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