The bow is as essential as the instrument itself!
The bow is as essential to the sound and playability as the instrument itself.
- A good bow will complement and enhance your instrument, making it sound better.
- A good bow will feel like an almost subconscious extension of your arm and will flow effortlessly, making you forget you are holding a bow.
- A good bow will be the one that has the right weight, balance and flexibility for you and will make your playing more effortless.
The exterior aspect of the bow is not so important, though one should check if the bow is straight when viewed down the stick
There are a variety of bows available on the market to choose from and the field keeps developing, with traditional bows made out of Pernambuco, to bows made out of Manikara Kauki, Brazil or Sapan woods, as well as Carbon bows.
Some players prefer lighter bows, while others play with heavier bows. Though not the main ingredient, the weight of the bows will slightly affect your playing. Violin bows generally range from 58-62 grams, viola bows from 68-72, cello bows from 78-82, and bass bows from 132-142 grams.
There is no rule on how much can one spend on a bow. You can spend as much or more on the bow as you do on the violin of course. Having a good bow is essential.
In our shop we have a wide variety of bows (not always all online) one can test, so please call if you have a specific wish. If you already have an instrument, we recommend you bring it with you.
Some high-end bows, not currently listed on our website, can be tested by appointment. Please inquire.
