Which bow should you buy?
We carry violin, viola and cello bows in pernambuco, brazilwood and carbon fibre. Each material suits a different player, and the differences are easy to hear once you know what you are listening for.
Pernambuco bows
Pernambuco is the wood favoured by intermediate, advanced and professional players, for its responsiveness and its richness of tone. It gives better projection and more precise control of the sound — and in our experience it improves almost anyone's playing, whatever their level. You do not need to be an advanced player to feel the difference; the bow simply does more of what you ask of it.
Brazilwood bows
Brazilwood is a good, economical choice that suits everyone, and it is especially well matched to beginners and intermediate players. These bows have a warm, rounded tone that works across a wide range of playing styles, and they cost considerably less than pernambuco — a sensible place to start without giving up the feel of a real wooden bow.
Carbon fibre bows
Carbon fibre suits everyone, from beginners to advanced players, because it is durable, affordable and versatile. These bows are virtually indestructible and cope with changes in climate far better than wood. They are light and easy to handle, which makes them a sensible first bow for a young or inexperienced player — and a reliable spare for everyone else.
Browse bows by instrument
Violin bows by size
A bow is sized to match the violin — a 3/4 violin takes a 3/4 bow, for example:
Not sure which to choose?
Whichever material you settle on, we will help you find a bow that matches your playing style, your instrument and your budget. You are welcome to try several at our shop in West Vancouver. For what to expect to pay, see how much a violin bow costs.
Ordering a bow from elsewhere in Canada
Bows are light, so they are the least expensive thing we send — the shipping cost is $38, and usually on your doorstep within a week. Every parcel is tracked.
A bow is worth trying against your own violin rather than ours, and the seven-day trial exists for exactly that. Play it on your instrument, in your room, and send it back for a refund less shipping if it is not the right stick. Tell us what you play and what you are after and we will suggest two or three to compare.
