Getting a quality violin bow is important
I get a lot of questions about purchasing a violin from my students or my students' parents, but only a little or none about the violin bow. Somehow this piece of wood that violinists run up and down on the strings needs to be addressed.
Most people focus on finding a good quality violin that produces beautiful tones when playing the violin. However, many must pay more attention to choosing a good quality bow that complements their instrument. A good rule of thumb would be to spend around 30% of the value of your violin on a bow.
Why is having a good bow so important? Firstly, it enhances the tone of your violin, making it sound even better. A good quality bow can produce rich, warm tones that make your playing sound more professional. Furthermore, due to its balance and flexibility, a good bow can make complex techniques, such as spiccato or staccato, more straightforward.
Trying out a few options is important when shopping for a bow or a violin. A reputable music shop should allow customers to order trial violins and bows, which can then be shipped to them. These trials usually last two weeks, during which the customer can keep the instruments they like and return the rest or all of them.
In the United States, there are many good music shops. Shar Music and Fiddlershop are both reputable options. However, avoiding buying instruments from online marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay is important. These instruments are cheaply made and designed for beginners rather than serious musicians. Instead, consider purchasing accessories such as rosin or strings from these online retailers, as they often have better prices than brick-and-mortar music stores.
In conclusion, when it comes to playing the violin, having a good-quality bow is just as important as having a good-quality violin. By spending a decent amount of money on a high-quality bow, you can enhance the tone of your instrument and make playing easier. So, next time you're in the market for a new violin or bow, consider the value of both.
