Viola bows have traditionally been made from wood because up until recently, it was the only material available that was suitable for the job. But today’s manufacturers are taking modern viola bows to the next level by using carbon fiber to make resilient bows that are capable of producing wood-like results.
Carbon fiber viola bows are made from synthetic hair-like fibers that are fused together to form the body of the bow. Once made, a carbon fiber viola bow won’t expand or contract with temperature fluctuations like a wood bow does. It is also resistant to warping, and it is so strong that it won’t snap easily at the tip or break when in the hands of a younger player.
The amazing thing about carbon fiber viola bows is that they offer the player many of most important characteristics that they look for in a bow, such as flexibility, durability, and a lightweight body but without the maintenance needs and climate considerations wood bows demand. And they can usually do so at a substantially lower price point in some cases, making them a very good value for the money.
Carbon Fiber Viola Bows
For someone being introduced to the viola for the first time, choosing a carbon fiber bow can sometimes be the right choice because carbon fiber is virtually unbreakable. It’s also not uncommon for more advanced musicians to have both a wooden bow and a carbon fiber one, so they can choose the right bow for any situation.
When choosing a carbon fiber bow, whether it is going to be your go-to bow or your back-up, it is important to remember that even though different bows may look similar, they can play and sound very differently. From how the bow flows across the strings to the sounds it can produce to how it feels in your hand, these are traits that can only be discovered by playing your viola using different carbon fiber bows. Like your viola, the bow you choose is an investment in your musical journey. So, you want to make sure you choose the right bow for your skill level and expectations.
At The Long Island Violin Shop, you have our word that we’ll do everything we can to help you find the best carbon fiber viola bows to help you reach your musical goals. Call our retail store at (855) 343-3535 and our staff of players and luthiers will help guide you to finding the perfect carbon fiber viola bow for you.
