When you are in the market for a new stringed instrument, remember the significance and importance of bow selection, as it is a critical aspect of the overall playability and performance of the instrument. The research you do when choosing the best instrument for you should be repeated for bows as well, and remember to ask for help if you need it! (We've included a helpful chart with some suggested "pairings" at the bottom of this blog)

Match the bow to the instrument:For example, a violin can have great features – a singing, bright high range and a powerful, rich low range, and can play exaggerated chords in concerto performances. However, if an unsuitable bow is used, the instrument will not be able to fulfill these qualities, as the bow needs to be properly weighted, balanced, and needs a stick that is both powerful and strong in order to equip the player with the tools to allow playing. The instruments shine. For example, buying a solo-level cello and choosing the cheapest bow (essentially designed for rental, but still a good bow) is like buying a sports car and fitting it with the cheapest, thinnest The same tires. The car will not perform as well as it should.  Generally speaking, plan to spend about 15% of the price of the instrument on a bow-30%.

欢迎选购艺匠琴坊的弦乐器，您可以点击此链接与我们建立联系！

Budget, performance and materials:When choosing a bow, in addition to understanding your budget, playing ability, and performance expectations, consider the materials the bow is made from, which will help determine price and performance. Bows can be made from Brazilian wood, Pernambuco wood (all the great collectible bows are made from these materials - unfortunately the resource is dwindling and increasingly harder to find) and composite materials. CodaBow was one of the first companies to introduce compound bows, and the advantages of these bows were many (durability, consistency, resistance to deformation), primarily the ability to replicate the playability of more expensive Pernambuco bows due to the increased cost of raw materials. Compound bows feel and respond differently than wood bows, so if you're not sure, be sure to try both as it's very easy and cheap to safely send your bow back.

In addition to the material used in the bow stem, other materials will help determine the price of the bow, such as the string material, the metal used in the brace (gold, silver, nickel), and whether special materials are used in the string or nut/ Tighten. If your budget is limited,Always choose the bow that performs best and save on mounting or accessory materials, but if you want a bow that looks as good as it plays, choose the Johann Krausch Select, shown below.

Using the sample quoted above - Solo Cello - a good "budget" bow choice to match the instrument is Joh. Krausch. The Joe Krausch is an affordable Pernambuco bow that offers excellent performance. It is a lightweight bow that offers a solid combination of flexibility and strength, as well as an extremely responsive feel. We love John. Krausch bows, due to their combination of value and performance, have sold thousands over the years. Since it comes with nickel fittings, the cost is lower compared to similar sticks that come with silver fittings. Another good option is to use a stronger stick, such as the CodaBow Diamond SX. This compound bow looks beautiful and is a joy to play. It doesn't feel as responsive as the Krausch line, but there's more charisma behind its performance and the bow changes are smooth.

Benefits of trade-in:If you happen to upgrade your instrument and later trade it to a higher-end line, the added benefit of choosing the best bow you can afford comes into play. If you choose a bow that matches a few levels better than your current bow, then you can keep that bow and only have to worry about upgrading the instrument. For those of you who purchased a bow that matches your current instrument well, but may not match your upgraded instrument, don't worry, as you can (and should) keep the bow as a backup for when you need to retool your instrument. What a bow!

Let us help:As always, we encourage anyone purchasing any instrument from any violin shop not to shy away from seeking advice. The folks at StringWorks have all played violin, viola, and/or cello for decades, and we can talk to you and help you find an instrument that fits your budget, playing ability, and playing desires. If you have any questions while searching, please call 888-624-6114 or email us. I've created a chart below to help guide you with some of our suggested "bow pairings" :)

欢迎选购艺匠琴坊的弦乐器，您可以点击此链接与我们建立联系！

Recommended violin bow studio:

Li Jianfeng’s bow

majorbow makerHandmade by Li Guifu and Chen QianminviolinSumu wood silver accessories bow