In order to produce quality music through your violin, you need to find the right bow that matches your stringed instrument. For seasoned musicians, this is not a problem. But if you’re a beginner in playing violin, then you can use this guide to make sure you’ll buy the exact violin bow you need.
How to Find the Right Bow for Your New Violin
Choosing a violin bow depends on your level of knowledge when it comes to playing the violin. If you’re just a beginner, you don’t need much from a violin bow; you can use even the most basic of bows. On the other hand, professional violinists will need professional bows to create the exact tone and music they want.
Here are some of the best tips when buying a violin bow:
- When holding the bow, it should make you feel comfortable and natural like it’s part of your body. Therefore, you need to consider the balance and weight of the bow before buying. Also, make sure to try them out so you will know how a legato or staccato feels when you use it.
- Check the difference of each bow when a sound is produced. You need to listen to every sound of different bows with careful ear in order to determine which violin bow you really need. However, if it’s hard to tell the differences of the bows, you can safely go with the more affordable bow.
- Consider the various shapes of violin bows. Usually, violin bows have a round design which make them much supple. But octagonal bows are relatively stiffer compared to round bows. If a bow is too soft, it would be hard to produce clarity which is important in showcasing technique and articulation.
- There are different materials used in creating violin bows namely: the pernambuco, Brazilwood, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. All these types of materials make each bow different from one another. But the most economic choice for beginners is the fiberglass bow.
In case you want to buy antique violin bow, try it with your violin and bow first. You should determine the sound and feel it makes when you play it with your instrument. Only then can you make a comparison and sound decision before actually paying for the bow. That way, you won’t waste your money on the wrong bow.