Episode 90: Mentorship and Independence

Breaking into the world of luthiery can feel intimidating. We explore with Stacey Styles some of the questions on what newcomers into this industry can do to make connections that will last a lifetime. Special Guest: Stacey Styles.

Special Guest: Benjamin Hebbert.

Becka Hannigan sits down with Celso de Mello, co-founder of Arcos Brasil, to discuss the changing world of bow making, exotic wood conservation, and the increasingly complex realities of working with Pernambuco and alternative bow woods in Brazil. Celso shares his firsthand perspective from decades in the industry, beginning in the mid-1990s when regulations surrounding Pernambuco were less restrictive, through the major CITES changes of 2007, and into the modern era of strict tracking, auditing, and environmental oversight. He explains how the Brazilian government monitors and documents wood through extensive databases and chain-of-custody systems, creating a highly regulated environment for makers and exporters. The conversation explores Arcos Brasil’s long history in the bow trade, the company’s involvement in conservation and replanting efforts, and the broader challenge of preserving both endangered species and the centuries-old tradition of bow making. Celso also discusses the company’s transition in recent years toward producing bows from Ipe and other alternative woods as the industry adapts to evolving regulations and environmental realities. Resources: https://arcosbrasil.com/ http://www.ipci-usa.org/support.html https://www.alliance-international.org/know-your-bow-postcard/Special Guest: Celso de Mello.

How do we preserve pernambuco while protecting the future of bow making? In this episode of Omo, hosts Becka Hannigan and Brooke Esplin speaks with renowned bow maker Lynn Hannings and arts policy advocate Heather Noonan about pernambuco conservation, international regulation, and the realities facing the bow world in 2026. Lynn Hannings brings decades of experience as a professional bassist, bow maker, restorer, and educator. A longtime teacher at the University of New Hampshire Violin Craftsmanship Institute and current Vice President of Alliance-International, she has been a leading voice in sustainable bow making and conservation efforts within the industry. Heather Noonan, Vice President for Advocacy at the League of American Orchestras, works at the intersection of arts policy, government relations, and international treaty negotiations involving protected species and the movement of musical instruments across borders. The discussion covers the history of pernambuco regulation, recent CITES negotiations, sustainable forestry efforts, and current bow wood restrictions. These regulations exist not to end bow making, but to preserve these species so they can continue to be responsibly used for generations to come. In order to really protect the future of Pernambuco in Brazil and our precious music traditions, we will need coordination and cooperation from all shops, makers, and musicians. This is not the time for apathy, but for action! Resources: https://www.alliance-international.org/know-your-bow-postcard/ https://www.alliance-international.org/ https://americanorchestras.org/ http://www.ipci-usa.org/support.html https://shop.lahbows.com/Special Guests: Heather Noonan and Lynn Hannings.

Aquiles and Liz interview Mackenzie Miller about Denver Violins. Special Guest: Mackenzie Miller .

Aquiles and Jerry interview Estafan Cortez on he and and Samantha's journey to becoming business owners. Special Guest: Estefan Cortez .

Aquiles and Becka interview Nancy, Eric, and Nathan Benning about working in a multigenerational violin shop. Special Guests: Eric Benning , Nancy Benning , and Nathan Benning .

Brandon Godman interviews David Bromberg about his lifetime of collecting American violins. Special Guest: David Bromberg .

Becka and Liz talk with Roman Barnas and Lisbeth Butler about education. Special Guests: Lisbeth Butler and Roman Barnas .

Liz Perry and Becka Hannigan talk with Alex Wilson of the VMSA and Antoine Nedelec of the CSVM. Special Guests: Alex Wilson and Antoine Nedelec.