How Are Violin Bows Made?
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Preparing the Stick
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The first step in crafting a violin bow is to cut the blank. The blank is a rough block of wood, generally Pernambuco, cut into the basic shape of a bow. Then the stick is roughed---carefully planed into its finished octagonal shape. After a gentle heating from a direct flame, the stick is flexible and able to be shaped. The craftsperson bends the stick slowly until the wood takes on the perfect curve, called its "camber." For high-quality bows, this work is done freehand. The maker simply bends the bow until it looks right, according to the crafter's expert judgment.
Shaping the Frog
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The frog is the heavy, squarish piece of wood that is fitted onto the lower end of the bow stick. Usually made of ebony, the frog is embellished with several different metal fittings. After the piece of wood has been shaped and planed to fit evenly onto the bow stick, the ferrule, the decorative eye and other embellishments are fitted to the frog. The ferrule is the half-ring of metal that holds the bow hair in place.
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Putting It Together
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Now the frog and the stick are combined. With careful measuring, marking and filing, the angles of the frog are meticulously matched to that of the bow. Holes are now drilled in the stick so that the frog can be attached by the screw-and-nut mechanism.
Final Touches on the Stick
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An ivory plate, carved into the traditional triangle shape, is now fitted to the tip of the bow. Sometimes a metal plate is used. With a delicate knife, the craftsperson cuts away the groove for the hair before finalizing the shape of the tip. Next, the bow is given a final planing, and the wood of the stick is treated with acids and shellac.
Hairing
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The final step in making a violin bow is the hairing. This process is fairly simple and is repeated often during the life of a violin bow. The horsehair is knotted together, and the knot is fitted into the groove cut into the tip. After being secured by a wooden plug, the hair is then stretched the length of the bow to the frog. The hair takes much combing and smoothing before a master craftsperson is satisfied. Then the hair is fitted into the frog and held in place by another plug. The ferrule is slid over the plug, and a sliver of wood is wedged between the ferrule and the hair. This step keeps the hair smooth and slows its natural loosening. After a generous rosining of the hair, the bow is complete and ready for use.
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- Photo Credit Faith Alessio
