Best
Budget Beginner Violin Bow
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Overall: 4/4 Violin Bow
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Best Feature: Ebony Frog, Silver Winding
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Overall Beginner Violin Bow
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Overall: Quality Siberian horse hair
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Best Feature: Nickel-Silver mounting and winding
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Premium Beginner Violin Bow
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Overall: Quality Mongolian horse hair
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Best Feature: Fiddlerman Handmade Carbon Fiber Bows
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TedScore™: 9/10
Learning to play the violin is a rewarding experience. A key aspect of violin playing is having the best bow that suits your needs.
The bow’s composition, flexibility, and weight are all critical factors that affect everything from sound quality to ease of play.
This article will guide you through everything you need about violin bows.
I’ll cover the different types of bows, their parts, and what makes a high-quality violin bow.
I’ll also discuss the ideal price range and different options for the best violin bow for beginners, and hopefully, in the end, you’ll be informed enough to make your choice!
Parts of a Violin Bow
The stick is the long, thin piece of wood that makes up the main body of the bow. Think of it like the backbone of the bow – without it, the bow wouldn’t have any structure or support.
It’s a rounded material (usually ebony or another hardwood) that sits at the bottom of the bow. It’s called the frog because it looks like a frog! The frog has a few important parts, including the screw and the eyelet.
The metal piece sits at the bottom of the frog, and it helps to tighten or loosen the bow hair. The eyelet is the small metal loop that sits at the top of the frog, and it helps to hold the bow hair in place.
The ferrule is a small metal ring that sits just above the frog and helps hold the bow hair in place.
You might not think it’s a very exciting part of the bow, but the ferrule is pretty essential – without it, the bow hair could slip out of place, and the bow wouldn’t make any sound!
The winding is a thin strip of material (usually silk or another thread) that wraps around the bow’s stick. The winding helps to provide a better grip for the player, making it easier to hold the bow steady while playing.
Finally, we have the tip at the very top of the bow. The tip is the pointed end of the bow, and it helps balance the frog’s weight. It’s also where the bow hair is attached to the bow, using a small piece of metal called the head plate.
How Is It Different from Other Instrument's Bow
The violin bow is a unique and magical creature with its own special features that set it apart from other instrument bows.
Most violin bows, like the Pernambuco bow, are made from hardwood that grows in Brazil. This wood is prized for its strength, flexibility, and responsiveness, which makes it ideal for producing a wide range of sounds and tones.
Also, they’re typically strung with horsehair and coated in rosin to create friction and produce sound. The hair is carefully selected and prepared to ensure that it’s straight and even, which helps to create a smooth and consistent sound.
It also has a distinctive curved shape, which helps to create a more even distribution of weight and balance. This allows you to produce a broader range of sounds and dynamics, from delicate pianissimos to thunderous fortissimos.
How Much Should A Quality Violin Bow for Beginners Cost?
Prices range from $50 to $200 for beginners, but if you’re an advanced player, you should expect to pay up to $500 or more.
Cost is a concern, and it’s important to prioritize quality and playability when selecting your beginner violin bow.
Guide on How to Choose a Beginner Violin Bow
The Best Violin Bows for Beginners
A high-quality bow is essential to producing a beautiful violin sound, and beginners need to have the right bow that fits their skill level and style of play.
To find the best violin bows for both sound and price, it’s crucial to consider one’s personal preferences and needs.
Carbon Fiber Violin Bows
They’re handmade, equipped with authentic horsehair and ebony frog, and more durable. Players often opt for carbon fiber bows because they’re lighter, stronger, and less humidity-resistant.
It’s a polymer developed by weaving long strands of carbon, making it ideal for use in the automotive industry and musical instruments.
Fiddlerman Full Size
This bow is handcrafted and uses Siberian horse hair that is unbleached. It’s a strong bow with a terrific bounce. It has a copper-mounted ebony frog on it.
It has a fantastic balanced weight that makes controlling it very simple.
Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Violin Bow
FEATURES: Quality Mongolian horse hair
OTHER INFO: Fiddlerman Handmade Carbon Fiber Bows
- Nice Arch with Good Bounce and Action
- Complete Accessories
- Good quality instruments
- Great Balance and Weight Distribution
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Vio Music Braided Carbon Fiber Violin Bow
Vio has a good record of making high-quality instruments and accessories. It has a full-sized ebony frog attached to the bow and is made of Mongolian horse hair.
The carbon fiber is braided, balanced, and simple to use.
Vio Music Woven Carbon Fiber Violin Bow
FEATURES: 4/4 Violin Bow
OTHER INFO: Ebony Frog, Silver Winding
- Top Woven Carbon Fiber
- Cost-effective
- Well-balanced
- Good quality bow
- Incomplete accessories
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Wooden Violin Bows
Wooden violin bows have a richer and deeper sound but are less responsive than carbon fiber bows. The CodaBow Prodigy and Glasser Braided Carbon Fibre are great options for beginners.
Brazilwood Nickel-wound Violin Bow
It has an excellent option for beginners with beautiful improvements over the basic Brazilwood Bow. Wood bows are typically less expensive, generate a richer tone, and provide violinists with a comfortable playing environment.
Brazilwood Nickel-wound Violin Bow
FEATURES: Available in 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 4/4 sizes
OTHER INFO: High-grade ebony frog
- Beautiful Nickel Windings with Black interlaced design
- Cost-effective
- Produces a whole, round tone from the G-string up
- Incomplete Accessories
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Holstein Sandalwood Violin Bow
Discover the joy of the brand-new Holstein bows made of stunning Sandalwood. The warmth and vibrancy are all present in these bows that any player looking for.
Holstein Sandalwood Violin Bow
FEATURES: Quality Siberian horse hair
OTHER INFO: Nickel-Silver mounting and winding
- Leather wrapping
- High-quality Sandalwood craftsmanship
- Convenient to use
- Bit expensive
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Hybrid Violin Bow
It combines wood and carbon fibre, providing warmth and affordability in a single product.
Fiddlerman Hybrid Violin Bow
The ideal weight and shape of the violin are replicated in this hybrid Fiddlerman carbon fibre violin bow.
Players may now enjoy playing because of the resilience, durability, and bright, crisp sound of a carbon fibre bow with the appealing appearance of wood.
Fiddlerman Hybrid Violin Bow
FEATURES: Hand-finished "Hybrid" Carbon Fiber Core Violin Bow
OTHER INFO: Nicely Decorated Copper Mounted Ebony Frog
- Quality Siberian Horse Hair
- Great Balance and Weight Distribution
- Nice Arch with Good Bounce and Action
- Expensive
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
VINGOBOW Wood and Carbon Fiber Hybrid Violin Bow
It resembles a wooden bow but is stronger than Pernambuco. It offers swift and sonic waves that are smooth.
It’s a frog made of black ebony with natural wood grain and typical Parisian eyes. The same manufacturer completes the entire assembly process, including the cleaning.
VINGOBOW Wood and Carbon Fiber Hybrid Violin Bow
FEATURES: Premium white natural Mongolia horsehair
OTHER INFO: Hybrid carbon fibre
- Ebony with nickel silver
- Fine craftsmanship
- Neat workout
- Cost-effective
- Some parts are not of good quality
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Accessories Perfect for Beginner Violinists
The perfect violin outfit for beginners should comprise a violin, bow, rosin, extra strings, and a case. These accessories will help you become successful in your violin journey.
Violin Rosin
The horsehair on a bow is coated with rosin by string players to make the bow more secure on the string. The string vibrates due to the continual friction between the string and the bow. The instrument’s body amplifies this vibration to produce sound.
D'Addario Kaplan Premium Light Rosin
COMES WITH: Premium case that is designed for one-handed use
FEATURES: The original low-dust recipe handed down from Ladislav Kaplan
D'Addario Kaplan Premium Light Rosin
- Amazing Case
- Low Dust
- A Pleasure To Use
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Should Rest & Chin Rest
It develops correct posture, improves the comfort of holding the violin, and guards against neck and back problems.
SAS Ebony Chinrest for Violin
FEATURES: Beautifully crafted ebony
OTHER INFO: Elegant gold-plated single barrel bracket
- Fits 3/4-4/4 Violins and Viol
- Impressive adjustability of chin rest
- Convenient to use
- Cost-effective
- Some parts are not of good quality
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Music Stand
A music stand aids in creating a distinct environment at home where the player is motivated to practice. To encourage correct posture and placing the sheet music in an easy-to-read location, a music stand also helps establish a specific place for the musician to sit down and perform.
INGLES VIOLIN STAND
FEATURES: Adjustable size
OTHER INFO: The structure that holds the shoulder rest
- Weighs only 2.45 pounds
- Good quality
- Cost-effective
- Inconvenient to use
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Tuner
With the help of a tuner, you can determine if the note you’re playing is sharp or flat and adjust accordingly. You must tune your violin every time you play; it may simplify the process.
KLIQ UberTuner
FEATURES: Powered by a long-lasting 3V CR2032 lithium battery
OTHER INFO: Multi-point screen adjustability for the best viewing angle
- Transposition settings for Bb, Eb, F, and D woodwind and brass instruments
- Reliable and durable
- Bright-high contrast display
- Easy to use
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best Violin Bow For Beginners
Summary
Choosing the best violin bow for beginners can be overwhelming, but making the right decision is essential.
A quality violin bow enhances the sound of your violin and makes it easier to play. It’s important to maintain the quality of the bow you choose, but it doesn’t mean you have to break the bank either.
If you’re struggling to make up your mind, I’d suggest the Holstein Sandalwood. It has the perfect blend of cost, with quality. Sure – there are better bows out there, but for a beginner, and for the price, the Holstein is a great bow.
Investing in the best violin bows will help you on your musical journey. Please leave a comment below on what violin bow you choose that will fit your needs.
Before you go…
Check out this next article about the Ultimate Guide to the Best Violin Brands.
This article is precisely the type of guide I was looking for. As a parent, navigating through the myriad options for my child’s first violin bow was overwhelming. The breakdown of carbon fiber and wooden bows, including specific product recommendations like the Fiddlerman Full Size and Holstein Sandalwood, is incredibly helpful. I am leaning towards the Fiddlerman Hybrid for its versatility. Anna Downes, your insights are much appreciated; they make this decision much easier!
So, when is the air guitar version coming out? Asking for a friend.
While I find the emphasis on carbon fiber and wood bows intriguing, I’d argue that for beginners, the feel and playability of the bow are more crucial than the material. It’s about how the bow responds to your movements and the sound you can produce with it. As for the article, Anna Downes did a thorough job explaining the different types, but I think the focus should be more on the bow’s balance and flexibility rather than just the material.
Hey, I’m new to the violin and was wondering if the carbon fiber bows are really that much better for beginners? Also, how heavy should a beginner’s bow be? Thanks for the help!
Thanks LiamTunes, that really clears it up! Appreciate it!
Carbon fiber bows are great for beginners because they’re durable and less affected by changes in humidity. Weight can vary, but a comfortable range is around 60 grams. Hope that helps!