buying a violin bow - A Guide to Buying a Violin Bow

Why should you only buy a certified violin bow with a trial option?

A fine bow is a significant investment. Follow these guidelines to ensure authenticity and a secure transaction:

Demand an expert certificate: If you are planning to spend a significant amount on a bow, always buy an instrument with an official certificate of authenticity from leading experts such as Raffin, Gruenke, B. Millant, C. Beare, or P. Guillaume.
Insist on a trial period: Always try before you buy. Reputable dealers will allow you to test the bow on your own violin for a few days or weeks to ensure you get a true feel for its response.
Check the warranty: Ensure the retailer provides a solid warranty that guarantees the bow can withstand normal playing conditions.

Understanding the properties of different bow materials helps you match the stick to your playing technique:

Pernambuco wood: A premium, dense, and heavy wood used exclusively for high-quality master bows. It offers unmatched responsiveness but is more expensive.
Brazilwood: A popular and durable choice for beginners because it is inexpensive, resilient, and reliable.
Carbon fiber & Fiberglass: Exceptional synthetic options known for extreme durability. They vary in price and remain unaffected by changes in humidity or climate.

Before purchasing, physically testing the characteristics of the stick ensures absolute control and comfort:

Look for strength and stiffness: A bow is structurally strong when it does not warp or bend excessively to the left or right during heavy play. The bow hair should never collapse against the stick under normal pressure.
Verify straightness: Examine the violin bow on a flat surface. It must be completely straight from the frog to the tip.
Test response time: The stick should glide smoothly, react instantly to your wrist movements, and never bounce or wobble uncontrollably on the violin strings.