How to Make a Violin Bow
Making a violin bow is a delicate and important process. It is just as important as making the actual violin, since bows are often made to promote optimal sound with certain instruments. As with all instrument-making endeavors, a good amount of experience, strong attention to detail and patience will help to create a quality product that plays well and lasts for many years.
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Things You'll Need
- Wood (pernambuco and ebony)
- Horse tail hairs
- Mother of pearl
- Steel
- Plastic or leather
- Planing instruments
- Glue
Instructions
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1
Shape a piece of pernambuco, using a block plane so that it has either a smooth, round surface, or octagonal facets. For a bow with good strength, the wood should be dense, contain large amounts of minerals and be straight-grained. After cutting, leave the bow to mature for several years. According to bow makers W.E. Hill and Sons, the wood should be left for 10 years to mature, or season.
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2
Bend the bow by placing it over an brazier of charcoals, or an alcohol flame. Then bend it a few inches at a time by pressing it into a hardwood block, so that the characteristic curve, or camber, is created in the wood.
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3
Create the finger rest by winding wire near the bottom of the stick, and then gluing a leather pad next to it. The performer's index finger will lay on the pad. This promotes a comfortable and a solid bow hand, which aids in playing difficult passages.
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4
Shape a piece of ebony to make the frog. Other materials such as lignum vitae or horn might be used as well. Plane the wood into a trapezoid shape, the back being slightly wider than the front. The front of the frog is shaped into a U, with the bottom leg of that U being shaped and fitted with a metal ferrule. This piece looks like a metal D, and may be made in-house, using silver lining and silver soldering, or it may be purchased pre-made.
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5
Chisel out a slot in the bottom of the frog. A mother of pearl slab, that has been glued to a piece of ebony is inserted, so that the horse hairs cannot be seen when looking at the bottom of the frog. Chisel out a "V" on top of the frog, and shape. A silver lining is placed here to protect the wood from cracking and wear, as mentioned by bow maker, Don Reinfeld. The threaded stem of the eyelet is inserted into the lining and frog. The screw which controls the horse hairs is also placed through this eyelet.
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6
Shape the head of the bow into a curve. Glue a thin facing of gold or other material on the head to beautify the bow, and to protect it from accidental bumps. Make a mortise, or hole, in the face of the head, and insert a wood block so that the horsehair can be secured into the head of the bow.
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7
Check the bow for shape abnormalities. Make any adjustments by planing it. Place shell dots into either side of the frog by drilling the holes and placing the pieces of shell into them. Varnish the bow.
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