How to Choose a Good Violin Bow
Choosing a good violin bow is a vital part of creating beautiful music. While often the emphasis is placed on the instrument, it is all too true that a poorly made violin bow can have a serious effect on the sound produced in a performance, even if the performer is an excellent musician. This increases the importance of putting a great deal of care and research into choosing the perfect violin bow to suit your needs as a violinist.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Do some preliminary research on what kind of bow best fits your needs. For a beginning violinist, it is often unnecessary to purchase an expensive bow, as a beginner's needs are basic. If you are more advanced, you will want to research more carefully the different substances used in creating the bow stick, octagonal versus round bow sticks and the importance of weight and balance in a good bow.
-
2
Ask your violin instructor for help. If you are under the tutelage of a professional violinist, their assistance in the bow-purchasing process will be invaluable. Bring all potential bows to your instructor and discuss with them the pros and cons of each bow. If you are not currently taking lessons, ask a professional at the violin shop to help you choose.
-
-
3
Test a variety of types of bows. You may think you have your heart set on a certain type of bow, whether it be carbon fiber, brazilwood or pernambuco, but it is always beneficial to test out a variety of types, because you just might be pleasantly surprised by a less expensive bow. Most violin shops will let you take home several bows at once to get a good feel for the way they play.
-
4
Consider carefully the cost. An expensive bow will not necessarily be "better" for your needs than a significantly cheaper bow. The bow that you purchase should be one that you feel at ease playing. Regardless of cost, seek out a bow that you are so comfortable with that it feels like an extension of your arm and choose accordingly.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Violin and bow on music sheet image by Angel_a from Fotolia.com
