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KEITH M. PECK � b. JUNE 17, 1953 � d. NOVEMBER 5, 1998
A MONUMENTAL LOSS FOR THE MUSIC WORLD IN THE PASSING OF KEITH M. PECK, BOWMAKER OF LYNWOOD, SEATTLE.
I was fortunate to have known him as a great friend and an Artist.
A true genius and one of the most talented and greatest American Bow Makers
living for his craft, which he loved immensely.
His mastery lies in the concept and freedom of his work. Each Peck bow that I have played, and I own three (3), has always been very special since each one was always made on commission tailor-made to suit the player and the particular style of bow in mind. He was always open to new ideas. Like the time when I asked him to copy a beautiful Voirin bow with Vuillaume style tortoise-shell frog and instead of tortoise to use Amber for the frog (see Resource Guide 1998 Mastering New Materials). He loved the idea, and the result was a gorgeous bow that even Vuillaume would have treasured (if it had been made a 150 years ago).
For me he was and is the Stradivarius of Contemporary Bow Makers, in fact I would call him Peck-atte without the atte (and all of my colleagues agree).
His bows (especially the copies) have been hailed and praised by such luminaries as Vatelot, Millant, and Raffin.
Keith lived life on his own terms completely.
His genius and integrity were as unyielding as granite.
He adored his family, loved to play the cello.
Keith was very athletic too, and enjoyed roller-blading through the hills of Blue Ridge, Edmonds at speeds of up to 60-70 mph and he also loved Sailing.
He will be greatly missed by all who loved him and his consummate Artistry.
I will treasure my memories and bows of Keith M. Peck.
Sincerely,
Gennady Filimonov
member of the Odeon String Quartet & Seattle Symphony Orchestra
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