Welcome to the
COMPOSITE BOW
PAGE
(updated 1/01)
This page is intended to provide information about the new composite bows. I
don't pretend to be an expert, but I have bought and sold seven of them in the
past few years and am convinced of their value.
Don't confuse modern composite bows with the fibreglas student bows that have been around for years. Today's composite bows are copies of fine French bows which offer more consistent performance than any pernambuco bow anywhere near their price.
There are composite bows selling from a few hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars. When compared to pernambuco bows in the same price range, the composites are a very good value.
Composite bows offer at least four major advantages over pernambuco bows:
Pernambuco, as a natural material, is of variable quality. The best wood in the hands of a master bowmaker is incomparable. Unfortunately the highest quality pernambuco is very rare and very expensive. The wood most bowmakers must use for their more reasonably priced bows is of questionable consistency. Because the maker of a composite bow has precise control over the raw material, the density and flexibility are extremely consistent. The composite bow will pull an even, consistent tone all the way to the tip.
Composite materials are virtually immune to the temperature and humidity variations which affect wood bows.
A graphite composite bow is much more highly resistant to fatigue and impact than a wood bow. If made well, it will resist breaking and warping virtually forever.
The raw material cost difference plus the fact that the bulk of skilled handwork occurs only once, at the tool-making stage, means that a composite bow can be produced at a lower cost than a similar-quality pernambuco bow.
For a good introduction to composite bows, follow the link below and read the Market Report by Vicki Citron which appeared in STRINGS Magazine's July/August, 1996 issue. Be aware that the prices have increased since the article was published. (But the composite bows are still much cheaper than pernambuco bows of the same quality.)
Also on this page is an update on the Coda and Berg cello bows which appeared in STRINGS Magazine's March/April, 1997 issue.
There is another more recent article in the October, 1997 issue of THE STRAD which includes more up-to-date information. I have posted it at the same location.
Read the
reports on Composite Bows
Editorial Opinion:
I own Coda Violin and Cello Bows, a Durro Viola Bow, and a Spiccato Viola Bow (with the adjustable camber described in the article) and can vouch for the accuracy of the article. All these bows give me a level of tone quality and playability I could never have found in a pernambuco bow within the same price range. The added benefits of their virtual indestructability and lack of humidity problems are secondary for me since I rarely play outside or in subways.
I especially like the Spiccato viola bow with the adjustable camber. By simply removing the screw and the frog, then inserting and turning a key, I can go from a very flexible "soft" stick to a very strong stick with a spiccato bounce like nothing I've ever used before. Of course, the adjustable Spiccato is not inexpensive. I paid $1,600 for my viola bow in 1996 and I believe they are over $2,000 now. Their web site no longer lists pricing; you have to contact a dealer.
Benoit Rolland used to offer a lower-priced violin bow through Shar, the Arpège, without the adjustable feature. Shar no longer carries the Rolland bows and the Spiccato web site does not list the Arpege.
The Durro Bow is an unbelievable bargain at $300 for the violin bow ($250 for the violin bow in the International Violin Co. catalog. (Bows are not yet listed on their web site) -- see my luthier's links page for the address and phone number.
The Coda Bow is available in violin, viola and cello, in "Classic - for professional use" at $775 for the violin bow, or "Conservatory - for pre-professional use" -- $395 for the violin bow. They now offer "Colours" at $440 (violin) and a new "Aspire" at $265 (violin). Check their web page for details and pricing for Viola and cello.
The Berg Bow, which I haven't tried, is available in three models from $2,500 to $5,250 (violin). These prices are $1,000 higher than they were at introduction, making the Berg bows less of a bargain compared to the Coda bows. Check the Berg web page for details and pricing for Viola and cello.
Now Glasser, Musicary and other relatively inexpensive ($185 - $345) high-quality student composite bows are being offered by catalog merchants such as Shar. Along with the Durro and the Coda Aspire, they are a good buy for those looking for high-quality medium-priced bows. Glasser also offers a beginner-quality carbon fiber violin bow for under $100.
There are some hybrid bows on the market made of composite material and pernambuco. J.S. Finkel is one shop offering these in the $1650 range (violin). They are available through Shar.
Where to Go for More Information:
If you want to know more, three of the manufacturers have very elaborate web sites which offer a lot of details as well as prices and instructions for ordering the bows for trial.
To find out more about the Coda Bow, visit their web site
To find out more about the Berg Bow, visit their web site
To find out more about the Spiccato, visit
their web site
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to locate a web site for the Durro Bows. The Durro Bow is distributed by Ideal Musical Merchandise (212) 675-5050 and sold by International Violin Company (800) 542-3538.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR BASSISTS:
Jacque Harper, a bass player with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, has a web page dedicated to composite bass bows. He has general composite bow information as well as details on the bows of Alain Le Gouic, a bow maker in Marseille who specializes in bass bows. Interested bassists are encouraged to visit his page:
