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What makes a good bow a "good" bow?
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KewKewKatchew
Pompano Beach, Florida

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June 20, 2011 - 7:48 pm
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Let me start off by saying: I haven't got a clue! I've been reading quite a few reviews online about different bows... $20-$700. I just have the two bows that came with my Cecilio CVN-200. They seem to work just fine for me, but apparently bows can make a huge difference. What is it that makes a bow a really good bow? Does it really make that great of a difference in your playing experience? Anyone that has experienced the bows that came with the Cecilio violins, what do you think? Have they treated you well?

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Oliver
NC

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June 20, 2011 - 9:22 pm
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Somewhere there is a bow that will make your violin sound better but no one really knows what bow that might be.  The special bow might be a $200 model or a $5000 model.  You can only tell the right bow for you by testing. 

A few distributors will loan you 2 or 3 bows to try.

I have a stable of 6 or 7 bows.  When things don't sound right I go thru and try out my bows.  Almost always, one bow will sound better than the rest but that may change next time.  Maybe that is due to seasons.  I don't know but I'm really intrigued by this game of musical bows.

When you come to a fork in the road, take it.

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
June 21, 2011 - 12:12 am
Member Since: September 26, 2010
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Other factors with the bow are weight and balance that affect your playing and various bow techniques as well. The cheap bows that come from Cecilio really don't offer much in terms of weight or balance. From my observation they tend to be stiff, thick and lacking arch. However, they work fine, especially for beginners and are basically a gift if you consider the price of the package. 

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

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KewKewKatchew
Pompano Beach, Florida

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June 21, 2011 - 2:27 am
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My bow almost arches in the opposite direction, haha. Though it seems to work just fine for me and for $99, it really is a gift. Eventually I would like to invest in a nicer violin and bow, but I'm satisfied with what I've got now.

 

What about fiberglass bows vs brazilwood bows? Maybe Permanbuco? (Not sure if that is the correct spelling) Do you have a preference? Or does it really just depend on the individual bow?

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Oliver
NC

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June 21, 2011 - 9:02 am
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As a generalization, I have had more luck with wooden (pernambuco) bows than synthetics.  The only problem is that wood can warp.

I happen to have a recent "good" carbon fiber bow which came with an e-violin sales package and it gives almost no feedback at all and the sound is mediocre.

There is no accumulation of data or research on the design of bows for elasticity and taper which leaves the consumer doing a guessing game but I don't think that can be avoided unless you have a handy musical instrument store. 

When you come to a fork in the road, take it.

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
June 21, 2011 - 2:57 pm
Member Since: September 26, 2010
Forum Posts: 16429

That's right, pernambuco is the best. The best bows are made by bow makers and cost anywhere from $1000 up.

You can get good carbon fiber bows as well. Much cheaper and more or less unbreakable.Smile

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

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