About Me - Sheriff Bows and Violins

M E N U

Mike started his violin-making career as a wood carver. Throughout the early ’70’s he was a professional bass player. As a favor to professional musician Pat Sweeny, Mike made his first violin. This experience was enough to encourage him to study with some of the finest luthiers listed below.

William Salchow, of New York, Lynn Henning and George Rubino from Maine are some of the bowmakers Mike studied with. All three are respected authorities in traditional French bow making, bow repair and bow restoration.

Peter Horn was a graduate of the Mittenwald School in Germany.

For over 10 years, Mike has been studying and collaborating with Paul Schuback in his shop in Newburg Oregon. Award-winning violin maker Paul apprenticed in France. After three years, Paul went to the Mittenwald School in Germany for graduate work. He was also the first American president of the International Society of Violin and Bow Makers.

World-famous bow maker and repairman, Paul Siefried of Port Townsend, Washington was generous with his time and knowledge in his discussions with Mike about the process of making excellent bows.

All of these collaborations have refined Mike’s luthier skills. In addition to violin, viola, cello and bow making, he also does repairs and restorations.

For 35 years, Mike Sheriff has hand-crafted bows, violins, violas and cellos which are appreciated by many of the popular musicians playing in the local Dallas and Fort Worth Symphony.