By Danielle Giulini
The best place for a beginner to buy is a music store. Normally when renting a violin, it comes with a bow. A beginner does not need a fine, expensive bow since sensitivity in “bow arm” is not high. Remember, every bow is different! And sounds different! It is best to ask an knowledgeable employee at a music store for help.
Bow sticks can be built of 3 different materials:
1. Brazilwood: Most inexpensive and appropriate for beginners (anywhere from $30-$200).
2. Pernambuco: Better quality wood used by top bow makers such as Tourte and Peccatte (famous old French bow makers). Price for the rarest ones can reach six figures.
3. Carbon-fiber: Gaining popularity due to shortage in Pernambuco wood. Price and quality varies widely. There are some great Carbon-fiber bows in the medium price range.
Things to pay attention to when picking a beginners bow:
1. Right Length
2. Straight stick (besides the natural slight arch)
3. Appropriate weight (not too heavy/light)
4. Does not bend too easily (to the left or right)
The more advanced a player becomes, the more sensitive one gets to appropriate needs and develops better feeling for a good bow. Very advanced or professional players will purchase a bow that compliments their instrument. Some bows work better with certain violins and worse with others. To find the right fit for a mid-high level player, it can take a considerable amount of time trying different bows at many different music stores or bow maker shops.
[button font_size=”24″ color=”#f70404″ text_color=”#ffffff” url=”https://www.amimusic.org/register-online/” target=”_self”]Sign up for Music Lessons![/button]Danielle Giulini is an AMI violin and viola instructor. She graduated with distinction from Northern Illinois University (BA) and DePaul University (MA). Currently she is a member of Camerata Chicago and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago where she gets to collaborate with world renowned conductors and musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma.