Arcus Bows - Overview
Our fascination with this line of high quality, carbon fiber, bows dates back over a decade to the very earliest days of Arcus. At the time, they had only a few models, but each bow was exquisite and so very precisely executed it was hard not to be constantly impressed. Over the years, these bows have only improved and today’s Arcus Bows reflect the years of development in their unique approach to Carbon fiber bowmaking.
The Arcus bows are truly unique. With a hollow-shaft construction, the bows are easly 1/3 lighter than traditional bows, weighing in as low as 40 grams (a traditional Pernambuco bow weights 60-62 grams). The stiff shaft, however, compensates for the weight, allowing advanced control for the musician and the opportunity to pull the best possible tone from the instrument.
The challenge is simply this: with over 48 different variants (in violin alone), how does a player select the right one? We’re here to help…consider us your navigator as you work to make a selection.
We want this page to be super clear and to make the selection process as easy as possible. Here we will help you narrow down the options to just a few candidates and we will make it possible for you to review the bows in your home to see for yourself how the bow works for you and your instrument.
As you consider a new bow, it can be helpful to visualize an equilateral triangle. At each vertices of the triangle are the player at one, the instrument at another, and the bow at the third. See how there is now an independent relationship between each point of the triangle. There is a relationship between the player and the bow; the player and the instrument, and the bow and the instrument. To find the right bow, you want to maximize the relationship between the bow and both the player and the instrument…simultaneously if at all possible!
The Four Classes
The Arcus bows are divided into four class series, delineated by a letter: the S, T, M and P series. We’ll hold off on discussing the Musing bows for now as these are quite different and are not related to the professional line (though they are a fabulous choice for many players!). Each series is then broken down by quality, delineated by a number from 3 to 9. So there is an S5, a T8, an M3 etc. And, to further complicate, every bow has both a round and an octagonal option. So many choices!!!
To begin making sense of it all, it’s best to settle first on which series of bows is likely to bring you the most joy…which best matches your playing style and your instrument. Here is a general description of each:
We like to think of the four bow series in a spectrum:
S T M P
The S series is the lightest of the Arcus bows. These are very still and have a bright and powerful tone. The lightness allows quick action, but can be a little harder to control.
The P series is at the opposite end of the brightess spectrum. These bows are a little heavier and bring a warmer tone without compromising strength or elasticity.
The S & P series are generally for more soloistic players who want the strongest sound possible.
In between are the T and the M series. The T is darker than the M and slightly lighter and stiffer. These tend to be bows for players who want to blend their tone with other players, like members of a string quartet. The T series is considered the most versatile of all the Arcus bows…it works best with the widest range of instruments and playing styles.
The M Series is closer in weith to the P Series but is more flexible and agile than the P. Like the T, it is a well-balanced bow, striking a perfect balance between the best features of the S & P. It’s designed for excellent control (the slanted front provides the thumb with a rest that offers great control along with enhanced comfort).
The Musing Series bows are a little different. Unlike the other series, this bow is made from woven carbon fiber with reduced resin to reduce weight. These bows weigh in at about 50grams, generally a bit heavier than the other Series, but still far lighter than a traditional wood bow. The Musing bows are are a great choice for those wanting a bow under $1k that performs with great effect!
So which bow is right for you?
So, we want to help you find the bow that works best for you and your instrument. So often, websites talk about “resiliency,” “resonance quality” and “rich tones” but we find these descriptors inadequate guides for most players. Are you interested in a bow with poor tone? Hardly. So if you are willing to believe as we do that these are all great bows, but just not great for all players, we want to help clarify what the differences are using terms and descriptors that functionally work to serve as a “player’s guide”.
One small point to consider: the differences between these bow series will be most evident on the outer strings: the E & G on the violin (A & C on the viola or cello).
First, lets consider the instrument you play on. Most instruments can be classified along a sound spectrum from dark ßàbright. A dark violin is warm tones and usually a little less projecting….a blender instead of a soloistic instrument. Old instruments tend to be warmer in sound than new instruments so:
Is your instrument old or new? If you play on an old instrument, or a dark-toned instrument, we would steer you towards the brighter bows…the S or T Series.
If your instrument is new or bright, we would steer you to the other end: the M or P series. The bright/dark contrast usually results in the strongest tone match.
If you are a soloistic player, that is, you like to be heard above the other instruments or need to project outwards to fill a large space, the extreme ends of the series tend to work best: the S or P Series. If, on the other hand, you like to blend your sound with the folks you play with, we recommend settling on the middle range of the bows: the T or M.
Another way to discern the differences is to consider your choice of strings: there is some parallels between what you might choose for strings and which bow series you like. If you generally choose dark strings (Obligatos for example), you may prefer one of the darker options (the M or P). If you go for the brighter strings (eg. Pirastro Evah’s), you may prefer one of the brighter bow series (S or T). And if your tastes run towards the center of the brightness continuum (eg. Dominants), the T or M might be advisable.
OK, I’ve Selected the Series I Want to Try, What Now?
Once you’ve selected the Series that works best for you, you need to decide on the ranking of the bow…that’s delineated by a number from 3 to 9. Not all series have all the rankings but in general, the higher the series rating, the better (and more expensive) the bow. Most select based on budget as the bows do just get better and better the higher up you go.
What makes a bow better? To start, the mountings are different.
3-4: Stainless Steel
5-7: Silver
8-9: Gold.
But while gold is nicer than silver, the premier metals are used on the higher class bows as the margins allow it. The better metals do not intrinsically improve the playing quality of the bows.
How a bow performs across the full length of the shaft depends on essentially two factors. The consistency of the carbon fiber walls and the straightness of the carbon fibers themselves. Any variation can cause some measure of inconsistency as you draw the bow across the strings. A variation, for example, in the thickness of the bow shaft wall can cause a tremor or a dampening of the sound. Wood, Pernambuco, has tons of inconsistencies of course: wood is hardly a homogeneous material. But Carbon Fiber has, at least the potential, of uniformity. If the carbon fiber threads are drawn at angles or in less-than-straight fashion, the soundwave can likewise be affected. So at the top of the bow class: the 8 and 9’s, the material is at the most consistent level; the fibers straightest and the resulting sound and handling performance is supremely excellent. This consistency will make certain bowings easier and should result in a cleaner tone.
So, again, this choice is mostly about the budget.
OK, I Know What Bow, Am I Done?
Not quite. One more variable exists. Octagonal or Round?
Octagonal bows cost the same as Round bows, so this is again a choice made based on the player’s style. An octagonal bow is generally more agile and lively: faster with a quicker response. It can also offer more power.
A Round bow can be steadier and more even, though they can play with less power and livelihood.
Arcus suggests that a round bow is better for the beginner player while an octagonal bow is better for the more advanced bowstrokes of a more experienced player.
Got It! Done?
At this point, you have probably narrowed it down a lot. If you have a clear sense of which bow series (STMP) is for you, the level and the shape of the bow…you are ready to order! Remember, all bows selling off our website are sold with a returns policy that allows a 100% refund up to two weeks after purchase! You can read about our returns policy here: [link]
You may be feeling like you are closer, but still unsure about your final choice. If you would like to preview a few bows before making the ultimate decision, take advantage of our home trial program. Just complete the form and let us know which bows you would like to try and we’ll send them out. You’ll have two weeks at home to make a choice then return any or all you don’t want and you’ll be under no obligation to make a final purchase beyond any bow(s) you decide to keep. A trial runs $35 to cover the round-trip shipping.
