Musikhaus Keks
Welcome!
Our cookies offer you a fast, relaxed and full-featured shopping experience. Some are necessary to operate the website and its functions. Others help us to improve our services. If you agree to this, simply consent to the use of cookies for preferences, statistics and marketing by clicking on "OK". Alternatively, you can deactivate individual cookies under "Customise cookies" or all cookies, except those required for the function of our website, under "Reject all".
Imprint  /  Data Privacy
Musikhaus Korn Guide

Choosing a Bow: How to Find the Right Bow for Your String Instrument

Wood or carbon, round or octagonal, light or slightly tip-heavy? The bow influences response, articulation, dynamics and the overall playing feel of a string instrument. First of all, however, it has to match the instrument type and size. Balance, elasticity and your individual bowing technique then determine which bow really feels right.

Choose a Bow Wood or Carbon? View Bows
Violin to double bass Wood & carbon explained Compare balance & size
GEWA Carbon Advanced full-size 4/4 violin bow with round carbon stick
Size, material, elasticity and balance work together to determine how a bow responds.
Instrument and Size Come First

Which Bow Fits My String Instrument?

A violin bow , a cello bow and a double bass bow differ in length, weight, frog and overall construction. The first step is therefore to choose the correct instrument family.

With children's instruments, the size class also matters. A 1/2 violin is normally combined with a 1/2 bow, while a 3/4 violin requires a corresponding 3/4 bow. The same principle applies to cello and double bass.

Only once this basic requirement is correct does it make sense to compare wood species, carbon, round or octagonal sticks, weight and balance.

Stick, Hair, Frog and Screw

How Is a String-Instrument Bow Constructed?

Bow Stick

The Stick Determines the Basic Response

The bow stick has a major influence on elasticity, stability and the way the bow returns after being deflected. Traditional bows are made from suitable woods, while modern models may use carbon fibre.

Bow Hair

The Hair Creates Controlled Friction

Bow hair is traditionally made from horsehair. Applied rosin gives the hair the grip required to set the string into controlled vibration.

Frog & Button

Holding and Adjusting the Bow

The right hand holds the bow around the frog area. Turning the button or screw moves the frog and therefore adjusts the tension of the bow hair.

Bow Tip

The Head Remains Delicate

The bow head is finely constructed and should be protected particularly carefully during transport. After playing, the bow belongs safely in the instrument case or a suitable bow case.

Consider the Instrument and Bow Together

Which Bow Size Do I Need?

The bow needs to correspond to the instrument family and size. This is particularly important for children because an unnecessarily long bow can become difficult to control towards the tip.

Instrument Typical Sizes Basic Rule Important Detail
Violin 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4 Bow size matches the violin Children require correspondingly shorter bows
Viola Model-dependent Prefer a dedicated viola bow Do not automatically treat it as a violin bow
Cello 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4 Cello bow in the corresponding size class Cello bows are more substantial than violin bows
Double Bass 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 Check both size and bow hold German or French frog and playing technique

Especially important for children: when moving to a larger instrument, always check the bow size at the same time. A bow that is too long can become difficult to control at the tip.

Tradition or Modern Dimensional Stability

Wood Bow or Carbon Bow?

Student Bows

Massaranduba and Brazilwood

These woods are frequently used for student and training bows. They offer traditional wooden construction at different price levels and are well suited to lessons and regular practice.

Traditional Bow Making

Pernambuco and Higher-Grade Wooden Bows

Pernambuco is a classic material used in higher-grade bow making. With good bows, elasticity, stick dimensions and balance are carefully coordinated with one another.

Modern Material

Carbon

Carbon is dimensionally stable and less sensitive to climatic changes. It is therefore especially interesting for lessons, travelling, stage use and musicians looking for a robust main or second bow.

Material alone does not decide the result: an inexpensive wooden bow can suit a particular player better than a more expensive carbon bow – and vice versa. Balance, elasticity and response need to work as one complete package.

Weight in Grams Tells Only Half the Story

Why Balance Matters More Than Weight Alone

Two bows can weigh almost exactly the same and still feel completely different. What matters is how the mass is distributed along the stick.

If the balance point sits further towards the tip, the bow can feel more present during long strokes, but it may also demand more active control. A balance closer to the frog may feel lighter and more agile in the hand.

There is no universally correct balance point. Players with different hands, bowing techniques and musical requirements can judge exactly the same bow very differently.

Round or Octagonal

Does an Octagonal Bow Stick Make a Bow Better?

Round Stick

Round Bows

Round sticks are very common in traditional bow making and can be designed to feel either soft and elastic or extremely stable. A round profile therefore does not indicate a particular quality level.

Octagonal Stick

Octagonal Bows

Octagonal or angular sticks can create a different sensation of stiffness and response. Again, material, stick dimensions, workmanship and the properties of the individual stick matter more than geometry alone.

Do not choose a bow simply because the product name says “round” or “octagonal”. A direct comparison on your own instrument provides considerably more useful information.

Four Instruments – Different Requirements

How Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass Bows Differ

Violin

Violin Bow

A violin bow should allow quick articulation, long bow strokes and fine dynamic control. For children, choosing the correct length is particularly important.

Violin Bows
Viola

Viola Bow

A viola has thicker strings and a different tonal range. A dedicated viola bow can match its weight and response more effectively than automatically using a violin bow.

Viola Bows
Cello

Cello Bow

Cello bows are built more substantially. Control at the frog, calm long strokes and reliable contact with the thicker strings are central requirements.

Cello Bows
Double Bass

Double Bass Bow

With double bass, the bow hold introduces another decision. German bows have a high frog and are held differently from French double bass bows.

Double Bass Bows
Decide on the Playing Technique First

German or French Double Bass Bow?

The German or Dresden-style double bass bow has a higher, larger frog. The hand approaches it from below or from the side in the position typical of the German bow hold.

The French double bass bow is closer to a cello or violin bow in both frog shape and hand position and is held from above.

Which version makes sense depends especially on the teaching method and the technique already being learned. Beginners should therefore coordinate this choice with their double bass teacher.

Compare Double Bass Bows
GEWA 3/4 French double bass bow made from Brazilwood with round stick
French and German double bass bows differ especially in frog design and right-hand technique.
Decide on Your Own Instrument

How to Compare Two String-Instrument Bows Properly

Use the Same Instrument

Keep the instrument, strings and room unchanged. Only then can you identify which differences genuinely come from the bow.

Play the Same Musical Material

Compare long notes, quick passages, string crossings and typical passages from your own repertoire directly one after another.

Evaluate Frog, Middle and Tip

A good bow should not work only in its easiest area. Pay particular attention to control and tone at both outer ends of the bow.

Decide After Several Minutes

A spectacular first impression is less important than predictable control throughout an entire practice or rehearsal session.

Sorted by Instrument and Application

28 Current Bows and Accessory Recommendations

The selection combines currently listed bows for violin, cello and double bass with rosin and bow protection. For children's sizes, the corresponding instrument size is taken into account directly.

View All Bows
Violin Bows

Violin Bows for Students and Advanced Players

Cello Bows

Cello Bows for Lessons and Advanced Playing

Double Bass Bows

German and French Double Bass Bows

The current English category contains five double bass bows. Check both instrument size and the required German or French playing technique.

Rosin & Bow Protection

Rosin for Violin, Cello and Double Bass

Bows and Accessories by Brand

Manufacturer Worlds for String-Instrument Bows

Explore manufacturers represented in the bow and rosin selection and compare further products within each brand world.

GEWA logo Hidersine logo D'Addario logo STAGG logo
GEWA

Wooden & Carbon Bows

A broad range of wooden and carbon bows for violin, viola, cello and double bass as well as rosin and protective cases.

Discover GEWA
Hidersine

Student Bows & Accessories

Student bows and further accessories for violin, viola and cello lessons.

Discover Hidersine
D'Addario

Rosin & String Accessories

Rosin and string-instrument accessories for complementing an existing bow setup.

Discover D'Addario
STAGG

Instruments & Student Accessories

Instruments and accessories for students, lessons and everyday musical use.

Discover STAGG
Always Release the Tension After Playing

How to Care for a String-Instrument Bow Properly

Bow-hair tension is increased only for playing. Afterwards, loosen the screw again so that the stick is not left permanently under unnecessary tension.

  • Release the bow-hair tension after every playing session.
  • Avoid touching the horsehair with your fingers.
  • Wipe rosin dust from the bow stick and instrument.
  • Apply rosin sparingly and evenly.
  • Do not pull individual loose hairs out of the ribbon.
  • Transport the bow safely in a case or dedicated bow case.
Avoid Wrong Purchases and Damage

Common Mistakes with String-Instrument Bows

Material

Choosing Only by Material

Wood species or carbon alone cannot tell you whether the balance suits the player and instrument.

Hair Tension

Tightening the Bow Too Much

The stick should retain its characteristic curve. Excessive hair tension unnecessarily stresses the stick, bow head and hair ribbon.

Rosin

Applying Too Much Rosin

Excess resin can create unnecessary dust and encourage a rough or scratchy sound. Applying less but doing so regularly is usually more useful.

Frequently Asked Questions Before Buying a Bow

Answers About Choosing a String-Instrument Bow

How do I find the right violin bow?

First, the bow size needs to match the violin. Then compare balance, elasticity and playing feel on your own instrument. Long strokes, articulation and playing at both frog and tip are particularly useful tests.

Is a carbon bow better than a wooden bow?

Not automatically. Carbon is robust and dimensionally stable, while wood offers traditional construction and a wide range of individual characteristics. The properties of the specific bow are what matter.

Which is better: a round or octagonal violin bow?

Neither shape is automatically better. Stick material, dimensions, elasticity and balance influence actual playing behaviour more strongly than the shape designation alone.

Does a 1/2 violin need a 1/2 bow?

Yes, smaller violins are normally played with a correspondingly sized bow. This keeps length, weight and reach appropriate for the child.

How does a cello bow differ from a violin bow?

Cello bows are built more substantially and are generally heavier. Their construction is matched to thicker cello strings and a different right-hand playing technique.

What does “German double bass bow” mean?

A German double bass bow has a high frog and uses a different hand position from a French bass bow. The bowing technique should be coordinated with the teacher.

How much should a good bow cost?

Price alone is not a reliable selection criterion. Students first need a straight, well-balanced bow whose frog and screw work reliably. As technique develops, finer differences in response and elasticity become increasingly important.

How tightly should a bow be tensioned?

Only tighten the hair enough for controlled playing while the stick still retains its clearly visible curve. Release the tension again after playing.

How often should I apply rosin to the bow?

Rosin does not need to be heavily reapplied every time the bow is used. If the hair already has sufficient grip, a large additional application is unnecessary. Too much rosin creates dust and deposits.

Can I touch the bow hair?

It is best not to. Natural oils from the skin can reduce how effectively rosin adheres to the bow hair.

When does a bow need new hair?

Consider professional rehairing when many hairs are missing, the ribbon has become very dirty or uneven, or grip has noticeably deteriorated despite suitable rosin and proper care.

Should a beginner immediately replace the bow supplied with an instrument set?

Not necessarily. If the supplied bow is straight, controllable and works reliably, it can be perfectly suitable for getting started. An upgrade becomes worthwhile when another bow offers noticeably better control or a more convincing tonal response.

The Right Bow Responds with You

Choosing a Bow: String Instruments | Musikhaus Korn

A good string-instrument bow starts with the correct instrument family and size. Once these are established, balance, elasticity, controllable response and a comfortable feeling in the right hand become the decisive factors. Both wooden and carbon bows can be excellent solutions.

With violin and cello, it is worth comparing several sticks and balance points directly. With double bass, you also need to decide between German and French bowing technique. Children require bows that correspond to the size of their instrument.

Suitable rosin, correct hair tension and safe storage help keep the bow a precise tool for tone, dynamics and articulation over the long term.

Discover String-Instrument Bows Repeat the Selection
More Buying Advice and Practical Knowledge

Choose Instruments and Accessories That Work Together

Find further guidance on string instruments, wind instruments, drums, keyboards, studio equipment, DJ gear and event technology in the central Musikhaus Korn guide.

Open the Music Store Guide