Personally, in my lower than amateur status, from what I have noticed in myself and from the varying instructions for how you are absolutely positively to hold the bow, there is no absolutely positive way to hold a bow. Hands, arms, wrists, joints, and muscles and muscle control are different in everyone. Now, a purist classical violinist probably just had a heart attack, so call the medics! It was a joke, no insult meant. It was based on comments in other forums and videos. That precision would be so nice to have.

Seriously, I do believe that there is the typical hold you start with, that with the perfect body agility you can probably do, but beyond that, it is modified to suit your needs. I do some of what is preached, but I would have to give up my violin, viola, and probably cello, if I had to do it the perfect way. Would probably be in traction.

What I am saying is, sure watch the videos, read what people post about hold. Try it. Adjust it as needed to get the movements that are needed for your level now, and what you will need to do with advanced bowing. What works for you to be able to have smooth crossings, accurate placement, dynamics, etc. Pay attention to how your joints move compared to what is being mentioned as needed in the videos and PDF files you find. Work with what you have available within you. Why take a chance on injuring yourself to make a joint go in the purist violinist form? 

If there was only one exact way that you absolutely have to hold a bow and bow your instrument, why are there so many variations in these videos and PDF’s, be they slight variations or large variations? Why are some of those variations being used by top notch violinist? I watch and read about some, and read some of their remarks about the mechanics, but I do not remember their names or associate any one professional with any specific comment or form, so, unfortunately, I cannot give an example. But, many have adaptedd the perfect form to fit their physical needs or the type of performing they do, and for some reason, if they are the very successful classical violinists, it is accepted, but for the non-classical, not as well-known, etc, it is frowned upon. Don’t let that deter you from doing what you need to do. Enjoy your instrument and do what suits your needs physically and musically, to get the job done.

For my own sanity, I have had to stop watching videos on bowing and stop reading about bowing. That messed me up a little while ago and not going to happen again. Yesterday, that relaxing of bow attention (had some attention, but just to make sure what I was doing worked) helped and my playing was so much better. I believe it was my source of the awful grainy sound I was getting with a lot of the notes. Tenseness and stress.

I hope this makes sense. I am always told I have a different way of looking at things, and that is definitely true, and sometimes it makes it hard to explain what I am trying to say, hense the long posts. Life is interesting! 

@Moonshadd “At this early stage, I find I only stay relaxed for a short time, but I guess that will come with time if I keep practicing the proper moves, keep reminding myself to relax, and my muscles begin to learn these moves unconsciously.”

I remember my instructor telling to just practice for 5-15 minute intervals, with 15-20 minutes rests between at first because, unbeknownst to you, you don’t have the strength yet for holding, bowing, fingering. If you push it, you get bad habits. I followed her advice. The first few lessons were playing, discussion, playing. Now they are mostly playing and discussing where needed. It did not take long to be able go play upwards of an hour. Doesn’t matter how strong you naturally are, your muscles and joints are being used in an odd unkown fashion.