What to Play When Buying a Violin Bow?
Hi! I'm Zlata
Classical violinist helping you overcome technical struggles and play with feeling by improving your bow technique.
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Classical violinist helping you overcome technical struggles and play with feeling by improving your bow technique.
READ MOREWhen you buy your first violin, you focus on the sound and quality of the violin. The bow usually comes 'with it'. A couple of years later, it can be very interesting to search for a bow that matches your playing and your instrument perfectly.
A good bow can make your violin sound better. Also you can develop your bowing technique and tone production further with a bow that helps you. Trying out different bows and discover the possibilities can deepen your violin playing.
I own a violin shop in Holland for over ten years and when clients buy a violin, I can demonstrate several instruments. Based on the sound, the client can form an opinion. Of course a violin will sound different played by a different player, but in the basis the character of the instrument will be the same.
When looking for a bow, I always have to think of this Harry Potter scene, where Harry visits Ollivander's shop to select a wand. 'The wand chooses the wizzard'.
Of course buying a violin bow isn't that magical, but it's extremely personal. One bow isn't necessarily better or worse than the other, however there are general quality differences, but it needs to 'fit' you.
The first time you're going to try out bows, you'll be like a kid in the candy store. You want to grab and try every bow. This can be fun for a while, but to make a good decision, you should limit your choices. Start with a selection of three to five bows.
When this is your first time trying out different violin bows, you need to build your frame of reference. The first selection can be very diverse, so you can see what's 'on the market'.
In case you've tried out bows before and you know what you're looking for, you can narrow down the first selection based on balance, weight or stiffness. Even if you're experienced, keep all options open. Don't limit yourself too much to one brand, one maker or one price range.
When you notice a bow is 'meh' or you struggle with it, reject it immediately. The first nudge is the most accurate. Besides that it's easier to decide what bows you don't want than to try out fifty bows and pick one.
Reject bow after bow, until one or two favorites remain. Add some new bows to your selection, so you'll have a second round of five bows. Repeat this process depending on the size of the assortiment of your violin shop.
There are two things you want to compare: the sound and the playability. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell what is "play" and what is "sound", as both overlap when you play properly.
First of all play small fragments of music or scales. The short memory of our brain has a huge capacity for complex sounds, but keeps information only for about 18 seconds. So play only 8 to 12 notes on one string in one position.
I understand that you want to get to know each bow fully before switching to the other. However, this is not the best way to notice differences and compare. Play small fragments and switch a lot.
There are three regions on every bowed instrument that are especially difficult. They help telling a difference. These are the first position on the lowest string (violin G, viola and cello C), the third position of the second highest string (A resp. D) and fifth position and up on the highest string (E, resp. A).
After discovering the differences in sound, play short fragments in different bowing techniques. Remember to try one bowing technique on each bow and not all bowing techniques on one bow before switching to the next. In this way, it's much easier to find the differences.
Depending on what bowing techniques you know, try the following:
Apart from some technical runs, also try out the bows in 'real music'. This is what we buy that beautiful violin bow for, don't we? You'll notice that your expression flows better with one bow than the other.
Ideally you don't have to think about WHAT you play, so you can focus fully on noticing the differences between the bows.
In my shop (despite the relaxing atmosphere and charming sales person, haha) clients sometimes get nervous. Mainly amateur players aren't used to play alone when other people are listening. Of course it's very valuable to bring a friend, your orchestra buddy or teacher along, but it can make you a little nervous to play. Suddenly you forget all those phrases you think you know by hart.
Yup, it probably needs a more catchy name, but perhaps my personal sheet of music can help you make your own. Of course the repertoire you use can be totally different, but it gives you an idea. It's on the right and you can click on it to see the large version.
Remember to not give a concert, but limit the fragment you play before switching to the next bow to 18 seconds! Don't play the entire fragment you see in my schedule.
I'd love to read your comments below this article. Also tell me more about the bow you have now and what you love about it! Read here about my own bow.
Together with concert violinist Giedre I've made an extensive video series where we play with and discuss many types and brands of violin bows to help you make a good choice.
