We know how important the right bow is for playing the violin. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the seven best violin bows for all budgets.
When selecting a bow, you’ll want to consider the materials used for both the stick and the hair, as well as your own level of playing experience. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the top options available now.
Top 7 Best Violin Bows
As a violinist, you may wonder which type of hair is best suited for your bow. It is essential to know that the hair used in bows comes from horse tails. The best type of hair for a bow is from a white Mongolian stallion’s tail. However, some bows have black hair, which can be coarse.
When choosing a bow, you should also consider all the different parts, including the frog, the grip, the screw, and the stick material. Comparing these factors will help you make an informed decision and choose the right bow for your needs. So, take your time, explore the different options, and find the perfect violin bow for you.
The list of all these parts is as follows:
1. Screw
2. Frog
3. Grip
4. Stick
5. Hair
6. Tip
| Product | Rating |
|---|---|
| Fiddlerman 8826 | 4.6 |
| MI&VI Classic | 4.5 |
| VINGOBOW 120V | 4.6 |
| Kennedy Professional | 4.4 |
| Vio v-10 | 4.3 |
| CodaBow Prodigy | 4.7 |
| Kmise A5649 | 4.5 |
1. Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Violin Bow 4/4 – Model Fid-8826
As a seasoned violinist, I have had the chance to try out various violin bows from different brands, and I can say that the Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Violin Bow is an exceptional choice. This bow is the perfect blend of quality and affordability, making it a go-to option for any violinist looking to upgrade their bow.
What sets this bow apart is its lightweight carbon fiber design, which provides the same advantages as more expensive alternatives.
The bow is handmade and comes with an elegantly designed copper-mounted ebony frog that adds to its overall aesthetic. The quality of the Mongolian horsehair matches that of more expensive options, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced players alike.
One thing to note is that the manufacturer has not applied rosin touches to the bow. However, this is not a big issue since you can use the violin rosin of your choice. Overall, I would highly recommend the Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Violin Bow for any violinist looking for a quality bow that won’t break the bank.
Features
- Excellent balance
- The perfect arch provides perfect action and bounce.
- It also works with your favorite violin rosin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Excellent balance
Cons
- Jagged edge on the tip
2. MI&VI Classic Pernambuco Violin Bow
When it comes to violin bows, there are few materials more revered than pernambuco wood. It’s a rare material that’s highly valued for its elasticity, which allows players to achieve expert-level bowing skills.
That’s why the use of pernambuco wood in this bow is so exciting.
The bow is modern and comes with free rosin, making it a great value for players on a budget. It’s also incredibly lightweight, making it comfortable to use for extended periods. The use of genuine Mongolian horsehair ensures excellent playability and precise, balanced tones.
We tried this bow ourselves and were thoroughly impressed with the results. The pernambuco wood added a new dimension to our playing, allowing for more nuanced bowing techniques. The bow was also easy to control, making it a great option for both beginners and advanced players. Overall, we recommend the Pernambuco Violin Bow for anyone looking to take their playing to the next level.
Features
- Extremely effective and fast response rate.
- The use of high-quality horsehair provides durability and flexibility.
Pros
- Smooth and refined sound
- It uses natural Mongolian horsehair
- Improves sound
Cons
- It takes some effort to set the alignment
3. VINGOBOW 4/4 Violin Bow – Model 120V
When I got my hands on the VingoBow Violin Bow, I couldn’t help but admire its impressive design. The sleek and sturdy carbon fiber build of this bow made it feel like a high-end product. However, upon further inspection, I realized that this bow is best suited for advanced-level players.
The high wooden curve of this bow provides a comfortable grip, which is important for extended playing sessions. It is also highly flexible, making it easy to produce deep and warm tones with precision. The bow has exceptional bounce stability and is perfect for those who are looking for a blend of elegance and strength.
The only downside to this bow is that the horsehair is cut too small, making it difficult to lengthen if needed. However, this does not take away from the excellent performance of this bow, and I would highly recommend it to advanced players who are looking for a high-quality and reliable product.
Features
- Lightweight bow
- It produces louder sounds, making it perfect for professional players.
- Highly attractive design
Pros
- Reliable and durable yet flexible
- Genuine natural horsehair
- Handcrafted to perfection
Cons
- Slight difficulty in setting up the tension screw/nut
- The horsehair length is too short
4. Kennedy Violins – Giuliani Violin Bow – Professional
Kennedy Violins is a well-known name in the violin industry, and their violin bow lives up to their reputation. Upon inspection, it is evident that the manufacturer has put in considerable effort in designing the bow with the utmost care and attention to detail.
This bow is handmade with top-notch craftsmanship and comes with pre-applied rosin, saving you the time and effort of rosin application. The material used in its making is Brazil wood, a durable and high-quality wood that resists warping. The result is a sturdy and long-lasting bow that can withstand wear and tear.
Moreover, the bow uses genuine Mongolian horsehair, which is known for its superior quality and longevity. When you play the violin using this bow, the strings produce clear and smooth tones, which is a testament to its excellent quality.
In summary, if you’re in the market for a high-quality violin bow that is durable, produces a smooth tone, and is easy to use, the Kennedy Violins bow is an excellent choice.
Features
- Provides excellent balance with fully mounted frog
- Highly comfortable to hold
- Leather grip
Pros
- Uses the highest quality genuine materials
- Produces full tone
- Handmade product
Cons
- It can be a little too bouncy for some players
5. Vio Music 4/4 Violin Bow – Model v-10
The Vio Music violin bow is a fantastic choice for any beginner or someone looking for a budget-friendly option. We had the chance to try it out, and we were pleasantly surprised by its performance.
The unique design of this bow not only looks great but also provides a comfortable grip that enhances your playing experience. One of the best things about this bow is its lightweight, making it easier to handle for extended periods without tiring your arm.
We found the Vio Music bow to be easy to tighten and loosen, which is excellent for beginners who are still learning to handle their instrument. Additionally, this bow plays much smoother than other options in its price range, producing clear and balanced tones when used with the right rosin.
Overall, if you’re looking for a simple and reliable bow for practice at home, the Vio Music violin bow is an excellent choice.
Features
- Attractive design
- Made with Mongolian horsehair and Brazilwood
Pros
- Excellent balance and response
- Suitable for practicing purpose
Cons
- Needs more durability
- It may produce loud sounds at times.
6. CodaBow Prodigy 4/4 Violin Bow – Model BHBU0503A475
We got our hands on this bow and were impressed with its unique construction. Unlike other beginner-level bows, it is made of carbon fiber and an acoustic core, making it both strong and lightweight.
When we tested the bow, we were pleased with the smooth and robust sound it produced. It’s rare to find a bow that combines the features of beginner-level and professional bows, but the CodaBow manages to do just that. The bow’s carbon-graphite material ensures excellent performance, which makes it a wise investment for any player looking to upgrade their skills.
Overall, the CodaBow violin bow is a great choice for beginners looking to take their playing to the next level. Its unique construction and high-quality materials make it a durable and reliable option for years to come.
Features
- Highly stable
- Very sturdy carbon fiber construction
Pros
- Dynamically balanced shaft
- Excellent point of balance
- Long-lasting bow
Cons
- The size is quite long to fit into a standard violin case
7. Kmise Stunning Violin Bow – Model A5649-KUSS
This bow is made with the latest molding techniques and the result is a modern design that feels incredibly comfortable to hold and play.
What I love most about this bow is that it is made with carbon fiber, making it incredibly durable and resistant to damage from heat and humidity. Unlike traditional wooden bows that require frequent adjustments, the Kmise carbon fiber bow stays in shape and delivers consistent performance over time.
The sound produced by this bow is also impressive, with smooth and rich tones that are sure to please any discerning musician. I found that it was very easy to achieve a wide range of sounds, from bright and sharp to deep and warm, depending on my playing technique.
Overall, I highly recommend the Kmise carbon fiber violin bow to any violinist looking for a reliable, long-lasting, and high-performing bow. With its modern design and exceptional features, this bow is sure to take your playing to the next level.
Features
- Handcrafted bow with excellent craftsmanship
- Uses Mongolian horsehair
Pros
- Lightning-quick response
- Extraordinary balance
- Elegant design
Cons
- Insufficient gap spacing for the thumb
- It has a heavier top
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Frequently Asked Questions
Firstly, place your thumb on the small bump under the stick. After that, make sure to keep your thumb bent in the middle. The fingers on the bow should hold the curve inward.
The making of a violin bow consists of a wide range of materials, including Brazilwood, carbon fiber, and pernambuco wood.
When tightening a violin bow, place a pencil’s end between the bow hair and stick it at the center of the bow. Tighten the bow until you feel the pencil fitting within the space.
Use a dry cloth to remove the rosin remains from the stick. You may also use a cleaner gently. Before you clean the bow hair, turn the screw and take it out along with the frog. Take some alcohol and dip a toothbrush into it. Comb it through the hair and remove all the dirt, including the rosin. Finally, use a dry cloth to remove the alcohol and let the hair dry.
Our Top Pick
Considering the brand name, material quality, and added features, we would like to select the Giuliani Advanced Violin Bow as our top pick from the above list.
Like most other violin bows, this bow uses Mongolian horsehair and is made of Brazilwood. But what makes this bow stand out is its manufacturing, which is entirely handcrafted. You can start using this bow as soon as the manufacturer delivers it pre-rosined. You can see a silver winding covering at the lower portion of this bow. Well, it looks attractive and provides a robust base to absorb the string tension. In short, this violin bow is worth buying, especially if you want to invest in a long-lasting product.
