Best Carbon
Fiber Bow
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Overall: 9/10
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Best Feature: Unidirectional carbon fibre with natural acoustic core
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TedScoreâ„¢: 9/10
Best Wooden
Bow
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Overall: 8/10
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Best Feature: German-made Paulus ebony frog with a Parisian eye
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TedScoreâ„¢: 8/10
Best Violin Bow
For Beginners
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Overall: 8/10
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Best Feature: Octagonal stick shape for a comfortable grip
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TedScoreâ„¢: 8/10
Well, finding the best violin bow is crucial. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
Strangely enough, I really notice a different ‘feel’ when I have to play with a different bow – more so than playing a different violin itself. I guess it shows just how important this piece of wood and hair is!
But fear not!
This article will cover a guide to the best violin bows on the market. Plus I’ll reveal which bow I own, and why I use it.
From budget-friendly options to high-end professional bows. You can read about the top brands and what makes their bows stand out.
So whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it’s worth finding the perfect bow.
Types of Violin Bows
The best violin bows on the market usually have unique characteristics. This section will explore the three main types of violin bows: wooden, carbon fiber, and hybrid.
Wooden Bows
Carbon Fiber Bows
Hybrid Violin Bow
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Violin Bow
Bow Material
One of the most popular materials used for violin bows is Pernambuco wood, a tree native to Brazil.
Pernambuco is highly valued for its flexibility, responsiveness, and tonal qualities. Many professional violinists consider Pernambuco bows the gold standard in the industry.
Another material used for violin bows is synthetic materials like fiberglass, which can provide a strong and stable bow that is less expensive than traditional wooden bows.
They also offer a unique aesthetic, as they can come in various bright and bold colors, making them a fun and playful option for younger players.
Bow Weight and Balance
A well-balanced bow will feel really comfortable in your hand. It’ll also allow you to play with greater control and precision.
The weight of the bow can also affect the sound it produces.Â
A heavier bow can produce a fuller, more powerful sound, while a lighter bow can produce a brighter, more focused sound.
Flexibility
A more flexible bow can produce a wider range of tones, allowing for more expressive playing.
However, a bow that is too flexible can be difficult to control and may produce a weaker sound. It’s never easy is it!
Best Carbon Fiber Violin Bows
Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Violin Bow
It’s lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for students who are just starting out. It also produces good sound and is reasonably priced, making it a great value-for-money option.
Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Violin Bow
FEATURES:
- Made from high-quality carbon fiber composite
- Copper-mounted ebony frog
- Quality Siberian horsehair
- Made from high-quality carbon fiber composite
- Copper-mounted ebony frog for added elegance
- Quality Siberian horsehair for a smooth and even tone
- It may not be suitable for advanced
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 TedScoreâ„¢.
CodaBow Marquise Escher
I absolutely adore my Codabow Marquise CS Escher Violin Bow—it’s one of the best bows that CodaBow has ever made.
And yes, I’ve just revealed the bow I own!
It’s got this incredible stick made of Unidirectional Carbon Fibre that mimics the natural patterns you’d find in the top-notch Pernambuco bows. Plus, it’s got a Natural Acoustic Core that they’ve put together so carefully, it makes the bow sing with a sound that’s both rich and wonderfully natural.
Playing with the Escher is a dream, especially for a professional like me. It just gets me, responding to every little move I make without missing a beat.
The balance is spot-on; it feels like it’s not even there, just moving in perfect harmony with me.
Codabow Marquise CS Escher Violin Bow
FEATURES:
- The signature Escher frog
- A burnt umber lizard grip
-Unidirectional carbon fibre with natural acoustic core
- Can Achieve A Wonderful Organic Sound
- Produced in an environmentally sustainable manner
- Stronger and more durable than natural ebony
- It's not the cheapest bow on this list...
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 TedScoreâ„¢.
CodaBow Diamond GX Carbon
The Codabow Diamond GX is the top model in the CodaBow Diamond collection of violin bows. It combines traditional bow-making skills with the latest technology.
It’s predominantly made for professional violinists, and delivers a level of performance that used to be found only in the very best wooden bows made from Pernambuco wood.
It has a core made of strong Kevlar material, which is then covered with a layer of graphite fibers that have a wood-like appearance. These fibers are arranged in a distinctive diamond pattern that runs from the end of the bow near the hand to the tip.
The Kevlar core helps the bow to be powerful yet sensitive, creating a sound similar to the sought-after Pernambuco bows. The graphite fibers also give the bow a perfect mix of strength and flexibility.
CodaBow Diamond SX Violin Bow
FEATURES:
- Blended acoustic core for a focused and bright sound
- GlobalBow technology for consistent performance across different climates and humidity levels
- Made from high-quality carbon fiber
- Available in a range of colors
- Produces a focused and bright sound
- Durable and long-lasting
- Higher price point
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 TedScoreâ„¢.
Yamaha CBB101
The Yamaha CBB101 Carbon Violin Bow is a high-quality, durable bow for beginners and top-end intermediate players.
Crafted from carbon fiber, it offers excellent strength and resilience, ensuring it stands up to rigorous playing and environmental changes.
The bow provides a smooth, clear sound and consistent performance. Its lightweight design and balance make it comfortable to hold and play, reducing fatigue during long practice sessions or performances.
The CBB101 is an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a reliable bow with the professional feel of more expensive models.
Yamaha CBB101 Carbon Violin Bow
FEATURES:
- Comfortable ebony frog with a pearl eye
- Ebony frog that has a firm feel
- Lightweight feel and round stick
- Has the playability of a Pernambuco bow
- Well-known and trusted brand
- Looks great
- You partially pay for the brand name
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 TedScoreâ„¢.
Best Wooden Violin Bows
Normally I like to give suggestions of a cheap violin bow for beginners, a quality violin bow for intermediate players, and the best bow (not just a good bow, but the BEST bow) for professionals.
However, I’m not going to recommend a wooden professional bow in this list.
When you get to that level, it’s usually best to NOT buy a pre-made wood bow and go down to your local specialist violin shop and ‘test-drive’ a few.
AMZZ Professional 4/4 Brazilwood
FEATURES:
- Made from high-quality Brazilwood
- Octagonal stick shape for a comfortable grip
- Ebony frog with brass alloy and genuine, high-quality lizard leather grip
-Natural Mongolian horsehair
- Provides a warm and mellow tone
- The lightweight design makes it easy to handle and control
- Provide a comfortable grip that's easy on your fingers
- 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 TedScoreâ„¢.
Franz Sandner Pernambuco Bow No.982
This is perfect for advanced players looking for a traditional wooden bow. It’s made of Pernambuco wood and produces a warm, rich sound perfect for classical music.
Franz Sandner Pernambuco Bow No.982
FEATURES:
- German-made Paulus ebony frog with a Parisian eye
- Three-part button
- Silver winding
- Available in 4/4 size
- Produces a warm and rich tone
- Made from high-quality Pernambuco wood
- Provides a secure and comfortable grip
- Limited availability compared to other wood bows
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 TedScoreâ„¢.
Best Violin Bow Brands
The bow is the secret ingredient that produces the rich, full-bodied sound we all love. But with so many options available, how do you know which brands to trust?
Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered!
I’ve scoured the market to bring you the best violin bow brands that are sure to impress. There’s something for everyone, from traditional wooden bows to modern carbon fiber bows.
CodaBow
JonPaul
Arcus
Fiddlerman
Glasser
Yamaha
Franz Sandner
How to Care for Your Violin Bow
1. Regularly cleaning your bow
2. Rosin helps to create friction
3. relieve the tension
4. Store it in a protective case
5. Get your bow repaired
The History and Role of the Violin Bow
History
Are you ready to dive into the fascinating history and role of the violin bow?
The earliest versions of the violin bow were likely simple sticks with horsehair tied to one end. Over time, these crude bows evolved into more sophisticated designs, with skilled craftsmen experimenting with different materials and shapes to create the perfect tool for their trade.
One of history’s most influential bow makers was Francois Tourte, a French craftsman who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He standardized the shape and size, making it more versatile and better suited to the changing needs of the music.Â
The baroque bow, used in the early 18th century, produced a more tapered sound as you moved towards the tip, while the modern bow has a more even taper.
Tourte’s bows were renowned for their balance and agility, and his innovations set the standard for violin bow design for generations to come.
Role
But have you ever stopped to think about the role of the bow in producing that sound? It allows musicians to create various sounds, from soft and delicate to loud and powerful.
The bow’s ability to control notes’ duration, pitch, and intensity gives the violin its distinctive sound.
But the violin bow is not just a tool for musicians – it’s also a work of art in its own right. The finest bows are meticulously crafted from the highest quality materials, such as Pernambuco wood from Brazil, and adorned with intricate designs and engravings.
Best violin bows
Top Takeaways
I know there is a lot of information above, but start with the type of bow you want.
Are you looking for a carbon fiber bow or a wood bow?
Once you’ve sorted that bit out, then do you have a budget? That’ll pretty much dictate a range of bows.
Remember, a good bow doesn’t always equal an expensive bow! You have to find the perfect violin bow for you. And thankfully, most of the stores we recommend will let you purchase one, try it out for a few days, and send it back if it doesn’t feel right.
Try to avoid really cheap bows. The cheaper bows tend not to last that long, so it’s a bit of a false economy.
A decent quality bow can make all the difference in your playing. I tend to recommend a carbon fiber stick to my students (because they’re light and durable). If it has a strong carbon fiber core, it’ll withstand being taken to school, etc!
Lastly, a bad bow probably has cheap imitation horse hair. And that’ll just make a rougher sound. So always try to stretch your budget as much as possible.
Remember, a bow can last years, so it’s worth spending the time finding your match.
Good luck!
And once you’ve found your match…
Go and take a look at our article ‘How To Hold A Violin Bow – The Basics‘
FAQ's
Strings Kings considers the Glasser X-Series Carbon Fiber X-Bow with Horsehair the best professional violin bow for its professional-level quality and materials used in the construction and high-quality sound and performance. However, it is expensive.
The cost of a really good violin bow can vary widely depending on the brand, materials, and craftsmanship. You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $10,000 for a high-quality bow, but finding one that feels comfortable and suits your playing style is essential.
When buying a violin bow, look for a bow that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your playing style. Consider factors such as weight, balance, material, and price, and try out multiple bows before making a final decision.
A good violin bow for beginners is the Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Violin Bow, which is hand-made from carbon fiber and features high-quality Mongolian horsehair. It’s a great budget option for beginning and intermediate violinists, offering excellent quality for the price and a real leather grip.
Yes, the brand of a violin bow can matter as different brands offer different features, materials, and craftsmanship quality. Some brands are known for producing high-quality bows, so it’s important to research and choose a reputable brand when looking for a violin bow.
Yes, a beginner may need a different violin bow than a professional, as a beginner may not need a high-end bow and may benefit from a more affordable option that is easier to play. Conversely, a professional may require a higher-end bow with more nuanced control and sound quality.
Technically, you can use a cello bow to play the violin, but it’s not recommended as it is designed differently and may not produce the desired sound or be comfortable to play. It’s best to use a bow specifically designed for the violin.
The ideal bow weight can vary depending on the player’s preference, but generally, a violin bow should weigh between 58-61 grams, a viola bow should weigh between 69-74 grams, and a cello bow should weigh between 78-84 grams. Finding a bow that feels comfortable and balanced in your hand is important.