Learning how to play the cello perfectly is a process that takes several years. It’s crucial to understand this if you’re just starting to learn or have a child who’s interested in it.
The good thing is that if you’re devoted and hardworking, then you can definitely master it. One thing that can help you get the most out of your cello is buying the right accessories.
The most important of these is a cello bow. With the best cello bows, your instrument will produce the desired sound. They will also make it easier to play your string instruments.
Are you in the market for a new cello bow? We’ve got you covered. Below are detailed reviews of some top-rated bows that you’re sure to enjoy playing with.
The 8 Best Cello Bow Reviews
1. VingoBow Carbon Fiber Cello Bow
Have you been searching for the best carbon fiber cello bow?
If you have, you’ll be pleased to learn about the VingoBow Carbon Fiber 4/4 Cello Bow that strikes that delicate balance between price and features. It comes in at under $100, yet it doesn’t compromise on any essential traits.
One of its key highlights is the fact that its body is constructed from carbon fiber material. Not only is this durable, but it also helps to keep its weight to a minimum. In fact, the entire bow weighs a measly 80 grams.
With regards to size, it’s approximately 71.5 cm. These specifications make this a suitable practice or backup bow.
Another material used in this bow’s construction is black Mongolian horsehair. This provides remarkable resilience and also makes the bow easier to rosin. Compared to white horsehair, the Mongolian variety is thicker. This results in a louder and pleasantly wild tone when you play with the bow.
The VingoBow carbon fiber 4/4 cello bow is not only functional but also looks elegant. The tip of the screw, eyes, and frog slide are embedded with a beautiful mother-of-pearl design.
Pros
Cons
The last thing you want is to spend a huge chunk of money on a cello bow that ends up malfunctioning. CodaBow understands just how frustrating this can be, which is why they offer a 10-year warranty on their bows.
The particular one we’re reviewing here is the CodaBow Diamond NX Carbon Fiber which has a lot of attractive features.
One such feature is its stylish design that comprises a simulated ivory tip plate, a nickel silver inlay alongside a sterling silver winding.
In addition, the body is encased in graphite diamond weave finish, giving this cello bow a bold fashion statement. The Diamond NX carbon fiber also attributes its appearance to some nickel silver fittings.
We also love how well these features work well together to produce quality sound.
Pros
Cons
As you’ll come to learn, cello bows made of pernambuco wood are among the most expensive. Therefore, it’s not surprising that this bow is also on the higher end of the price spectrum. However, you’ll be investing in a quality wooden bow that will last a lifetime.
One reason why we rank this as one of the best Pernambuco bows is the fact that it’s available in different sizes. So whether you have a small size cello or a full-size one, you’re certain of getting the right fit.
Another reason why we consider this an excellent bow is that it produces professional sound. The tone that stems from playing with this bow is smooth and very refined.
This sound quality is expected considering the lengths that these cello bow makers have gone to. According to the manufacturer, each bow is independently hand-crafted before being hand-strung by an expert Luthier.
Pros
Cons
Do you own a ¾ cello and are looking for a bow that’s suited for it? If you are, check out this recent JonPaul Bravo Model carbon fiber cello bow.
According to the manufacturer, this bow is designed for professional cellists. This explains why it has such a sturdy build.
Unlike other units, the JonPaul Bravo Model carbon fiber cello bow has a one-piece stick design. The benefit of having such a design is that it remains robust from the tip to the button.
That said, it's important to note that if you're big on color, you might not fancy this bow. While it's a good cello bow, it has a black-colored stick that doesn't do its design a lot of justice. Or rather, it's not as attractive as the rustic look of wooden bows.
Aesthetics aside, we love how this bow delivers a bright and warm sound that remains consistent throughout the playing session.
Pros
Cons
Another product that’s worth checking out is the Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Cello Bow.
One reason why we consider this the best cello bow entails its sturdy construction. As you might have guessed from the title, it’s made using carbon fiber, resulting in exceptional balance and weight distribution. To be more precise, the bow weighs just 0.22 pounds.
It also features premium-grade Siberian horsehair, a feature that contributes to stellar sound performance.
Moreover, the Fiddlerman carbon fiber cello bow has a high-quality ebony frog that further adds to its durability.
Pros
Cons
CodaBow is one of the most renowned cello bow brands. So it’s not too surprising that another one of their products is top-rated. We’re talking about the CodaBow Prodigy Carbon Fiber, which shares a lot of similarities with its cousin, the CodaBow Diamond NX Carbon.
For instance, this carbon fiber bow also has a sterling silver winding and graphite diamond weave finish- features that give it a very unique look. More importantly, it’s made of a carbon fiber composite that leads to a very sturdy bow.
You’ll also be impressed with your hold on the CodaBow Prodigy Carbon Fiber bow. It touts a Moroccan leather grip, enabling you to hold it firmly.
Pros
Cons
Coming from another one of the best cello bow makers, the D Z Strad model is one that you’ll love testing out.
Inspired by the German line of bows of the baroque era, it provides unparalleled durability and performance causing it to be ranked as the best cello bow.
Interestingly, this bow’s frog and adjustment screw are made of the same material, that is, Snakewood. Snakewood gets its name from the snake-like patterns on its grain.
The D Z Strad model also comes fitted with white, unbleached Mongolian horsehair that contributes to the production of a rich and vibrant tone.
Important to note though is that this is a full-size bow. So if you have a smaller-sized cello or don’t have a ton of experience playing this instrument, you’re better off choosing a different one.
Pros
Cons
Have you been looking for the cheapest cello bow? If you have, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one better than the Glasser 403SH model.
A carbon fiber cello bow, it's not as expensive as other models. Due to this, you could assume that it doesn’t have all the essential bow features. But this is a far cry from the truth. If anything, this bow may end up surpassing your expectations.
Its lightweight structure is one of the reasons why we consider this the best cello bow. With a weight of just 0.2 lbs., this bow feels comfortable to hold for an extended period. Its affordability and compact design make this one of the best cello bows for beginners.
The one feature you won’t fancy in this carbon fiber cello bow is the faux lizard grip. While it makes it firm to hold, it’s not as comfortable as the cello bow materials used to achieve the same in other models.
Pros
Cons
Types of Cello Bows
One of the most crucial factors to consider when purchasing a bow is the type of material used in its construction.
More specifically, the material used to make the stick, which is the longest portion of the bow. Based on this, cello bows can be classified into three:
Wooden Bows
If you’re thinking of buying a wooden bow, you’ll have to choose between two types: Pernambuco and Brazilwood. Interestingly, both varieties of wood are derived from the same tree.
The difference arises in their densities as they’re sourced from different parts. Pernambuco is extracted from the denser heartwood of the tree whereas brazilwood is obtained from a less dense portion.
Of the two, the Pernambuco bow is the most preferred material. The fact that it’s dense makes the bow sturdier and more durable. This minimizes its likelihood to warp even if it’s subjected to a lot of stress.
On the flipside, Pernambuco cello bows are very pricey, and they’re becoming harder to find with each passing day.
Conversely, brazilwood is less dense so it’s often considered as having a lower quality. However, the fact that it’s wood means it still offers some level of durability.
Moreover, it’s easier to find brazilwood bows than Pernambuco bows. It also doesn’t hurt that brazilwood results in cheaper wooden bows.
Here are a few other points you should keep in mind before choosing a wooden bow:
Fiberglass Bows
If you’re working with a very tight budget, the best material to go for is fiberglass.
Bows made of this material hold up relatively well. However, they’re not as sturdy as those made using carbon fiber or wood.
Due to this, fiberglass is mainly used to make entry-level or beginner cello bows specially made for beginners.
Carbon Fiber Bows
The last category comprises cello bows made of carbon fiber.
A carbon fiber cello bow offers a similar level of responsiveness and resilience as a wooden bow. And considering how rare Pernambuco material has become, more and more cellists are switching to a carbon fiber cello bow.
Here are a few points to consider when choosing carbon fiber bows:
The Frog
You'll also want to pay attention to the material used to make the frog. Most bows have an ebony frog, which is sturdy. However, a few models have their frogs made of materials that mimic ebony.
How to Choose the Best Cello Bows
Apart from the material, there are other bow features you should account for when buying a cello bow. These are:
Size
In the same way that cellos exist in different sizes, their bows come in various sizes too. Here’s a breakdown of the most common cello bow sizes:
¼ size bow
Measuring about 23 inches in length, it’s designed for the smallest cello bow. It’s compatible with both ¼ and ⅛ cellos. This makes it ideal for young kids, who are just starting to learn the cello.
½ size bow
This bow measures 24 inches and corresponds to the ½ cello size that has a back length of 25 ½ inches. It’s ideal for novice players who aren’t comfortable playing a bigger cello.
¾ size bow
This bow has a length of 26 inches, making it compatible with the ¾ size cello. It’s also suitable for players who have not developed enough confidence to play the full-size cello.
4/4 size bow
With a length of 27 to 28 inches, this is the biggest cello bow. As you might have guessed, it correlates with a full-size cello, which typically has a 30-inch back length.
Weight
Another one of the most important bow features to account for is weight. The vast majority of bows have a weight ranging from 2.3 to 2.82 ounces (80 grams).
On the surface, these figures may not seem much. But when you get down to the actual process of holding a bow using the right technique, you’ll realize how much of an impact weight has.
Here’s the deal, if you choose a very heavy bow, you’ll use a lot more strength to ensure the bow maintains contact with the strings. To avoid this, pick a bow that you can handle.
Comfort
A high-quality bow will also feel comfortable to play.
The bow’s weight plays a big role in a bow's comfort level. But another aspect you should consider here is balance.
It’s important that the bow is well-balanced, so you can have a good playing experience. If the point of balance ends up being too close to the frog, the bow may feel overly light. This will then force you to put in more effort to generate volume.
On the other hand, if it’s very close to the tip, the bow will feel extremely heavy. As a result, you’ll experience fatigue in your arms and wrists.
If possible, consider visiting a music shop to test out different bows. If this is not an option, be sure to read reviews from other buyers.
FAQs
What is the best material for a cello bow?
Without a doubt, Pernambuco wood is the best choice of material for a good bow. Discovered in the 18th century, it has remained a favorite for many bow makers, understandably so.
It results in a very robust bow strong whilst also providing enough flexibility. This material is not prone to warping or breakage, and rarely reacts to changes in temperature and humidity.
How much is a decent cello bow?
Cello bows are priced differently depending on their intended applications. If you’re looking for an entry-level bow, you’ll spend as little as $60.
A good intermediate bow for more advanced players can cost up to $200. However, if you’re after a professional level bow, expect to pay upwards of $500.
Do cello bows make a difference?
Yes, they make a significant difference. If you buy a great bow, your cello will produce a richer and smoother sound. The best bow can even boost its tonal projection.
How heavy should a cello bow be?
The right cello bow should have a maximum weight of 2.82 ounces, which is equivalent to 80 grams. Anything heavier might be too difficult to handle, especially for a prolonged time.
Keep in mind that a bow’s weight depends largely on the material used in its construction. It’s a no-brainer that wooden bows are heavier than any developed carbon fiber bows.
What are cello bows made of?
Cello bows can be made from several materials. We have wooden bows, graphite bows, Pernambuco, and carbon fiber cello bows.
How much does a cello bow cost?
Depending on the material, you can pay anywhere between $50 and $200 for a cello bow.
Conclusion
If you’ve been hunting for the best cello bows, the Carbon Fiber Bow by Vingobow comes highly recommended.
It’s a carbon fiber cello bow that provides nearly the same strength and durability as a traditional wooden bow. It weighs about 80 grams, but it offers unmatched flexibility and bounce.
The manufacturer has also incorporated an ebony frog that showcases the natural beauty of the wood grain. The brand has also used the finest quality hair to provide resilience. The icing on the cake is that this bow comes at a very affordable price.
