Questions & Answers

A string players bow is equally as important as the actual instrument. You can't play one without the other. This is why it is so important to look after your bow to allow more enjoyment all year round.

• Always loosen the hair of your bow every time you have finished playing with the end screw. This will allow the tension of the stick to relax and return to its natural curve. If you forget to do this over and over your bow becomes tight and the screw will no longer work properly making it very hard to tighten and loosen your bow. After a while it will seize up and you will need a new bow.
• Try not to touch the hair of the bow too much. The sweat and acid from our hands will damage the hair, making it discoloured and clump together.
• Do not put too much rosin on your bow. This will make it harder for you to play as it makes a scratchy unpleasant sound. It also coats your violin with a lot rosin that falls from the bow when you play. This is not very good. If you think your bow has too much rosin you can gently wipe the hair with a clean dry cloth. 
• Be very careful when handling your bow, especially the tip! The slightest hit or knock can cause the delicate timber to split and snap. When practicing you should always try standing over carpet. If your bow is accidentally dropped it will have a better chance of surviving on carpet than polished timber floors.
• Always store your bow in a safe place when its not being played.

If you follow these simple steps your bow will last much longer