And a Bow to go with!

A Guide to Finding the Perfect Bow.

Now that you have found the perfect instrumental match, you will need a bow to go with!

If violin shopping is overwhelming, bow shopping can be even more. Just as each instrument is unique, so is each bow. A good bow can bring out the best qualities of your instrument. For example, a violin played with two different bows can sound completely different. How to make sense of all of the options?

• Know your budget.
• Stay AWAY from Amazon and EBay!
• Know your skill level. A beginner student will have very different demands from a bow than an intermediate student. A beginner is looking for a bow that is sturdy but has some bounce to it. I recommend a carbon fiber or brazilwood bow for beginners, as these materials are flexible, yet sturdy. This allows the beginner to develop technique without the maintenance of a pernambuco bow. If you are intermediate or a more advanced student, know what kind of music you like to play and how you play. Have an idea of what kind of techniques you are already familiar with and which you are looking to learn. You will need a bow to handle all of it. A pernambuco bow may be worth considering at this stage.
• Have your instrument with you. You are looking for a bow to match to your instrument — not the other way around. Bring your instrument to the shop. Alternatively, you can do an in-home trial in the same way that you did when shopping for your instrument.
  
• Get a feel for how the bow feels in your hand and interacts with your instrument. Pick it up. Do “windshield wipers.” Is the bow too heavy or too light? Does it feel funny in the frog? The bow should ideally feel like a natural extension of your hand.
  
• Play! Feel the bow on the strings. Basic scales and simple songs are good indicators- just make sure that you are playing the same selections with each bow choice. Does the bow move smoothly? Do you feel as though you are working too hard? Is there a good bounce to the bow?
• Have a friend or teacher play while you listen to hear the differences. Are there unexpected scratchy sounds or squeaks? Do the strings sound clear?
• Use process of elimination to narrow your choices.

If you have further questions, consult your teacher. Once you find a match for your instrument, GO PRACTICE!