Workshop & Projects

News

News from the workshop, research, conservation, and current projects.

NEW · VIDEOSeptember 2026

CITES and the Use of Pernambuco in Bow Making

Thomas M. Gerbeth, Bogenmachermeister and chairman of IPCI Deutschland e.V., discusses pernambuco, species conservation, and the future of stringed-instrument bow making.

May I invite you on a brief journey to Brazil and into the world of pernambuco?

In my latest video, I discuss our work, new projects to protect the pernambuco tree, and current developments concerning Paubrasilia echinata.

00:00 – IPCI’s work, visions, and projects 07:46 – The history of pernambuco in bow making 15:08 – “Planting Water” – a new project in Brazil 21:09 – The current situation of pernambuco under CITES

Watch the video:
www.pau-brasil.info/talk.html

The presentation connects the history of pernambuco with the current situation. It offers insights into the work, visions, and projects of the International Pernambuco Conservation Initiative (IPCI), the “Planting Water” conservation project in Brazil, and current issues concerning pernambuco and CITES.

The video is narrated in German with English surtitles.

Additional information about the presentation →

RESEARCH2026

Study on the Suitability of Pernambuco Bow Blanks for Bow Making

Assessing the practical suitability of Paubrasilia echinata for different quality levels in stringed-instrument bow making is a current focus of our work.

The study centers on the practical evaluation of bow blanks, along with questions of traceability and the sustainable use of pernambuco. Its findings are intended to help bring conservation measures into closer alignment with the practical realities of bow making.

Open study / document →

AWARD2023

First Prize for Gerhard Seifert in Mirecourt

Gerhard Seifert was awarded first prize for his violin bow at the 1er Concours International de Lutherie et d’Archèterie de Mirecourt.

He also received the Prix spécial Musicien, the musicians’ jury’s special prize. We are delighted by this recognition and congratulate Gerhard Seifert on his outstanding achievement.