BERNSTEIN VIOLINS

Bows

Bernstein Violins carries a wide variety of bows for Violin, Viola, Cello & Bass.  

Overview On Bows

The first time someone discovers how much of a difference a bow makes, they are often amazed. People are sometimes surprised to learn that the bow that makes their instrument work the best, and that also gives the player the most pleasure can cost as much as half the value of the instrument! A good bow can effectively increase the playing value of the instrument that it is being used on, and players can expect to spend roughly a third the cost of the instrument on a bow (this rule of thumb does not hold up with valuable antiques, and for instruments over $10,000 the rule is probably closer to a quarter.) These guidelines are intended as a starting point in your search for a bow.

Pernambuco has been the wood of choice for fine instrument bows for centuries, although please be aware that being made of pernambuco does automatically mean that it is a good bow. Bows traditionally have been trimmed in nickle (also called nickle-silver or German-silver), silver, or gold, depending upon the overall playability and workmanship, and the trim will reflect a general category of pricing and quality.

Carbon fiber bows are relatively new, but they have gained popularity in the past ten years due to their far superior durability, and the possibility of manufacturing a bow that has a wide spectrum of response thereby working well on a wide variety of instruments. Students more than professionals will use carbon fiber bows as a primary bow, but many professionals own a good CF bow as backup, or for teaching, or for environments where there is concern that their favorite pernambuco bow is too at risk. Carbon fiber bows, like pernambuco bows range from very inexpensive to professional level pricing. Many are handmade bows in their own right, and can be considered serious contenders when shopping for a good bow.

Any overview on bows should probably mention what amounts to a radical departure from the traditional stiffness and weight characteristics of pernambuco bows and most of the carbon fiber copies. The Arcus company in Germany is now manufacturing a carbon fiber bow that is very light but very resilient (stiff), and the result is very maneuverable but stable bow that produces a rich core sound. Once a player adjusts to the new feel, they are often quite delighted with these bows.

For more information on bows visit the Bernstein Violins bow order site at www.violindeals.com