Most violin players spend a huge chunk of their time and money buying the right instrument. But very few of them pay attention when buying a violin bow.
This is a big mistake as a violin bow plays a crucial role in your playing experience. The best violin bow enables you to achieve high sound quality while also allowing you to learn a variety of bowing techniques.
So what’s the right bow to buy? Well, this will depend on several factors that we’ve highlighted below. Read on to learn more about choosing the best violin bows.
Reviews of the Best Violin Bows
1. CodaBow Diamond GX Carbon Fiber 4/4 Violin Bow
The CodaBow Diamond GX Carbon Fiber bow is one of the best violin bows for professionals!
Every single unit of Coda Bow is hand-carved, guaranteeing optimal quality and durability. One thing you'll notice is the graphite diamond weave finish that gives it a really elegant look. This bow also has a Moroccan leather grip, allowing you to hold it firmly.
Overall, the manufacturer has so much confidence in their products that they offer a limited lifetime warranty. However, they’re also quick to note that this coverage does not apply to any used bows.
Another reason why we consider this the best violin bow is the fact that it's made of high-end materials. To be a little more specific, it contains a Kevlar acoustic core and an ebony build.
The Kevlar material offers two key benefits. For one, it makes the bow feel more in tune. It also facilitates the production of a more organic sound.
Important to note though is that the CodaBow Diamond GX Carbon Fiber only comes in a full-size version. So if you’re just starting out and prefer smaller-sized carbon fiber bows, you’ll likely have to look for alternatives.
Pros
Cons
The CodaBow Diamond GX bow comes at a pretty steep price. If you’re looking for an affordable carbon fiber bow, consider the D Z Strad Model 303, which is much more affordable.
This round stick bow is constructed using braided carbon fiber. Contrary to its wooden counterparts, this carbon fiber stick provides better resilience to the ever-changing environmental conditions.
So if you’re looking for an alternative to Pernambuco or Brazilwood, the D Z Strad is the best violin bow.
The ebony frog along with the fleur-de-lis in-lay gives this violin bow a pretty stylish look. Better yet, it’s completely lined with a sterling silver winding that further adds to its elegance.
Pros
Cons
It’s not easy to find the best violin bows for beginners, especially when you’re looking for a specific size. Kmise understands this, which is why they provide this carbon fiber violin bow in four different sizes.
The one we’re reviewing here is a full-size bow. But it’s also available in ½, ¼, ⅛, and ¾ sizes. It's also among the cheaper bows, enabling any novice player to afford it.
The abalone inlay and Parisian eyes are some of the features that make this bow look super attractive. And, as already mentioned, it’s made of carbon fiber. This enables you to play with it anywhere regardless of the temperature and humidity fluctuations.
As a beginner, finding the correct center of balance in your bow is crucial. The manufacturer has made this easy by incorporating silver wire wrapping. This element plays a crucial role in maintaining the bow’s balance.
Another feature that makes the carbon fiber bow ideal for beginners is its price. Factor in its full-size structure, and you have one of the best violin bows for the money.
Pros
Cons
D Z Strad is one of the most renowned brands of musical instruments. So it’s not surprising that another one of their products has made it to our list. However, the D Z Strad Violin Bow 300 is a far cry from the model we reviewed earlier.
For starters, this particular unit is an octagonal stick whereas the previous one was a round stick. As it turns out, the shape of the bow affects stiffness and the resulting sound. So you should put it to the test and determine if it’s offering the quality of sound that you’re after.
Another difference that you should pay attention to is material. This particular violin bow is made of rare and premium-quality Pernambuco. Thanks to this traditional wood construction, the bow produces a rich and warm sound that’s unlike anything else.
That said, the D Z Strad Violin Bow shares several similarities with the previous model. For instance, it contains the same genuine white hair, fleur-de-lis inlay, and abalone slide. These features ensure that the bow is well-balanced, resulting in a uniform response.
Pros
Cons
One of the best violin bows for intermediate players is this creation from Fiddlerman. It has a mid-range price and a pretty nice selection of features.
The carbon fiber composite build is one feature that makes the Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Violin Bow really stand out. It helps to keep its weight to a minimum without compromising the bow’s integrity.
The copper-mounted ebony frog is another element worth mentioning. This combination of materials gives the bow a good balance and uniform weight distribution. This, in turn, allows you to play with this carbon fiber violin bow for hours without getting overly fatigued.
Another feature you’ll notice in the Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Violin entails the cowhide leather wrap. This is meant to improve your grip on the bow. And even though the unit we’re reviewing here is a full-size bow, it’s available in three smaller sizes.
Pros
Cons
If you’re hell-bent on buying a violin bow made of Pernambuco, this is another option you can go for. Vingabow is a prominent bow maker, so you can be sure that you’re investing in a bow that will last.
The Vingabow may not have the copper-mounted ebony frog like the Fiddlerman model. But, its ebony frog touts a natural wood grain. Factor in the Parisian eyes, and you have a violin bow that’s not only functional but also beautiful to look at.
According to the manufacturer, this bow is not made of just any type of wood. The Pernambuco used here is air-dried for over a decade before being put to use. This results in the best violin bow with exceptional durability.
Better yet, it has an excellent balance point, making it fairly easy to control. Another feature that makes this wood bow easy to use is its weight. It tips the scale at 63 grams, making it comfortable to hold for an extended period. To add to this, it offers a fast response while generating a pleasant warm tone.
Pros
Cons
Kennedy Violins understands that different players need different bow sizes depending on their skill level. This is why they conveniently offer the Giuliani Brazilwood violin bow in 7 varying sizes. Whether you want a ½, ⅛, or full-size, this brand has got you covered.
If you’re very picky when it comes to design, you’re sure to love this bow. It’s hand-carved with premium Brazilwood and has an ebony frog.
Better yet, the manufacturer applies rosin at the time of its construction. So the wood bow arrives ready to play straight out of the box. This also saves you from spending more money on violin accessories.
Worried that you won’t like the Giuliani Brazilwood violin bow? There’s no need to as this unit comes with a money-back guarantee for 45 days starting from the date of purchase. You will also get a 2-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking for a violin bow that not only plays well but also looks the part, check out the Vio Music 709. It’s mid-priced and boasts classical features that make it highly sought-after.
The stick of this violin bow is constructed using Snakewood. Native to Western Australia, this wood species has a dark color and is very close-textured. These characteristics make this bow look elegant.
As is the case with most violin bows, this one also uses horsehair to exert pressure on the strings. The specific horsehair used is obtained from Mongolian horses, resulting in a thick bowhair.
Now as implied in the title, this bow is designed for Baroque-style violins. And since it weighs just 58 grams, most players find it easy to hold and maneuver. You will also be impressed with the bow’s exceptional response.
Pros
Cons
Are you looking to upgrade to a new bow but don’t want to spend a ton of money? If you answered yes, the HAOYUE Violin Bow is another affordable option.
One thing that makes this bow stand out is its design. Unlike other models that only come in a brown hue, this one is available in three colors: brown, black, and red. Better yet, it’s made of carbon fiber, providing unmatched durability.
Yet another feature that makes this a great bow is its weight. It achieves the golden weight by tipping the scales at 62 grams.
The ebony frog along with the nickel silver mounting results in uniform weight distribution. This makes the bow simple to control - an aspect that’s particularly important for beginners.
The fact that the HAOYUE comes with its own case is another element that adds to its appeal. It’s packaged nicely in a black textured case. So if you’ve ever considered buying a violin bow for anyone, this would be it.
The natural Mongolian horse hair is another point worth considering. The manufacturer uses unbleached horsehair, creating a bow that has better elasticity, strength, and sound.
HAOYUE is not the most renowned brand but they provide a one-year warranty to guarantee a secure investment. So if you ever encounter any issues within one year of your purchase, you can return the item and get a refund or replacement.
Pros
Cons
One area where a lot of bow manufacturers go wrong is designing properly-weighted bows. Thankfully, this is something you won’t have to worry about when you invest in the MI&VI Classic Brazilwood Bow.
Ideal for both beginner and intermediate violinists, this bow has a nice range of features. One that’s crucial to note is the Brazilwood construction. This material provides the same tonal quality you get from Pernambuco, without the steep price tag.
To add to this, the MI&VI is a nice-looking piece of equipment. The ebony frog includes a Parisian Eye inlaid that further enhances its design. More importantly, the bow weighs just 62 grams, hitting that sweet spot between balance and weight.
And as is the case with the other bows in our review, this one also contains Mongolian horse hair. This provides a good amount of tension once tightened.
Pros
Cons
You may have bought your young one their first kids violin. If so, have you been looking for a violin bow that would be great for kids? If you have, the Paititi 1/16 Bow is exactly what you need.
For one, it comes in a pretty small size. It’s just 16.5 inches long, meaning your young player will feel comfortable holding it. It’s available in different colors and sizes too, in case you want to buy one for a more experienced player.
The Paititi bow comprises a round stick with unbleached Mongolian horsehair. This gives the bow ample elasticity without compromising its strength. In fact, it offers one of the best balance points and responses.
Pros
Cons
Don’t mind splurging on a modern violin bow that has all the bells and whistles? If you don’t, the Arcus Bow is precisely what you need. It has a high price tag and cutting-edge features to back it up. Due to this, it’s one of the best violin bows for advanced students.
One of its biggest selling points is the fact that it’s hand-made. Each unit of the Arcus Carbon Fiber Bows is hand-carved in Germany, resulting in excellent craftsmanship.
Another reason why we consider this the best bow is the range of materials used. For one, the stick comprises a professional-grade carbon fiber core. This is combined with a silver 935 coil, further enhancing its durability. The silver 935 means it contains at least 93.5% pure silver.
The selection of materials produces a pleasant sound that’s rich in overtones. This makes the bow particularly ideal for orchestral and chamber music.
But as we mentioned earlier, it’s a great bow for advanced or professional players. This is not a cheap violin bow so if you’re working with a small budget, you’ll likely find this a tad expensive.
Pros
Cons
Importance of a Violin Bow
Finding a bowing technique that works for you is crucial when you’re first learning how to play the violin. Remember that your right hand, arm, and bow all have a massive impact on tonal qualities like the rhythm, articulation, and changes in timbre.
Now the bow you choose determines how well you can use a particular bowing technique. This goes to show that the bow is an integral part of your violin’s performance.
For instance, if you’d like to play louder notes, then you simply have to increase the pressure on the strings of the violin. However, a louder sound can also be achieved with a greater bow speed.
So if you’ve not been paying attention when choosing a violin bow, keep in mind that it can make or break your performance.
Things to Consider when Choosing a Violin Bow
Here are a couple of things to consider when choosing the best bow:
Materials
Originally, all violin bows were constructed using wood. But as soon as newer technology came into being, the best violin bow makers resorted to advanced materials like carbon fiber and composite.
On that note, the choice of whether to choose a wooden or carbon fiber composite bow continues to attract mixed reviews in equal measure. To help you decide between the two bow materials, here’s a more detailed overview:
Wooden bows
If you prefer wooden bows, then you probably know that the two core materials used in their build. These are Brazilwood and Pernambuco species. These names are often used interchangeably because they’re both sourced from Brazil.
Pernambuco
Back in the 18th century, bow manufacturers realized that Pernambuco wood provides a nice balance of strength and resilience. These traits made it suitable for building violin bows.
But in the modern-day, Pernambuco is an exotic wood species. In fact, the Brazilian government banned people from continuing to harvest it. Thanks to such restrictions, there’s hope that Pernambuco will become abundant again.
Given the scarcity of this material, it is no wonder that most Pernambuco bows are very expensive. Those made from low-quality wood are priced at less than $100. Conversely, those made from genuine Pernambuco wood cost several hundreds of dollars.
Brazilwood
If you can’t find or afford the hefty price tag of a Pernambuco bow, consider those made of Brazilwood.
This traditional wood bow is a tad heavier than the Pernambuco variety, which reduces the “feel” for a violin player. However, the Pernambuco bow has a better response to the strings’ vibrations. These vibrations are usually transmitted through the bow and felt on a violinist’s hands.
This allows a violinist to have a better feel for their instrument, and as a result, they’re able to create richer tones.
If you’re a beginner or intermediate violinist, you probably won’t be able to tell any difference in the sound produced.
For this reason, we recommend going for the cheaper and more readily available Brazilwood bow. This material has a denser weight, which benefits younger players as it’s not easy to break.
However, if you’re a professional player who’s able to discern these differences in sound, then a Pernambuco bow is a better fit for you.
Synthetic bows
If you don’t like the limitations that wooden violin bows present, consider different violin bows made of synthetic materials.
Most manufacturers prefer to use carbon fiber for their synthetic bows, and rightly so. This material is not affected by changes in temperature or humidity. As a result, a carbon fiber violin bow typically lasts longer than its wooden counterparts.
And in some instances, they’re the best option for certain bow techniques. They also come at a very affordable price.
That said, these bows also tend to be heavier. So if you’re looking to play for extended periods, be sure to check the weight indicated.
Shape
Another feature that a lot of violinists neglect is the shape of the violin bow. What these players fail to realize is that different shapes result in different playing experiences.
Generally, violin bows come in one of two shapes: round and octagonal. The traditional bow that was mostly developed by French bow makers assumed a round shape. Round bows aren’t as stiff as octagonal bows, and this results in better control.
Ultimately though, choosing between the two shapes depends on the player’s preference. Some violinists enjoy the stiffness that an octagonal-shaped bow offers.
Size
When checking the size of a violin bow, the main aspect that you should pay attention to is its length. You’ll want to choose an appropriate length based on the size of the player.
For instance, if you’re buying a bow for a young player, then a shorter bow is a better option. However, if buying for an adult, then a longer bow is the best option.
That said, keep in mind that the bow’s length also affects its stiffness. A longbow is more flexible (less stiff) than a short one. As a result, it’s able to produce a wider range of expressions that can’t be achieved with a long one.
But for younger or inexperienced players, shorter bows are always the best as they also offer better control.
Compatibility
When examining violin bow sizes, don’t forget to account for compatibility. Put simply; the size of the bow should match the violin size that you have. Bigger bows such as the CodaBow Diamond GX is better suited for professional or expert violin players, and their professional type of violins.
Sound
If you’re new to string instruments, you might assume that all bows produce the same quality of sound. But this is very far from the truth.
The sound that results from a violin depends primarily on its flexibility. On that note, we recommend going for a supple violin bow. This kind of accessory causes the sound produced to be smoother and richer.
Conversely, if you pick a bow that’s too soft, the resulting sound won’t be clear or well-defined. So if you want the sound to be more pronounced or brighter, a stiffer bow is the way to go.
However, don’t choose one that is too stiff lest you end up with a very rough sound. Instead, look for one that hits that sweet spot between clarity and smoothness.
Weight and Balance
Each bow has a specific balance and weight. It’s important to check these factors, especially if you’re dealing with those made of organic materials.
The rule of thumb here is that the heavier the bow, the louder the sound it generates. This explains why violin bows that are too light result in fairly shallow bow strokes.
With the majority of violin bows, the frog is always heavier than its tip. Nonetheless, these two components should be well balanced to enable the instrument to produce audible sound.
If you’re buying a wooden violin bow, inspect it keenly to ensure that it’s not warped. Warping impacts the bow’s balance negatively; hence, creating a lower sound quality.
Flexibility
Flexibility determines how the violin bow reacts when it’s subjected to tension. Even if you tighten the bow, it should have a bit of bounce when you’re playing with it. A flexible bow can easily achieve different levels of articulation.
Stick
Finding a violin bow with the perfect stick can turn out to be more challenging than you think.
This is because you have to examine several factors. For one, the stick should be made of premium-quality material. As we mentioned earlier, you’ll be able to choose from brazilwood, Pernambuco, and carbon fiber.
In addition, you should ensure that the stick is well-balanced. This means that its weight should be evenly distributed across its length. This, in turn, makes it comfortable to hold, allowing you to play for longer.
Hair
When buying a violin bow, pay attention to the hair as well. You’ll want to invest in the best violin bow hair, preferably one obtained from a horse like the white stallion.
If the horsehair used is low-quality, then it’s easily weakened by discoloration processes like bleaching. In fact, such a bow can lose up to one-third of the hair during bleaching.
One other factor you should keep in mind is the type of bowhair. If you own a synthetic bow stick, then it’s only right that the hair is synthetic as well. But this is entirely up to you.
Durability
The durability of a violin bow depends largely on the materials used in its construction. As we mentioned earlier, wooden bows are less durable.
This is because they’re easily affected by fluctuations in humidity and temperature. So if you’re looking to buy a wooden bow, ensure the wood used is of high quality. Otherwise, carbon fiber bows reign supreme in this area.
FAQs
What violin bows do professionals use?
Beginners don’t spend a ton of time and money choosing a violin bow. This is because any entry-level bow works just fine.
But once you’ve mastered the art of playing and become a professional violinist, you have to be more attentive when choosing this accessory.
For pros, the right violin bow is one that corresponds to the size of your current violin. Chances are that you play a full-size violin so you should look for a full-size bow as well.
Similarly, a good quality bow should enhance your bowing techniques. Whether you prefer the smooth, connected bow strokes of legato or the wide, distinct strokes of détaché, you’ll want a bow that complements your playing style.
How much does a good violin bow cost?
The prices of violin bows vary widely. You can find an entry-level bow for as little as $20.
If you’re an intermediate or professional player, you’ll likely spend more on an advanced bow. Experienced players spend anywhere between $300 and $500.
Some of the factors that influence the price of a new violin bow include brand, sound, and materials used in their construction.
With regards to material, fiberglass bows are the cheapest going for between $20 and $50. Mid-range bows are mostly made of carbon fiber. Usually, the price of a carbon fiber violin bow starts from around $150.
If you’re working with an unlimited budget, then you can go for a wooden bow. Those made of Brazilwood can cost as much as $250 whereas those made of genuine Pernambuco wood cost $500 or more.
Generally, experts recommend spending at least 30% of the violin cost on a bow.
Does a good bow make a difference?
The short answer to this is a resounding yes. The difference that a good quality violin bow makes is significant. And this is not necessarily because of the fittings it contains, but more so because of the material, and flexibility of the bow.
Anytime you play your violin, the bow contributes a considerable portion to the resulting sound. In fact, it’s responsible for at least half of the sound produced. So if you want to create rich, pleasant tones, be sure to invest in a premium-quality bow.
What makes a good violin bow?
The perfect bow is one that meets the specific needs of the player who uses it. This means that firstly, it comes in a suitable size and weight. It should also be well-balanced so that it feels like an intrinsic extension of your arm.
Similarly, a proper violin bow is one that strikes a good balance between softness and stiffness. This, in turn, ensures that the sound produced is smooth and rich.
Since there’s no one-size-fits-all, we recommend visiting your nearest musical instruments shop to test out a few bows. This will give you an idea of the type of violin bow to buy based on your skill level and personal preferences.
How to tighten a violin bow
When your new bow arrives, it’s easy to get carried away and start playing immediately. However, it’s always good to spend some time adjusting the bow’s tension.
To tighten the bow, start by holding it in your left hand. Then using your right hand, turn the screw on the frog in a clockwise direction. Tightening the bow hair is crucial as it causes the bow stick to be straighter.
That said, don’t go overboard with this adjustment process. If you adjust your bow too tight, it will be more difficult to control. Also, excess tension can cause the head to snap off.
Conclusion
Purchasing a violin bow is an incredibly personal issue. These accessories don’t come in a one-size-fits-all. A bow that works well for you might not work well for another violinist.
To find the perfect violin bow, you’ll want to consider factors such as size, weight, balance, and materials. Based on these, one of the best violin bows is the CodaBow Diamond GX.
It's one of the best carbon fibre violin bows, lasting much longer than a wooden bow. However, it’s among the most expensive bows.
That’s because it has unique features like the Kevlar fibers at its core. These not only make the carbon fiber bow feel more in tune but they also produce a more natural sound.
