Modern Bow Materials

Why Carbon-Fiber?

“Why should I choose a carbon-fiber bow?”

“Isn’t a wood bow the standard, especially for a wooden instrument?”

Whereas wooden bows have been used on strings instruments as early as the Islamic civilization in the 10th century, carbon-fiber bows only began to appear a few decades after high-tensile strength carbon-fiber was invented. CodaBow founder Stan Prosen had developed some of the earliest carbon-fiber parts with inventor Dr. Roger Bacon and had found in his early research a profound resonance in the new material. After years of testing and creating prototypes, early CodaBow bows had entered the market, and other music companies had begun developing their own versions to compete. Today, dozens of companies produce carbon-fiber bows in a large range of styles, price ranges, and instruments. With so many options on the market…

GuidesVermont ViolinsMarch 9, 2020coda bow, coda, carbon fiber bows, violin bows, viola bows, cello bows, bass bows, musing bows, arcus bows Comments

Pernambuco vs. Carbon Fiber Bows

What is the relationship between the bow and our instruments? Why do different bows make the instrument sound different? How do I choose the best bow in my price range? Should I try a carbon fiber bow as well as a Pernambuco bow?

Massimo Lucchi described the relationship between the bow and the violin this way: the bow produces the vibrations, the violin acts as an amplifier and transmits the vibrations. Coming from a bow making family, Massimo emphasizes the importance of the bow. Interestingly, professional players often converge with Massimo’s perspective over time, choosing an instrument and then a bow to develop the tone, dynamic range, and depth of the instrument.

Instrument Care, MaintenanceVermont ViolinsJuly 26, 2018pernambuco bow, carbon fiber bow, pernambuco vs carbonfiber bows, violin bows, viola bows, bow guideComment