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Better Bows?
Focus on the bow
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Tarracat

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April 27, 2017 - 8:09 pm
Member Since: April 27, 2017
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I was trying to do some research on bows, being new to the violin I've seen people speaking of their bows, some purchasing an inexpensive violin then going out and paying several hundred for a bow. 

So what makes a good bow? Is it the wood, the manufacturer?  Does the bow really impact the sound or play-ability?

Thanks for any answers in advance!

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Uzi
Georgia

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April 28, 2017 - 1:17 am
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I'll answer with a golf story.  A few decades ago, I decided I wanted to play golf.  Not knowing if it'd be any good at it, or even enjoy it for that matter, i bought a set of starter clubs which consisted of a 3 iron, 5 iron, 7 iron, 9 iron, a driver and a putter all in an inexpensive nylon bag.  i played with those clubs for a year or two and started to develop enough skill that I was only embarrassed when I played with good golfers, rather than utterly humiliated like I was when I started.

One day I got assigned to play with a guy that I had never met. I told him that he should probably go on ahead of me since I was a terrible golfer. He said, "Don't worry, I'm not very good either."I was playing my usual bogie, bogie, double bogie, search for the ball in the woods game.  While he played birdie,  birdie, par, birdie, eagle!  At that point I said, "I thought you said you weren't a very good golfer."  He replied nonchalantly, "Well for a pro, I'm not very good.  The Louisiana Open tournament is going to be held here next week and I'll be playing in it." Naturally, I started asking him questions that I thought might improve my game.   So... here's the part that answers your question:

I asked him, "When do you think I should get a full set of clubs? Would that improve my game?"  He replied, "You should get a full set of clubs when you walk up to your ball, decide what club you need for the distance of the next shot and notice that club isn't in your bag. That's when you'll know you need more clubs.  Right now, hitting the ball straight is what you should going for."

Same thing with violin bows, you'll know you need a different one when you know what kind of bow you need and why you need it.  For a long while, learning to bow properly will get you a lot more milage than a different bow.  Assuming, of course that the one you have isn't total garbage. If it is, then I would recommend starting with the fiddlerman carbon fiber bow, inexpensive and decent. and will last you a long time. 

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. ~Herm Albright

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
April 28, 2017 - 7:51 am
Member Since: September 26, 2010
Forum Posts: 16429

Thanks for that great story Uzi.

To answer the second part of your question. Mostly the wood quality, but also the weight and balance make a huge difference. A stick which is too soft will not allow you to do many things, a stick that is too hard will not be flexible enough. Right now, the best wood for a great bow is Pernambuco which is becoming scarce in the qualities that we want to find. There is plenty of cheap Pernambuco available.

Lastly, yes, the stick affects the playability and even the sound. Not as much the sound as the playability but enough that you may be surprised.

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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Tarracat

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April 28, 2017 - 8:21 pm
Member Since: April 27, 2017
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Thank you for the story Uzi, I appreciate your time!  Thanks Fiddlerman for answering what makes one bow better than another, and the impact it has on the sound and play-ability.  I look forward to being part of this site and am happy to have found it!

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Mark
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April 30, 2017 - 10:41 pm
Member Since: September 30, 2014
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welcome to the forum

 

Mark

Master the Frog and you have mastered the bow.

Albert Sammons

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
May 2, 2017 - 8:25 pm
Member Since: September 26, 2010
Forum Posts: 16429

We're happy to have you here. :)

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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coolpinkone
California, the place of my heart
May 9, 2017 - 3:11 pm
Member Since: January 11, 2012
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@Uzi 

I like the golf story.  Great way to put it.

I have an awesome violin now and bow.  I can hear and feel the difference.  I know it would have been lost on me 5 years ago.

Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato

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