The choice of a bow is quite personal because the bow is an extension of the string player’s right hand. Each individual is physically unique and at a different place in their technical development. A more advanced player will make more demands of a bow’s individual characteristics (liveliness, balance, strength and flexibility) than a beginner.
In general, a beginner should look for a bow that is straight, strong, and have a good camber (curve). It should be well balanced and of average weight (between 58-62 gr.for a violin bow, 68-72 gr. for a viola bow and 78-82 gr. for a cello bow.) You can test the balance by seeing how the bow feels at the extreme ends when pulled from tip to frog.
You will get a good sense of these characteristics by trying out several bows. When you visit our shop we will aid you in your selection.
Price
Bow prices start at around $50 for a basic beginner bow and go up by degrees to many thousands of dollars. French bows from the turn of the 20th century are the most expensive because of their quality and the historical importance of their makers. In between these two price extremes are some fine old bows from England and Germany as well as from contemprary bow makers in the U.S., Germany, France, Brazil and yes, China.
Materials
Fine bows are traditionally made of pernambuco, an endangered species of wood from the Braziian rain forest prized for its flexibility and strength. Lesser bows are made of brazilwood, a general term used for bow wood that is not pernambuco.
The past 20 years have seen the development of carbon fiber as an alternative material to wood. Carbon fiber bows are strong and consistent and a good choice if the bow is to be used in less than ideal conditions such as an orchestra pit or in the hands of a rambunctious person.
Fiberglass is another man-made material used for the least expensive student bows. A decent fiberglass bow is preferable to a poor-quality wood bow because it is more durable.
We offer a wide selection of bows from many countries and in many different price ranges as well as a good selection of carbon fiber bows, including the top selling Coda Diamond.
