Some cellists think that the only material used to make cello bows is wood. But, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Even though wood was the only available material initially, we have come a long way since then. We now have graphite bows, fiberglass and carbon fiber bows.

Our focus today is on the best carbon fiber cello bows. In the following guide, we’ve explained why they’re better than other materials, and reviewed a few top-rated carbon fiber bows.

Overview of Carbon Fiber Cello Bows

A carbon fiber cello bow is constructed using synthetic materials. Manufacturers use hair-like fibers, which they fuse together to create a bow. This process translates to a bow that strikes a great balance between weight, flexibility and durability. 

Typically, carbon fiber bows have almost the same level of stiffness as their wooden counterparts. What makes them different is that they’re able to overcome the limitations of wooden cello bows. Just to put things into perspective, here’s a detailed look at how carbon fiber bows stack up against their wooden counterparts:

Durability

Like any cellist, you probably take very good care of your cello and its accessories. But, accidents are inevitable. It’s not unusual to find your cello bow chipped, cracked or completely broken.

However, a bow’s susceptibility to damage depends primarily on the material used in its build. In that regard, carbon fiber bows seem to hold up better than wooden bows.

Sound Quality

One thing you should keep in mind is that wood is a porous material. For this reason, it’s highly vulnerable to fluctuations in moisture and temperature in your surroundings.

If the humidity and temperature are changing constantly, this can affect the camber of your cello bow. This will, in turn, affect or compromise the quality of sound produced when you play.

Obviously, you don’t have a lot of control on how the climatic conditions change. This means you’ll have difficulty maintaining consistency in your learning process.

Fortunately, carbon fiber bows are completely immune to these changes. Unlike the wooden varieties, these bows are able to hold their shape regardless of the conditions they encounter.

Whether you’re a newbie testing the waters or an experienced cellist, it’s worth investing in a bow that offers consistency.

Repair and Maintenance

Do you have wooden floors or furniture at home? If you do, then you know that they need to be repainted or polished every once in a while to keep them looking good.

Wooden cello bows aren’t that different. As you continue to use your bow year after year, exposure to environmental changes can take a toll on it.

When this happens, the bow stick may start warping. Cracks and breaks may also start forming on your bow. Even if you make an effort to repair and maintain it, a wooden bow that’s sustained a lot of damage will play very differently from a new one.

Thankfully, carbon fiber cello bows aren’t prone to these issues. This material offers exceptional strength, enabling your cello bow to age beautifully. You won’t have to spend a ton of money on repairs over its lifetime, which saves you in the long-run.

Reviews of the Best Carbon Fiber Cello Bows

1. CodaBow Diamond GX Carbon Fiber 4/4 Cello Bow

Carbon fiber cello bows offer a ton of benefits. So it’s not surprising that some models come with hefty price tags.

This is the case of the CodaBow Diamond GX, whose price is quite high. But if you’re wondering whether it offers value for money, the answer is a resounding yes.

Let’s start with its construction, which is achieved using a Kevlar acoustic core. In case you’ve never heard of this material, it’s the same one that’s used in bulletproof vests. As such, you can be sure that you’re getting maximum durability.

And it’s not only the sturdy construction that appealed to us. The CodaBow Diamond GX is a sleek-looking bow. It has a magnificent graphite diamond weave finish and pernambuco accents.

Still hesitant to buy this carbon fiber bow? Well, you can rest easy knowing that it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty. The only condition is that you buy it from an authorized CodaBow dealer.

2. VINGOBOW 100CB ¼ Size Carbon Fiber Cello Bow

For those working with a shoestring budget, the Vingobow 100CB is the best carbon fiber cello bow. It is very affordable, giving you some wiggle room to buy several units if you want.

Another thing you’ll love about this bow is that it comes in multiple colors and sizes. With regards to size, you’ll get to choose from ½, ¼, ¾ and 4/4.

Vingobow is also quick to note that this bow has black Mongolian horsehair. And with black horsehair being thicker than the white variety, your bow will produce louder and clearer tones than ever before.

The stick is another element worth mentioning. As you already know, it’s made of carbon fiber, rendering it more durable than its pernambuco counterparts.

To add to this, the Vingobow cello bow provides the perfect balance point. The bow maker adjusts it multiple times to achieve the right balance point. This, in turn, makes the bow so much easier to play with.

3. MI&VI Classic Carbon Fiber Cello Bow

Yet another brand that’s established a good reputation in the musical instrument niche is MI&VI. Their cello bows are revered for offering unmatched durability, and this Classic Carbon Fiber model is no exception.

The first thing you’ll notice is that it’s available in a number of sizes. Based on your size and skill level, you can choose between ½, ¼, ¾ and 4/4.

Another thing that sets the MI&VI bows apart entails the construction process they’re taken through. Each bow is first hand-carved using solid carbon fiber. It’s then hand-strung by an expert luthier, who uses real Mongolian horsehair.

The even weight distribution on this cello bow is also worth pointing out. The cello bows have excellent balance points and lightweight profile. Both of these features significantly improve your playing experience.

Furthermore, these cello bows are backed by a 90-day no-hassle warranty. This means that if you experience any issues before this period elapses, you can return the cello bow and get a refund or replacement.

4. D Z Strad Cello Bow - Model 505

Are you looking for a cello bow that not only plays well but also looks elegant? If you are, the D Z Strad Model 505 fits the description perfectly. The nickel-silver lining and ebony frog give this round stick a pretty stylish look.

Another thing you’ll notice is that the bow is fitted with white Mongolian horsehair. Factor in its uniform balance point, and you have a bow that generates very dynamic sound.

The carbon fiber used to make the Model 505 is also of very high-quality. This translates to a tough bow that can withstand any changes in the environmental conditions.

5. Vio Music Braided Carbon Fiber Cello Bow

Have you been searching for the best carbon fiber cello bow for beginners? If you have, you should check out the Vio Music Braided Carbon Fiber Cello Bow.

One of its greatest selling points is the fact that it weighs less than 0.5 pounds. As a novice player, you’ll probably be holding the cello bow for long hours at a time. This means its lightweight profile will really come in handy.

This cello bow boasts a sleek look as well. This can be attributed to the fleur de-lys inlay, ebony frog and the woven carbon fiber construction.

Conclusion

The rustic charm that wooden cello bows offer is undeniable. But these bows are also susceptible to damage. If you’re looking for a bow that will last and save you money, a carbon fiber bow offers just that!

That said, one of the best carbon fiber cello bows is the CodaBow Diamond GX. Though it has a steep price tag, it’s one of those bows that lasts for the long haul. The full-size cello bow is fitted with a Kevlar acoustic core and a lovely graphite diamond weave finish. So not only is the bow durable but it also has a sleek look.