently rehairs, repairs, and restores bows for Carriage House Violins. Jon seeks out the finest materials available, paying particular attention to the quality, beauty, and age of the pernambuco wood he prefers. He blends elements of the classic French aesthetic with original ideas to emphasize sound and playability.