Why do I need more than one bow? If one looks at the inside of most all the orchestral string instrument cases (other than the double bass), they will find that there are places to secure more than one bow. Clearly, if this is an amenity that is offered in nearly all cases, there has been a need established by the consumer. Which, leads us to the question: why do I...
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One of the most common “simple” repairs that comes through my shop is a broken tip plate. The tip plate is the part of your bow that covers the wood of the bottom face around the tip mortice, and the very tip of the bow. The material from which this piece is constructed, will typically be: plastic, bone, ivory (elephant on very old bows, fossilized mastodon tusk on...
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This might seem like a very basic question, that does not warrant much of an answer, but it is actually a very good question, with a lot of facets in which most people would not think to consider when looking at this piece of leather wrapped around the stick of their bow. Clearly, by name alone, the primary purpose of this part is quite obvious, it helps you to hold...
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This is one of the most commonly asked questions that I encounter from my students, other professionals, and from my clients. As we practice and perform on a nearly daily basis, we do not notice the degradation of the hair every time we pick up the bow, but with every use, the hair will stretch, and will lose some of its ability to properly grip the string,...
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