How to Adjust a Fiddle Bow

A fiddle bow rests atop a fiddle.

The fiddle is often said to be just like the violin but with more twang. It's not a difference in the instruments but in how the musician uses the fiddle bow to sound the strings. While the violin is known for its long resonating notes, the fiddle is best known for its quick and chopping scales. To make the fiddle sound this way you have to keep your fiddle bow in the appropriate playing condition.

Instructions

1. Hold the fiddle bow in your hand with the handle pointing right. Right to left, the screw (metal octagonal nob) is the first part of the bow. The pad (small cushion) comes next, and the stick (body of the fiddle bow) completes the top of the bow. The hair (actual bow) drapes from the left tip of the stick down to the frog. The frog sits on the bottom of the bow between the screw and the pad.

2. Twist your fiddle bow's screw. The screw will move the frog back and forth. This will tighten or loosen the hair.

3. Do not overtighten the bow. The bow should be taut but still retain a little bounce. The hair should not be loose enough to touch the stick.

References

• Folk of the Wood Violin Lessons: The Violin Bow