Violin Bows

Types of Violin Bows

The most common wood types used to make violin bows are Pernambuco and brazilwood.

Pernambuco, native to Brazil, is the primary choice for professional players, its wood is dense and heavy and has the right mix of strength and responsiveness. Pernambuco is now on an endangered species list and is more difficult to acquire.

Brazilwood is a similar type of wood also found in Brazil and is very good alternative. It is more affordable and ideal for students and beginners.

Carbon fibre technology has allowed the introduction of synthetic bows that are great for new and intermediate players.

Violin bow sticks come in two shapes, round and octagonal. There isn't much functional difference between the two although aesthetically the octagonal may look better. Octogonal bows are also harder and more time-consuming to make.

Violin Bow Sizes

Violin bow overall lengths range from 15 (1/32) inches for a child to 29.5 (4/4) inches for an adult. Typically stringed instruments with higher pitches require longer bows. The table below gives the general (approximate) lengths of violin bows given their sizes (i.e. 4/4 to 1/32).