About Olialin Olarte "The Bow Wizard"
Olialin Olarte specializes in custom bow making, repair, and comprehensive string instrument setup, bringing a unique sensitivity to his work as a professional musician. This rare blend of craftsmanship and firsthand musical experience allows him to deeply understand the nuances that musicians seek in their instruments. His commitment to enhancing sound quality goes beyond technical expertise; he offers a personalized approach that respects each musician's unique style and sound preferences.
In his instrument setups, Olialin meticulously adjusts essential components such as the bridge, sound post, pegs, and tailpiece, ensuring they align perfectly to optimize sound projection and playability. The sound post, crafted from high-quality spruce wood, is positioned with precision to achieve the ideal tonal balance and resonance. His setups include a thorough deep clean, revitalizing each instrument for maximum resonance and comfort. He selects only the finest materials, using premium woods like top-grade Pernambuco for bows, along with quality maple, ebony, and rosewood for instrument fittings, achieving both durability and a rich, balanced tone.
Whether crafting a custom bow, performing precise repairs, or adjusting setups to bring out each instrument's full potential, Olialin leverages his dual expertise as an artisan and performer. This perspective allows him to connect with clients on a profound level, providing services that truly meet the interpretive and technical needs of professional and aspiring musicians alike.


Craftsmanship and Expertise
Dedicated to Musicians' Needs
With extensive training under Gilles Duhaut at the prestigious Atelier École de Formation de Archetiers (Tours, France), Olialin Olarte combines exceptional skill with a profound passion for his craft. His education included rigorous instruction in bow making, instilling in him the highest standards of precision and artistry. This foundation allows him to create bows that elevate both performance and sound quality, bringing out the best in each musician he works with.
Olialin’s expertise is further enriched by specialized courses in bow maintenance and repair at Atelier Sandrine Raffin (Paris, France), where he mastered advanced techniques for restoring bows to their peak condition. His training also included varnish and setup work under the guidance of Vittorio Razzi, where he gained a deep understanding of enhancing both the visual and tonal quality of string instruments.
Additionally, his sessions with the legendary bow maker Benoît Rolland (Boston, USA) have shaped his approach, instilling a profound understanding of how subtle adjustments in balance, weight, and flexibility can transform a musician’s experience.
Olialin’s commitment to excellence in custom bow making, repair, and instrument setup ensures each piece resonates with clarity, comfort, and precision. Through his unique combination of artistry, technical skill, and musician’s insight, Olialin offers musicians an unmatched level of craftsmanship, allowing them to achieve their fullest expression on stage and in the studio.
Timeline
Violin/Music Theory Lessons
Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil de Colombia-Bogotá


1995-1998
Violin/Viola Lessons and Orchestra Training
Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil de Colombia-Bogotá
1996-2002
Violist
YOA (Youth Orchestra of Americas)
2003-2007
Violist
Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Colombia
2003-2011
Violist
Orquesta Filarmónica de Cali
2014-2015
Luthier Training-Maintenance of String Instruments
SENA-Colombia
Luthier and Bow Maintenance
Huilo-huilo International Music Festival, Chile
2021
Bow Making Mentorship sessions
Atelier Benoit Rolland, Boston USA
2023-2024
Varnish and String Instruments Set-up
French Luthier Vittorio Razzi
2016-2017
2019
CEO and Founder
Olitarte 'String Instruments and Bows'
2016-Present
Luthier, Bow Maintenance and Instrument Exposition
Festival Sinfónico 500 Años Encuentro de Dos Culturas, Tlaxcala México
Bow Maintenance Course
2019
2014
Atelier Sandrine Raffin-Paris
Bow Making Course
École de Formation de Archetiers Gilles Duhaut-Tours France
2024







