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(2 votes) 
The bow balance point is explained at several sites on the internet BUT, with little explanation of why it might be important.
However, I recently started playing some music from a book of fiddle tunes and the author said that the only rule for his music was that it must be played above the middle of the bow.
Does all this come together in a logical way ?
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The bow balance point is really easy to find; usually around the middle and is important when playing spicatto; or bouncing bow played quickly. Similar to a see saw ; you need to sides of similar weight to help it move back and forth easier. However, you don't need to be "balanced" to play the many different styles of playing. Some styles of playing are towards the tip and others towards the frog. The bows balancing point is in many ways how you distribute or position the weight of your arm in relation to where the bow is on the string.
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Good explanation Art,
Oliver, the reason the composer wants you to play above the middle of the bow is because he wants you to play "detache".
He wants the seperate notes to sound very connected and not short.
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I thought this would be of interest.
Any additional comments, discussion or questions are welcomed.
Oliver, an early member, seems to have had some great discussions. One or two posts will be brought to the front some time next week. Keep an eye out.
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There are two balance points - the physical one, which is fixed and tends to be closer to the frog the better the bow is; and the musical one, which is like the sweet spot on a tennis racquet, except that it's not fixed.
From the tip to the musical balance point is détaché, and at the musical balance point it is sautillé, and this balance point moves further from the frog the faster the music is. The frog side of this balance point is impossible to play without the bow bouncing off the strings, and spiccato has to be used instead.
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