HOW TO CHOOSE A BOW

. . . .Each bow has its own personality and the musician should try it out to see if it is comfortable and produces the desired sound. The first thing to look for with the bow is to be able to play a long note without slips and without the right arm suffering unnecessary tension. Different bows have different weights, but the most important consideration is the balance or equilibrium of the bow. This balance allows the musician to play for many hours without the arm tiring due to too much or too little weight. The bow must be strong without being rigid. This depends on the quality of the wood which should be of Pernambuco, and on the curve and thickness of the bow. I totally disapprove of bows made of fibreglass, a material which, lacking the sensitivity of wood creates tensions in the arm and shoulder, which in time can cause serious injury to the muscles and nerves. Before buying a quality instrument it is advisable to have a good bow as this is what ultimately makes the instrument sound. With a good bow a better sound is always achieved thereby allowing one to evaluate the instrument’s true potential.