Manuel is a passionate, driven, and techsavvy AV technician, 
Over the past five years, I have explored the world of violins. To my surprise, the market for violin bows is quite distinct from that of violins. Like violins, there is a market for everyday practice bows and a separate market for individual bows. The latter is what a violinist uses when playing for personal enjoyment or to entertain others. The search for this bow typically involves finding the best one a violinist can afford. It is more personal and enduring than purchasing a violin, and a musician may keep a bow through multiple violin transactions.
A good bow possesses four identifiable characteristics. First is quality construction. Pernambuco, or Brazilwood, is the preferred wood, known for its color, lightness, and resistance to warping. If the bow maker uses the best wood, the bow shaft is almost always hexagonal.
Bow lightness refers primarily to weight. Most high-quality bows weigh between 56 and 64 grams, a comfortable range for skilled violinists. This standard applies to both modern and antique violin bows.
Another technical aspect is the bow’s balance. Many high-quality bows feature a silver or whalebone wrap just above the frog on the shaft, providing balance and an appealing appearance.
The bow’s history significantly impacts its perceived quality and pricing. Three well-known names in the world of antique violin bows are Tourte, Lupot, and W.E. Hill and Sons, with Hill bows best exemplifying the value of antique bows.
The company is still renowned for producing top-quality violin bows. Antique examples bear small marks and symbols on the frog, shaft, and tip, indicating which staff member made which part before assembly. A book documents the complete employment history of the company and the parts made by each staff member.
Quality bows endure the test of time. Despite their simplicity, bows have one fatal flaw: warping. A bow has camber, the natural curve that maintains horsehair tension. However, most bows will warp laterally over time, bending slightly or dramatically to the right or left when viewed with the frog at one’s nose. Any such warp diminishes the bow’s value.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME
