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After tonight's practice session, I think I have come to the conclusion that the bow I've got sucks. I asked for a beginner bow so I could play immediately since I really don't have a big clue about much yet. Plus I didn't want to drop a huge wad of cash. I don't have the packaging for the bow, but the bow is marked Century Bridge BVL11 and cost about $40 bucks.
The bow seemed jumpy. At first I thought it was me, but in reading the reviews for FM's carbon fiber bow, a lot of other beginners had the same issues with their bows. So tonight, I really rosined up the bow to see if it would stick better. Nope. Only made it worse. It seemed to catch on the strings and it sounded awful compared to the night before's practice. I practice in front of a mirror so if it would screech, I'd check if the bow was straight and I had a good position. About mid way through an hour and a half practice session, I wiped down the strings to get off the extra rosin and wiped down the bow. The sound got better but the jumpiness returned.
I'm ordering the carbon fiber bow. Any suggestions on a rosin you like with that bow would be appreciated. I live in Vegas (dry and hot or dry and cold) so I'm wondering if I need to adjust for that seasonal difference?
'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free
'Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
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I had two bows before I got the FiddlerMan carbon bow. I honestly knew nothing about bows. They were bows I had laying around. So to eliminate the struggle of > is it me or the bow > I got the FiddlerMan bow. It is really a nice bow and if there are still issues > I can be pretty sure its not the bow.
I use Kaplan Artcraft Dark Rosin. I have been happy with that. Seems to have good grip.
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Thanks. I kinda figured it was the struggle of is it the bow or me? At least I can use the cheapo one to practice a bow hold while watching TV and as I get better can switch back and forth and see if it's me or the bow. I'll have a basis for comparison.
As for the rosin, I'm thinking of buying 2 or 3 to try. They aren't that expensive and I'll save on shipping from FM shop with one order instead of two or three orders. The worst that can happen is I spent money on a rosin that sits in the case. Best case is I find a rosin that works - perhaps even one that works on the bow I have.
I'm still having fun with this.... Everyday it gets better.
'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free
'Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
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You might also try messing around with the tension on the hair. Changes in the weather can make a big difference in how your bow plays. My daughter has a cheapo violin with a suckish bow. Comparing to my bow with nice hair, you can really tell the difference in how the cheap hair feels on the strings.
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Tension is a factor in the mix.
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I just ordered my Fiddlerman carbon fiber! I'm hoping it helps as well, but like anyone else, it's hard to know what good is until you've touched it, heard it, etc. I'm sure mine's pretty much garbage since it came as part of a $40.00 violin package deal. I'm looking forward to the upgrade next week!
There is no failure, only results.
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wookieman said
I just ordered my Fiddlerman carbon fiber! I'm hoping it helps as well, but like anyone else, it's hard to know what good is until you've touched it, heard it, etc. I'm sure mine's pretty much garbage since it came as part of a $40.00 violin package deal. I'm looking forward to the upgrade next week!
Watched your video review while I was waiting for mine. Got mine yesterday. It is a huge improvement over the other bow but sadly it is not the cure-all for the "bouncies". Comes with being new I guess.....
It does sound much fuller than the other bow and has a better feel to it. Hard to explain that one.
'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free
'Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
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