9 best violin bows
A violin bow is a crucial component of a violinist's toolkit, responsible for producing sound when drawn across the strings of a violin. These bows are carefully crafted and come in various styles and materials, each contributing to the overall sound and performance of the instrument.Here's what you should know about violin bows:
Materials: Violin bows are traditionally made from horsehair and a wooden bow stick, typically crafted from pernambuco wood or other high-quality woods. Carbon fiber bows have also become popular in recent years due to their durability and consistent performance.
Bow Stick: The long, slender part of the bow is called the bow stick. It is usually slightly curved to give the bow tension, and it is where the player grips the bow while playing. Pernambuco wood is highly regarded for its resonance and flexibility, making it a popular choice for bow sticks.
Frog: The frog is the part of the bow closest to the player's hand. It is usually made of ebony and features a mechanism that tightens or loosens the bow hair to adjust tension. It may also have an eyelet to attach the hair.
Hair: The bow hair is traditionally made from horsehair. It is stretched from the frog to the tip of the bow stick and is what makes contact with the violin strings to produce sound. Bow hair must be rosin-coated for proper grip on the strings.
Tension: Adjusting the tension of the bow hair is essential for producing the desired tone. Tightening the hair creates more tension and a louder, brighter sound, while loosening it produces a softer, mellower tone.
Balance: A well-balanced bow is important for ease of playing. It ensures that the weight distribution between the frog and the tip is even, allowing for better control and articulation.
Bow Makers: The craft of bow making is highly specialized, and there are renowned bow makers around the world who produce high-quality bows sought after by professional musicians.
Price Range: Violin bows come in a wide price range. Professional-grade bows made by master bow makers can be quite expensive, while student-level bows are more affordable.
Sound Quality: The choice of bow can significantly impact the sound produced by a violin. Different bows can bring out various tonal qualities, so musicians often experiment with bows to find the one that best suits their playing style and the characteristics of their violin.
Maintenance: Proper care and maintenance of a violin bow are essential. This includes rehairing the bow periodically, cleaning the stick, and applying rosin to the bow hair as needed.
In summary, a violin bow is a critical component of a violinist's performance, influencing the instrument's sound, tone, and playability. The choice of bow, its material, and its craftsmanship can greatly affect a musician's ability to produce the desired musical expression.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best violin bows on the market
Violin Bow Stunning Fiddle Bow Carbon Fiber for Violins (4/4, Black)
Kmise
- Crafted using advanced molding techniques,the violin bow is constructed of carbon fiber and other modern materials,delivers a new level of performance way,beyond that of traditional wood construction
- The way that this violin bow transfers string vibration to your fingertips makes you feel at one with your instrument, facilitating technique and enhancing personal expression
- This violin bow looks great,thanks to an eye-catching abalone inlay and Parisian eyes.It is resistant to temperature and humidity, allowing you to play anywhere without any adjustment
- The superior balance and lightning-quick response you get from this violin bow are unlike anything you've ever experienced. You can feel every nuance of your playing as each string vibrates through it
- Give this Kmise violin bow a try , you'll never look back and use a wooden bow again!
User questions & answers
| Question: | How do I know which size to choose |
| Answer: | Stiff with a little flex. Nice bow |
| Question: | I want to buy a 4/4 green bow. Do you think this bow is suitable for beginners |
| Answer: | hello Michael, no we can |
| Question: | Why does it take so long to ship? 3-4 months is a little excessive |
| Answer: | I recently did a bow trail of the Codabows and here's how I felt it stacked up: Codabow Diamond SX Fiddlerman Bow Codabow Diamond NX And this was with my Fiddlerman bow in DIRE need of a rehair. It felt better than the NX, which is a $400 bow, and only slightly worse than the SX, which is a $500-600 bow. I was able to get almost as much response out of the Fiddlerman to the SX. I will say that the Codabows have nicer components in the frog, the wrap, the winding, and the screw, but I don't feel like they have $360+ better components. I will say I also tried the Luma, but the rehair on my trial Luma was a botch, so I'm not really going to compare it. |
| Question: | Can this bow be rehaired |
| Answer: | This is a Carbon Fiber Composite violin bow. Not Graphite Carbon. It's also not a Carbon Fiber weave bow. |
Professional 4/4 Brazilwood Ebony Frog Violin Arbor White Horsehair Violin Bow (4/4 Brazilwood)
Product description
Do you need a top level violin bow to match with your beloved violin? Our high quality arbor violin bow will come up to your standard. This 4/4 size high quality arbor violin bow introduced here is made of arbor with high flexibility and selected high grade Mongolian white hair, delivering bright sound and soft on fingers. Pure hand made, very strong and stable, this bow has good stiffness, easy control and accurate response. Fit for professional players to use, it's worth ordering!
Features:
1. High quality arbor violin bow
2. Bright sound and soft on fingers
3. Straight and well balanced, A good bow for student and professional players to use
4. 4/4 size
5. Pure hand made, very strong and stable
6. Good stiffness, good control and response
7. Selected high grade Mongolian white horse hair
8. AAA grade Mongolian Horsehair
9. With Mother of Pearl Inlayed Ebony Frog
10. Unbleached Genuine Mongolian Horsehair
11. Abalone Slide and Silver Screw
Specifications:
1. Size: 4/4
2. Material: Brazilwood stick & Mongolian horse hair
3. Color: Silver
4. Weight: 1.8oz / 51g
5. Length: 29.13" / 74cm
Package Includes:
1 x 4/4 Arbor Horsehair Violin Bow
- Size: 4/4 (Full Size) , 73 cm /28.74’’, Round Stick, Leather Bow Grip, Abalone Slide and Silver Color Plated Wire
- Made of selected high quality Brazilwood and AAA+ Mongolia Natural white horsetail
- This Round Stick Violin Bow comes with an exquisite workmanship and elegant design and it will reproduce a resonant, well-rounded and forceful sound.
- Quality Brazilwood Bow With Mother of Pearl inlaid Ebony Frog Unbleached Genuine Mongolian Horsehair
- Straight, Nice Balance and Lightweight, Good stiffness, good control and response. Fit For Student and professional players to use.
User questions & answers
| Question: | does the bow come with rosin |
| Answer: | No. Just bow |
| Question: | Is there anything that needs to be done to the bow for it to be used? When used on my daughter’s violin it makes no sound |
| Answer: | Ensure that the bow is tightened to about 3/4" from hair to wood. Also, make sure that you use plenty of rosin, since that is what makes the bow "grab" the strings. Hope this helps. |
| Question: | Is this bow well balanced |
| Answer: | It seems to be- I am not a professional musician but I like this bow a lot. It seems that I have much more control over it than my old bow, which was probably 50 years old. |
| Question: | I noticed this bow is 4/4. Can it be used in 3/4 as well |
| Answer: | A 3/4 violin is a smaller violin for kids, and a 4/4 violin is a full-sized adult violin. This 4/4 full-sized bow will not fit in a smaller 3/4 violin case. |
Violin Bow, Student Beginner Violin Bow, Well Balanced Handmade Arbor Bow, Horsehair Violin Bow,Violin Bow 3/4,for Beginners and Students Practice
Wrea
- 🎻 【High Quality Natural Horse Hair】Our 3/4 arbor violin bow selected high grade Mongolian white horsehair, natural Mongolian horsehair provides greater elasticity, strength, and years of beautiful, sweet sounds. White horsehair is thicker you will get louder and wild tone surprisingly.
- 🎻 【High Quality Arbor Violin Bow】The 3/4 size arbor violin bow is made of the arbor with high flexibility, delivering bright sound and soft on fingers. Pure hand made, very strong and stable, the 27.09inch bow has good stiffness, easy control, and accurate response.
- 🎻 【Perfect Balance Point】Balance point is very important for a bow. Our maker always adjusts it several times to ensure it is in the right range. A Great balance point makes the bow easier to control.
- 🎻 【Arbor Violin Bow for 3/4 Violin】Our high-quality arbor violin bow will come up to your standard. This versatile bow can be matched with all violin makes and models. Beautifully presented in a white textured case, makes this an ideal gift for any violin enthusiast.
- 🎻 【Beautiful Warm Overtone Sound】The superior balance and lightning-quick response you get from this violin bow are unlike anything you've ever experienced. You can feel every nuance of your playing as each string vibrates through it. Fit for beginners and students practice
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is this the right size to use with a child size violin?Please tell me we need to compare with it |
| Answer: | Each size has a suitable age stage,you can choose the violin bow that your child needs according to age and other aspects.1/8 size Total Length is 20.07inch,Suitable for kids who are 4-5 years old. Thanks for your question. Welcome again! |
| Question: | Is the bow made of real horsehair |
| Answer: | "The violin bow Selected high grade Mongolian white hair Thanks for your question. Welcome again! " |
| Question: | What age is suitable for this 1/2 size student violin bow |
| Answer: | Our store sell 1/2 size violin bow suitable for 7-9 Years Old Thanks for your question. Welcome again! |
| Question: | Can I get 100% refund if the product is not good or I am not satisfied with the quality |
| Answer: | Should not be a problem, but prerequisite you need to get in touch with the seller, communicate and negotiate |
Product features
3/4 Violin Bow for 3/4 Size Violin
FROG
Bow hair may be loose and can be easily tightened or loosened by hand with the nickel plated screw
STICK
Due to the different measurement methods, there may be about 1-2cm difference of the length, they are all correct, please kindly understand that.
BOW HAIR
We use unbleached Mongolian horsehair for this model, aiming for great resilience, be easier to rosin.
VIOLIN BOW
Comfortable genuine leather grip, elegant winding. Winding and grip just but beautiful looking but also for proper balancing the bow.
PERFECT BALANCE POINT
As you know, balance point is very important for a bow. Our makers always adjust bow balance point for several times to ensure it is in the right range. Great balance point enables you to control the bow easier and more comfortable
CAREFULLY HANDMADE
The bow is totally made through traditional handcraft work. Straight stick, clean work, ready to play. It is a good strong bow with exceptional bounce stability.
IDEAL FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS
Whether you're a beginning student, a veteran teacher, or a highly trained professional, you'll appreciate workmanship. Perfect practice bow for orchestra players
Why Choose WREA Violin Bows?
Our high quality arbor violin bow will come up to your standard. This 3/4 size high quality arbor violin bow introduced here is made of arbor with high flexibility and selected high grade Mongolian white hair, delivering bright sound and soft on fingers. Pure hand made, very strong and stable, the 27.09" bow has good stiffness, easy control and accurate response. Fit for professional players to use, it's worth ordering!
violin bow product description
- 1.High quality arbor violin bow
- 2.Bright sound and soft on fingers
- 3.Fit for professional players to use
- 4.3/4 size
- 5.Pure hand made, very strong and stable
- 6.Good stiffness, good control and response
- 7.Selected high grade Mongolian white horse hair
Most of violin bow hairs are made of horsehair.
The horsehair of our violin bow are from Mongolia horsehair, more durable than others and also has uniform hair thickness and good response,offer you a sweet sound.
Attention:
The hair is surely real horsehair, it may break off one or less pieces during rosin or playing. Please don't worry as we always use better quality horsehair than other bows in the market, considering it may cost buyer much to re-hair locally.
PAITITI 4/4 Full Size Violin Bow Round Stick Brazil Wood Mongolian Horsehair
Product description
● Brand new high quality Brazil wood violin bow for beginners.
● Round stick.
● AAA+ Mongolia Natural white horsetail and high quality ebony frog.
● Lightweight and easy to carry, very strong and stable.
● Good stiffness, good control and response.
● Bright sound and soft on fingers.
- Brand new high quality Brazil wood round stick violin bow for beginners.
- Round stick, hand carved with high gloss finish.
- Lightweight and easy to carry, very strong and stable.
- Straight and well balanced, bright sound and soft on fingers.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Need to know quickly for Christmas: why are the hairs so loose? Will the giftee know how to tighten them? Know nothing about violin myself |
| Answer: | Dear,This violin bow is made out of real Brazil wood,Please to make sure you are purchasing from Sky Music,Thank you very much for your inquiry,Best,GeorgeSky Music |
| Question: | Is this bow made out of real wood |
| Answer: | I think you need to use just enough pressure so you don't have scratchy sound. When I returned to the violin, I found it difficult to play as I used to. I had to be patient, play slowly repeating exercises several times. I feel age plays a large part. I'm 90. |
| Question: | how much pressure do you use to bow? i started to play at 5 stopped at 7. i'm 65 years old wanting to start violin again i play 9 different instrument |
| Answer: | No, it’s not. If you want a wound A-string, I think the flat tops and the flatwounds have them. |
Product features
Paititi Violin Bow
Top quality material used
Clearly finished and made of selected material. The selection process emphasizes straightness of grain, uniformity of color, density and strength, and absence of blemishes. Handcrafted with great attention to detail, these are the best quality at the most competitive price on the market you can find . If you have been playing with our bow for a long period of time, you might not feel the necessity to make an upgrade at all, because while you are trying to do an upgrade, you find other bows, even bows at double the price in some place, you can hardly hear better sound and feel better handling than this bow. These bows are highly recommended for beginners, advance students, amateurs , and professionals.
Paititi
The treasure within.
Viotti Carbon Fiber Violin Bow, Hand Crafted by Professional Violin & Bow Makers, Strong, Stiff & Well Balanced, Made with Mongolian Horse Hair, For Violinists & Fiddlers of All Skill Levels
- SUPERIOR QUALITY TUNED TO YOUR BUDGET: This premium carbon violin bow offers quick response & bright, focused sound at a very affordable price. Supremely strong, stiff & well-balanced.
- HANDMADE BY EXPERT PROFESSIONALS: Unlike mass-produced bows, your Viotti carbon fiber bow is carefully crafted – by hand – by skilled violin & bow makers at an award-winning violin workshop.
- ONLY THE FINEST MATERIALS: From its ebony frog to its white Mongolian horse hair, this exquisite black bow is built for years of use. Weighs between 58-62 g. with elegant mother-of-pearl & nickel trim.
- SAFELY DELIVERED IN A HARD, STURDY CASE: Rest assured your Viotti violin bow will come to you safe & sound. Each bow is thoroughly inspected, then carefully packed & shipped in a professional bow case.
- BACKED BY A 2-YEAR WARRANTY: If your Viotti violin / fiddle bow is defective in any way, return it within 2 years for a full refund or replacement. Ideal for all skill levels, student to professional.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is this bow pre-rosined |
| Answer: | No. I think all bows come without rosin. You will have to get some before it will play your violin. Because the bow is new, you will have to apply the rosin several times before the hairs are powdered enough. |
| Question: | How long is this bow |
| Answer: | Exactly the same length as all my other violin bows. My favorite bow! |
| Question: | Is this the same product that's sold in the Fiddlerman website |
| Answer: | I don't see anything under Viotti brand on Fiddlerman's website. I can say this is a fine bow at a very fair price. |
| Question: | Does the bow come with rosin on the bow hair |
| Answer: | These bows are fresh from the workshop and have not been pre-rosined. Before you can start playing, you will need to apply rosin. To do so, turn the button screw at the bottom of the bow until the hairs have reached your desired tension. Then, take your resin cake and run it up and down the hairs 40-50 times, until you’ve reached your preferred amount. Now you can play with your new bow! |
Product features
Virtually Indestructible
Even in heat and humidity, your Viotti carbon bow won't warp like a regular wood bow.
You'll Feel and Hear the Difference
Try it and see. Your Viotti violin bow is stiffer, stronger, more responsive, with a sleek, contoured shape for ultimate flexibility. You'll love its rich, resonant sound: smoother legato, crisper staccato, and cleaner, brighter spiccato with more evenness and control.
Made by Violinists for Violinists
Forget bows sold by factory resellers. Choose Viotti for Exquisite Workmanship. Viotti workshop is specially devoted to crafting fine violins and accessories. All Viotti bow makers are violinists themselves, so they care passionately about sound quality (and it shows).
Pure White Mongolian Horse Hair
Why settle for cheap synthetics? Your Viotti Carbon Fiber Violin Bow features all-natural Mongolian horse hair, carefully gathered and dressed (without any harm to horses). Best of all, it's unbleached, so it retains its full strength and thickness.
Exquisite in Every Detail
From its mother-of-pearl accents to its glistening nickel trim, this beautiful bow offers elegant, stand-out style. Has a smooth, strong ebony frog, genuine leather grip, and premium nickel winding + sturdy end screw.
Painstaking Quality Control
Before your Viotti bow goes out the door, it's thoroughly checked for stiffness, balance, and responsiveness. Then it's carefully packed and shipped in a durable professional case to ensure it will arrive in perfect, pristine condition.
Ideal for All Skill Levels
Whether you're a beginning student, a veteran teacher, or a highly trained professional, you'll appreciate Viotti's workmanship. Perfect practice bow for orchestra players.
Brazilwood Student Violin Bow 4/4 Round Stick with Mongolian Horse Hair Ebony Frog Silver Wire Winding for Beginner Practice
AMZZ
- Round, resilient brazilwood stick with exceptional balance and flexibility for crystal clear intonation
- Traditional non-slip sheepskin cushioned wrap with silver-plated button gives optimal comfort
- Half-mounted rosewood frog with nickel silver button provides striking beauty and superb counterbalance
- Genuine unbleached horsehair ensures long-lasting durability and superior rosin adhesion
- 4/4 size violin bows are also suitable for use with 12-13” violas
User questions & answers
| Question: | What is the weight of this bow |
| Answer: | When new - fills the same. EJ45 fill softer when worn, 520B stay the same. |
| Question: | Where Is It Made |
| Answer: | Yes, this a 6-string set and some of the best on the market. I highly recommend Savarez 520-B for a traditional classical guitar. |
| Question: | Do the strings fall out |
| Answer: | No. These strings need to be tied at the back of the bridge and at the tuning pegs. Look on youtube for instructions on how to do this. It's very easy. |
| Question: | Is this a round or an octagonal bow |
| Answer: | Yes, absolutely. My bass is long scale. Enjoy! |
Product features
Violin bow specification
- Weight: about 65 g
- Length: about 74.5 cm
- Size: 4/4
- Frog Slide: Abalone Shell Inlay
- Frog : Selected with Parisian eyes
- Hair: Natural Mongolian
- Material: Brazilwood
- Octagonal Stick Horse Hair
Violin bow specification
- Size: 4/4
- Weight: about 65 g
- Length: about 74.5 cm
- Frog Slide: Abalone Shell Inlay
- Frog : Selected with Parisian eyes
- Hair: Natural Mongolian Horse Hair
AMZZ Violin bow is a great choice for a beginner and student
AMZZ violin bow frog uses carefully selected genuine ebony wood, an abalone slide, and a Parisian eye decoration, so it has a glamorous look. With such a beautiful violin bow, hope players having a pleasant feeling.
Advanced Performance
Most of violin bow hairs are made of horsehair. The horsehair of our violin bow are from Mongolia horsehair, more durable than others and also has uniform hair thickness and good response,offer you a sweet sound.
Carefully Handmade
All parts are fitted by an experienced craftsman from start to finish. This violin bow has a great balance and will provide you a pleasant playing experience.It is recommended for beginner and student players.
Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Violin Bow 4/4
- Fiddlerman Handmade Carbon Fiber Violin Bow
- Quality Siberian Horse Hair
- Nicely Decorated Copper Mounted Ebony Frog
- Great Balance and Weight Distribution
- Nice Arch with Good Bounce and Action
User questions & answers
| Question: | How would you rate the stiffness of this bow |
| Answer: | hi the gopro mount on top of the pole couldn't be removed. |
| Question: | Can you send it yo India |
| Answer: | I have not tried it yet. I would not recomend because there are small parts that are made of metal. If you use it in salt water, have to rinse with tap water after use to avoid rust. |
| Question: | How does your carbon fiber bow compare to a Coda brand carbon fiber bow, which is so much more expensive |
| Answer: | The length of S3C is 23.5"-39.5"(can be adjusted), it is combined with one extendable pole( from 12.5" to 28") and one floating pole(12.5"). |
| Question: | Is this bow carbond fiber or carbon grahpite? Price indicates carbon graphite, and entirely different product |
| Answer: | Yes |
Anton Breton AB-100 Student Violin Bow - 1/10 Size
Product description
Anton Breton bows provide the finest quality and value possible at each price point—from the most affordable student bows to the higher models utilizing the finest materials and workmanship. Each Anton Breton bow includes genuine unbleached horsehair, proper fittings and a quality grip. The playing qualities of every Anton Breton bow are at the top of their class and will make the work of learning easy.
- Round hardwood stick with exceptional balance and flexibility for crystal clear intonation
- Traditional non-slip leatherette cushioned wrap is easy on the hand
- Half-mounted rosewood frog with nickel silver button provides striking beauty and superb counterbalance
- Genuine unbleached horsehair ensures long-lasting durability and superior rosin adhesion
- To learn more, please see our Product Description below
User questions & answers
| Question: | Ok... I got this bow. It doesn't make a peep! We used rosin and more rosin, and lots more rosin and still, it is completely silent. Help |
| Answer: | Yes, bow is 4/4 length |
| Question: | This one only weight 0.8 ounces |
| Answer: | Approx 29.25" / 60 grams, Brazilwood Violin Bow Size 4/4 High Quality, Great Sound |
VINGOBOW Brandnew Carbon Fiber VIOLIN BOW 4/4 Size Deep & Powerful Tone, Art No.106VB
User questions & answers
| Question: | That logo on the frog is their something behind it? for instance it looks like the fleur de lis( french symbol) but isn’t exactly it. does this symbol |
| Answer: | If you want arrows with the Bow, you must buy the Kit, that comes with 6? arrows, a quiver and an arm guard.Most archery dealers stock the "Easton #1820 Aluminum arrows" or you can also order online. The 1820 is the Required arrow for NASP competition. |
| Question: | I got a horse key chain along with the bow. It doesn't say it is included, so I was confused! Was it suppossed to be there |
| Answer: | I would say it is a target practice bow. My wife got one for Christmas and uses it for targets. I believe Genesis has another line of bows for hunting. |
| Question: | How long do you have to rosin this the first time. Been applying rosin for more than an hour and it’s still not making a very strong sound |
| Answer: | The bow is adjustable between 10 pounds and 20 pounds. |
| Question: | Can you replace the hairs after a while |
| Answer: | I'm right handed but left-eye dominant. You should check before buying your bow. |
Product features
Shining shell
We selected colorful monther-of-pearl slide and Shining Parisian for this model. It looks like a shining gemstone. We will try to select a similar beautiful one for you.
Fine craftsmanship
You can find our fine craftsmanship from the picture - there is no extra gap between the bow stick and frog. Very smooth screw adjustment enable you to easily loose and tighten bow hair. Charming looking.
Winding & grip
Winding and grip are not just for beautiful & elegant looking but also for proper balancing of a bow. Genuine leather grip provides you an easy and comfortable playing experiences.
Neat workout
The bow is totally made with traditional handcrafted skills. Straight stick, clean work, ready to play. It is a good strong bow with exceptional bounce stability.
Good-quality carbon fiber stick
The stick is stronger and more durable than pernambuco, with well bounce and great flexibility.
Black horsehair
We use unbleached BLACK Mongolian horsehair with great resilience, be easier to rosin. Black horsehair is thicker than white hair, it can bring you louder and wild tone surprisingly.
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