The bow is not just an important accessory, but helps form the core of any violin. The weight, balance and flexibility of a bow all play their part in the playability and the sound of your instrument, so the right bow for you will be the right bow for your playing style.
Bow Materials: From Carbon to Horsehair
A violin bow has several different parts to it. Running from the top to the bottom, these are: the tension screw, the heel and the frog just below it, and the stick and bow hair, which are joined at the tip. Both the construction and the materials used to make each part has an influence on the playing feel and price of a bow. For example: a lightweight bow made of something like carbon fibre is easy to draw across the strings, but with carbon fibre it's harder to produce a consistent tone. Another important aspect of any bow is its flexibility. A bow needs to be stiff enough support controlled playability while remaining flexible enough to maintain optimum contact with the strings. This is exactly why many violin bow manufacturers prefer to use brazilwood, which offers a great compromise between the two.
The Difference Between a Violin, Viola, Cello & Double Bass Bow
The general rule applies that: the smaller the instrument, the longer the bow. A violin bow is therefore longer than a cello bow, and a cello bow is longer than a double bass bow. This has a lot to do with the physics of how string instruments produce sound. The strings are vibrated by passing the bow hair over the strings, and the pitch of the note produced by each string depends on the frequency at which the string vibrates. The strings of instruments tuned to a higher pitch vibrate at a higher frequency, or in other words, the strings need to vibrate faster to raise the frequency and therefore the pitch. To achieve this, the bow needs to be drawn faster across the strings of higher pitched instruments and the bowing rhythm is therefore faster. So, since you bow a violin relatively faster than you would a cello, for example, then you need a longer bow.
Taking Care of Your Bow: Rehair & Rosin the Bow Hair
There are a few maintenance jobs that you can do to help extend the lifespan of a bow and maintain optimal playability. Over time, you might notice that your bow loses some hair. The more intense your playing, the faster you'll lose hair, and when you've lost too much of it, your bow may not perform as well as it should. At this point, you'll need to rehair it. Another good tip is to always make sure that when you're not using your bow, you loosen the tension screw - even when you're just taking a five minute break during rehearsals. This will make sure that the bow hair isn't under constant tension and in danger of losing more hair than necessary. Rosin is another essential bow accessory, since it helps you get a good sound out of your instrument. Rosin raises the level of friction between the strings and bow hair as the bow is drawn, therefore raising the string vibration. You should apply rosin to your bow every four to six hours of playing time to keep it healthy. When you need to apply more rosin, you'll immediately notice the difference in sound and playing feel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Violin Bows
How much does a bow cost?
The price of a bow depends on the materials used to make it and how the bow has been produced. A cheaper beginner's bow can cost as little as £40, while the best quality, professional bows can cost thousands of pounds.
How do bows work?
The hair of a violin, viola, cello, or double bass bow is drawn across the strings, creating friction which vibrates the strings at a certain pitch or frequency. This vibration is then amplified by the hollow body of the instrument.
How often should I rehair my bow?
You only ever need to rehair your bow when it no longer performs as it should. For example, when too much hair has been lost. The amount of hair loss depends on the intensity of your playing style, so some players need to rehair their bow more frequently than others.
How often should I rosin my bow?
It's best to rosin the bow hair every four to six hours of playing time. When you need to apply more rosin, you'll immediately notice the difference in sound and playing feel.
How much does a bow weigh?
Any standard violin bow will weigh around 60 grams, while the average viola bow will weigh around 70 grams and the average cello bow will weigh around 80 grams. Some bows can be lighter. For example: when they've been specially made by a master or when they're made using lightweight materials like carbon fibre.
