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Transform Your Sound: Perfect Violin Bow Testing Tips!

Choosing the right violin bow is often a much more challenging task than choosing the right instrument. The bow should act as an almost subconscious extension of your arm and it can be close to impossible to put your thoughts and opinions into words.
That's why we've put together this guide on how to try violin bows. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this guide will provide you with some useful tips and a step-by-step approach to trying out different bows. So, let's dive in and discover the key factors to consider, as well as some useful tips on how to find the perfect bow for you!
Much like with musical instruments, the best way to feel confident about your choice of bow is by trying as many as possible, even if you are not looking to buy one any time soon.
It is very easy to get accustomed with the weight and response of your current bow, making it very difficult to impartially evaluate anything that feels very different from what you are used to.
It also helps to have a clear idea of the different aspects that contribute to the sound and response of a particular bow, so that you can better understand what it is that you like and dislike about your particular bow, as well as any others you might be considering for purchase.

Пікірлер: 54

  • @Creationhorse
    @Creationhorse Жыл бұрын

    The bow comparison at the end: I liked the 1st one. Nice and clear. Beautiful sound .

  • @MyLuthierUK

    @MyLuthierUK

    Жыл бұрын

    Tibor Kovacs is a truly talented maker!

  • @glenncbjones
    @glenncbjones Жыл бұрын

    We all have different “ears” and nuances of perception. Women , for example, tend towards treble, and men towards bass. Younger ears like volume and intensity, older ears favor subtlety and poignance. Everyone likes fluidity and “magic!” As for myself, I’d prefer to “arm” myself with the first bow I’m quite sure! Very much enjoyed your playing and technique, especially your vibrato!

  • @pmichael73
    @pmichael7310 ай бұрын

    I was allowed to borrow five bows to try and compare. I tried playing not knowing which I was using, but then sorting by preference (starting again each day for a week). A the end of the time, i found I had chosen the same one each day. Decision made. A big factor was that I could recognize the bows that were well-above my ability, but still chose one that would stretch me. Thank you!

  • @fadcullen
    @fadcullen7 ай бұрын

    I prefer number 1 and 3, but overall I think number 1 is gonna be choice if I want to buy...

  • @suedavis3525

    @suedavis3525

    Ай бұрын

    me too

  • @paulhammer1363
    @paulhammer1363 Жыл бұрын

    This was fascinating: the different bows all produced a distinctly unique tone. Also, you seemed to play each bow differently, as if each bow brought out something different in your playing. Thanks for this!

  • @MyLuthierUK

    @MyLuthierUK

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for your comment Paul. I'm glad you liked the video!

  • @talesfromthequick
    @talesfromthequick3 ай бұрын

    my brother has two FX Tourtes, I have two Peccattes and three Persoits, and my sister has a Voirin, a Sartory, a Thomachot, and an Espey. When we get together we have too much fun

  • @theredflower2877
    @theredflower2877 Жыл бұрын

    Violin's world is soooo nice 😢😢😢😍😍 i hope one day i will be able to hold a violin and play a beautiful melody ❤️🙏🏼🥺

  • @glenncbjones

    @glenncbjones

    Жыл бұрын

    So get going, “Rose-a-Sharon,” you’re burnin’ daylight! Get a good outfit and find a teacher… Envisioning you achieving your dream, so you do the same! This is magic… this will WORK! Click your heals three times and then say the magic word… “Paganini!” (or “Menuhin,” or “Heifetz,” or “Bell,” or “Hahn,” or “Benedetti,” a WORLD of choices, and they’re all literally YOURS!)… it’s your MAGIC to MAKE! - Namaste! Glenn (“The Fiddle Witch”)

  • @juliejules7780

    @juliejules7780

    10 ай бұрын

    It's not nice. You will ruin your arms and hands and can't use them when you're older. Heifetz couldn't use his right arm when older cuz of violin. Play piano instead.

  • @chrisebbesen5798
    @chrisebbesen5798 Жыл бұрын

    Tha.nks your violin sounds wonderful. 2n bow over. All of. Them. ITS supple! Very helpful thanks

  • @bradykelso8682
    @bradykelso868210 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @jonhh6918
    @jonhh6918 Жыл бұрын

    Very well put ! Definitely a difference between the bows. I don’t know if I have a favorite but i think the second one caught more my attention with the violin you played. Very nice shop decor in the background.

  • @MyLuthierUK

    @MyLuthierUK

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching!

  • @visualtrigger2469
    @visualtrigger246910 ай бұрын

    This was fantastic! I'd say the Peccatte workshop bow was the best. Then again, I prefer a warmer more rounded sound and I also play gut strings.

  • @jenvogue5005
    @jenvogue5005 Жыл бұрын

    very helpful and informative!

  • @MyLuthierUK

    @MyLuthierUK

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @philharmonischelautspreche692
    @philharmonischelautspreche692Ай бұрын

    I like the Tibor Kovacs bow best of the three.

  • @lucienoon7262
    @lucienoon72622 ай бұрын

    good listen

  • @nesrinedellali1459
    @nesrinedellali1459 Жыл бұрын

    i like your work you 😍

  • @finemasterviolins
    @finemasterviolins Жыл бұрын

    From listening to all the bows you played, my preference was the bow the said you were considering for yourself. Seems it does everything well and sounds beautiful and compliments the violin you were playing. Which maker was this bow please ?

  • @sultanpiper7155
    @sultanpiper71553 ай бұрын

    To my ears, number 1 produces a bright sound, number 2 has much softer sound and number 3 has a balanced sound between the two.

  • @HenJack-vl5cb
    @HenJack-vl5cb Жыл бұрын

    Hi,thank you for the wonderful video. The first bow brought kind of masculinity of the tone of the instrument.The problem with such kind of bows sometimes is the harshness of the attacks, mostly in chords The second sounded quite the opposite-suppleness and elegance. The third -the most complex sound, although not very sure how it projects in a larger space.

  • @MyLuthierUK

    @MyLuthierUK

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for your comment and interesting points about which bows you liked the most. Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @srinitaaigaura
    @srinitaaigaura11 ай бұрын

    The bow makes a far more noticeable difference than even old vs modern violins.

  • @pauljohnson6233
    @pauljohnson62334 ай бұрын

    The problem is... I think one's 'ear' would get used to any of three. This would then bring the choice down to perhaps how hard one has to work to achieve the desired sound.

  • @BogenmacherD
    @BogenmacherDАй бұрын

    Excellent presentation and explanations (except for the bit about carbon fibre bows)

  • @MyLuthierUK

    @MyLuthierUK

    9 күн бұрын

    Thanks for watching!

  • @bennyblanko3
    @bennyblanko3 Жыл бұрын

    You could definitely hear and see a difference in your playing between the bows. The last one, Picate definitely sounded the best, and did the double stops the best, but looked like you were not as used to the softness, or higher bow hair. The first stick looked quite stiff, and would be great for heavy frog bouncing, but sounded pretty bright (and your fiddle is a bit bright too). I'd go with the Picate (spelling?) if I had the money - but I think they cost a lot (too much for me). I'd take the 2nd stick, because it was still pretty stiff and looked balanced and nice, and sounded decent too. People get so picky about bows. And some of them cost so much now. Really, everybody's arm, strength, bow speed, playing style, type of sound they want to produce, and violin they are playing on is different. So, you really need to just try a bunch, and see what works with your violin. I've got a few bows, but my favorite at the moment for a "cheap" bow is a Fisher 3 star that I bought off Shar about 10 years ago. I think about 1.2k, and it really works and sounds great, with excellent balance and not too stiff or soft. Also, age matters. I traded my stiffer german bow to a lady who was getting up in age, and bow arm shaking a little and harder to control, and that worked for her (I got a nice Nurnberger german bow in trade, lighter and softer, but harder to control).

  • @stevehurst916
    @stevehurst9167 ай бұрын

    Out of the three you were comparing, the 1st sounded best. Clear and rich. Just curious, was it more expensive?

  • @pindarf1
    @pindarf19 ай бұрын

    I found the first two bows were quite similar to each other, I could hear a slight difference but hard to pick which I prefer. On the other hand the third bow from the Peccate workshop was easily head and shoulders better than the first two, I definately prefer this one. The sound seemed more rounded and resonant. I have 3 bows, a bow by K. Gerhard Penzel which combines great handling and great tone and is my everyday bow. I also have a French bow by Morizot (Père) which has a sweeter, more complex tone but not as good handling as the Penzel. Finally I have an Arcus Musing carbon Fibre bow, the Musing C3 which I use in orchestra and has the best handling is the most resonant compared with the two others. It's great for tackling tricky orchestral passages with the least effort (It's also relatively light weight), but lacks the velvety complexity of sound of my two wood bows, especially the Morizot Père. The future of violin bows is definitely with Carbon Fibre or other woods, Pernambuco is an endangered spieces and is finished now for today's young bowmakers.

  • @BogenmacherD

    @BogenmacherD

    Ай бұрын

    You should try the Müsing C5, it should be pretty much even with your Morizot.

  • @ariankonci5727
    @ariankonci57273 ай бұрын

    The French bow makes a notable difference in comparison with other bows!

  • @grtvannikulakshathriyan6734
    @grtvannikulakshathriyan67343 ай бұрын

    I love violin bow's

  • @rogerjay9557
    @rogerjay95578 ай бұрын

    No mention of the type or amount of rosin, which makes a huge difference and confuses comparisons of the actual stick. I had an impulse buy of a carbon fibre bow for £250 (the same day I tried that very violin at MyLuthier!) which is strong, well balanced and even, but quite jumpy, exposing my clumsy bow changes. I am now trying some wooden bows, including some made from Ipe (pronounced ee-pay) wood, a 'sustainable' similar to endangered pernambuco. To me it is indistinguishable from similar pernambuco bows.

  • @johncebasek6252
    @johncebasek6252 Жыл бұрын

    Quick question if I may? Does the mounting affect the sound the bow produces? I was looking at two bows that were (I believe) basically the same. The centre of gravity was in the same place. I could not feel a difference in weight between the two. Both were pernambuco - aged 30 years - I believe. Both were round sticks, both ebony frogs, but difference was the mounting. One was silver, the other gold and of course the price difference between two bows was considerable.

  • @MyLuthierUK

    @MyLuthierUK

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi John, that's the joy of trying bows! Makers will typically reserve the gold mount for their best wood so that can translate into playability. However, the actual mount shouldn't have a huge impact on sound if the overall weight and distribution is the same!

  • @johncebasek6252

    @johncebasek6252

    Жыл бұрын

    @@MyLuthierUK Thank for the information about the mounts. British Airways owes me a flight due to Omicron and maybe I should plan a trip to London (from Toronto) for summer to take in some West End and visit your shop. Don't know if the bows are in my budget, but who knows. I know where Trafalgar Square, the National Museum and St Martin in the Fields (love the orchestra) are. Is your shop close? 😁

  • @MyLuthierUK

    @MyLuthierUK

    Жыл бұрын

    @@johncebasek6252 You are more than welcome to visit us next time you are in London! We always have some great bows at any budget. We're very close to St Paul's Cathedral and not too far from Trafalgar Square. We look forward to meeting you if you ever get a chance to visit!

  • @bennyblanko3
    @bennyblanko3 Жыл бұрын

    Oh, and as an added contrast, you maybe should have played some interesting carbon fiber bow. Some don't sound that bad, and are great for outdoor, or playing anywhere the bow might get knocked (anywhere people are drinking ... heh heh).

  • @rocknroller912
    @rocknroller91211 ай бұрын

    I felt that the first bow had more attack and I thought the third one had the best overall sound. However all three were very good and suitable for different types of music

  • @nickcarroll8565

    @nickcarroll8565

    5 ай бұрын

    100% agree with you. If you were a pro, having both would really give you options for bringing out the best in the repertoire.

  • @zachb8012
    @zachb801211 ай бұрын

    All of my bows have fallen off the stand and broken the tip, which I've had to glue back together. I feel like the glue brings out the true sound of my fiddle and doesn't make it sound too nice or responsive. That's why I break all my bows. It's definitely not because I'm a clumsy oaf with fat little banjo fingers.

  • @CortVermin
    @CortVermin10 ай бұрын

    4:12 lol thats exactly what i thought

  • @bennyblanko3
    @bennyblanko3 Жыл бұрын

    Oops, I said Fisher 3 star - it is actually a Klaus Becker 3 star, and I really like it, for a not too expensive bow (around 1k american). I have a cheap china 3 star too, and that bow sucks! But, to be fair, it was only 500 bucks.

  • @zeneszpeter
    @zeneszpeter10 ай бұрын

    Very focused, has a lot of colours, nuanced, etc. These are the notions that speak nothing. Different violinists get used to different bows. All have different opinion. Without statistical tests there are no objective judgement. If the varnish is shiny or the seller is confident, the bow will cost more.

  • @juliejules7780
    @juliejules778010 ай бұрын

    Too many decisions with violin. I think I'll quit and go to piano.

  • @fredericsanazar4893

    @fredericsanazar4893

    3 ай бұрын

    lol!

  • @bliss6495

    @bliss6495

    Ай бұрын

    😂😂😂😂😂

  • @juliejules7780

    @juliejules7780

    Ай бұрын

    I actually ended up quitting piano and sticking with violin lol.

  • @orji_k

    @orji_k

    29 күн бұрын

    @@juliejules7780😂😂

  • @BogenmacherD
    @BogenmacherDАй бұрын

    Carbon fiber bows can actually produce more "depth of sound" than pernambuco bows (2:09). It is really only a question of technology and quality. Pernambuco is not only know for being the most widespread used materials to make bows thus far, but also for being a highly endangered species with only about 5% of the original population still existing. Since being put on the Cites list of endangered species in 2007 it was and still is poached and smuggled in quantity and documents are forged. This has led to raids of bow makers and dealers in Brazil in 2022 and led to the destruction of tons of illegal wood and allegedly 150.000 illegal sticks and bows. In 2023 Brazil has banned all exports of Pernambuco. At the Cites conference in 2025 Pernambuco will most probably be put on Appendix 1 which will prohibit all future travel and trade.