Everything you need to know about violin bows
The right violin bow is the key to unlocking a stringed instrument’s true potential, so it’s important to have the right one for you. With such a vast array of choices and specifications from size, balance, stiffness and even weight, choosing the right bow can be quite a challenge.
When ordering online it can be difficult to make an informed decision because, unlike buying in a shop, you don’t have an opportunity to test the sound, weight and shape of the bow. However, at Caswell’s, we offer a service whereby you can select four violin bows that we will send out on seven days approval. This allows you to try the bows out and keep ones you’re happy with and send back the others. Simply get in touch with our friendly team to discuss our bow approval scheme.
The more you know about bows in general though – and what makes a good one – the easier the decision becomes. We’ve explored everything that you need to know below.
What is a violin bow?
A violin bow typically consists of a single length of wood with many hairs stretched between the ends. Like most things in life, the quality of a bow varies depending on the price. Inexpensive bows are sometimes made using nylon or synthetic hair, while fine bows are produced using Brazilian Pernambuco wood and strung with horsehair.
Ultimately, you get what you pay for and, as a result, your violin bow should be seen as an investment. We always encourage students to purchase the best bow that their budget allows.
How to buy the right violin bow
If you’re looking to purchase the right violin bow for you, there are a number of factors to consider and these include:
Sound
It may take an advanced player and a refined ear, but violin bows do differ in the sound they produce. In fact, the materials used to craft the bow directly impacts the sound achieved, which is one reason why fine Pernambuco bows are more expensive.
Weight and balance
How a bow feels in your hand is an extremely important factor, it should feel like an extension of your arm – that’s why the weight and balance should always be considered based on your preferences.
The average weight for a violin bow is around 60 grams, but what really matters is how comfortable it is for you. In order to assess whether a bow is the best choice for you, make sure to try as many as possible. Try playing at different speeds and holding the bow in different ways in order to assess how the bow performs for different musical pieces.
Shape
You should also consider the camber of the stick. Most bows are round but there are also octagonal bows which can seem much stiffer than the more supple round bows.
Most violinists strive to find a compromise between the responsiveness of a strong stick and the richness of a softer round bow. A bow that is too soft may not produce the clarity needed to highlight your technique and a bow that is too stiff may not provide the right sound that you’re looking for.
When to upgrade your bow
Have you considered upgrading your violin bow? Whether it’s because you’ve reached a comfortable level of playing with your instrument and are ready to invest in a superior model or because your violin bow is getting older.
The best thing to do is to visit your local violin store and try out as many as possible. That way you can get a sense of the different sound that newer, better bows may provide as well as how comfortable they are. If there is no notable difference in either aspect, you may not be ready to upgrade.
What are violin bows made from?
Violin bows consist of a number of different bow parts and the materials used to make violin bows can vary from Pernambuco and Brazilwood to carbon fibre and even fibreglass. All materials create bows that come with their own benefits, for example, Pernambuco bows are considered fine bows while inexpensive fibreglass bows are typically used by beginners.
For a fine violin bow, between 150 to 200 hairs from horsetail are used for the bow hair, however, some bows are sometimes made with nylon or synthetic hairs which is a more affordable option.
The manufacture of violin bows is known to be a demanding craft, so it is no wonder that well-made bows ask for higher prices.
Should you get your violin bow rehaired?
The length of time between bow rehairing does vary depending on each individual but the fact remains: from time to time you will likely need to get your violin rehaired. The real question is, should you?
Rehairing can cost well over £50 so is only cost effective when you have a more expensive bow. In fact, it is usually recommended to simply replace a cheaper violin bow rather than rehair it.
There are obvious signs that a violin bow will need to be rehaired. If your bow is coming apart or has hair missing then it is undeniably time to rehair or replace in some cases. However, sometimes a violin bow will look fine with no obvious cause for concern, but if it’s not holding the violin resin for long then that is also a sign that a re-hair is indicated.
At Caswell’s, we offer a full bow rehairing service as well as full professional restorations to valuable bows – all undertaken by a highly competent Hill’s-trained bow maker.
Where can you buy violin bows?
We offer a wide range of violin bows with hundreds available to choose from and a range that is always being added to.
As a family business that has served four generations of string players, teachers and performers, we understand that choosing a violin bow is a personal experience.
That’s why we encourage individuals to visit our shop in Banbury to spend time trying them out for themselves. However, if you’re not able to do this and wish to order online we can send you 4 in the post as part of our bow approval scheme. This means you can try the bow in the comfort of your own home and return the ones that don’t suit your needs.
Summary
This guide on everything you need to know about violin bows aims to assist anyone set on buying a violin bow to make the best purchase for their skills and needs. Overall, the best bow isn’t always necessarily the cheapest or the most expensive – it’s all about what’s right for you.
Make sure to purchase your products from a reputable source, where you can receive guidance. Caswell’s is a trusted supplier of instruments and can guide you in your choice.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements, or visit us in our store in Banbury to go through your options in person. We are ready and primed to give tailored advice for your particular situation.
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This article was checked by the director of Caswell’s Strings, Lance Tunley who is an experienced purveyor of stringed instruments and accessories with over 30 years of experience in the field.
I am interested in the Arcus and Musing violin bows as a professional. The range is very large so confusing. Could you tell me the difference between the higher price bows please.
Thank you
Dear Graham,
Thank you for your enquiry. I have emailed you.
Best wishes,
Michael, Caswells Team