How to Cello bows: how to purchase

Thinking about purchasing a cello bow? Purchasing a cello bow is a huge investment. Not only do they cost a lot of money but what you buy will affect your playing for years. With serious students spending months and professions spending years looking for the perfect bow, it is imperative that you know how to look for the perfect bow that suits your cello and playing style.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Money
• Transportation
• Cello
• Your current bow

1. 

   First, you will need to determine how much you are willing and able to spend on a new bow. For beginners, you can get a very nice bow that will suit all your needs for about $500. Serious students should consider spending at least $1,000 and students wishing to major in music performance should look for bows in the $1,000-$10,000 range. A higher price does not necessarily mean a bow will be better. The key is finding a bow that suits your cello and personal preference best.

2. 

   Once you know how much you want to spend, you can pick a shop to begin your search. Though beginners may be able to get a good bow from such large retailers as Shar Music, I would suggest finding a strings only shop or even a bow maker in your city for serious buyers.

3. 

   Once you decide on a shop, take your cello and your current bow to the shop. You MUST take your cello to ensure that you find a bow that compliments your instrument. Also, taking your current bow helps you compare bows and see the differences in the bows that you are trying out.

4. 

   Ask the salesman to see 3-4 bows. Play on YOUR instrument with the bows. Consider the weight of each bow. Play different off the string techniques with the bow. How easy is it to play spiccato? Ricochet? Is it easy to play loudly with the bow? Or do you really have to press? Do you get a pretty sound? Or is it more edgy? You must ask yourself these questions.

5. 

   Repeat this process with at least 2 more shops. Vising more shops gives you a better feel for the market and gives you a better idea of how much a bow should cost. Consider traveling to other cities to find other shops. It is better to spend a little money traveling to another shop and find a perfect bow than just settle for one at your home shop.

6. 

   Once you are ready to purchase a bow consider bargaining with the seller. Most good shops are owed by an individual and thus are perfect for haggling. Before you buy, play with the bow one more time. Buying a bow is a big decision that will affect your playing for a long time.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your teacher for help. They probably know the best shops in town and likely very willing to help.
• Do NOT rush into buying a bow. Serious students usually spend months looking for a bow and professionals may spend years looking for the perfect bow that compliments their instrument.
• Do NOT assume that because a bow is more expensive that it is better. Many factors go into how much a bow costs but none of these should affect your decision. The most important thing is finding the bow that bests suits your cello and playing style.

[ryanwonswer]

on 6/23/2009 Great article! Very helpful. Thanks for posting.