When buying, should one use very expensive instruments/bows as a reference point?

February 17, 2010 at 12:31 AM

I am on the hunt for a bow and I'm sure it's going to cost a fortune as all things with violins do. My question is...

My teacher has a Tourte and a D. Peccatte bow that he uses; should I compare the bows I try to his bows? My logic is that I would use them as a reference point and see which bows I try come closest to his Peccatte or Tourte.

Or is this just a bad idea...

From Carol Pigeon
Posted on February 17, 2010 at 12:37 AM

I'm only a beginner, however I have been researching quite a lot about violins, bows, etc myself. My advice is to take your violin into a reputable music store (nothing run-of-the-mill) or to a luthier in your area with a lot of experience. Match your bow up with your violin's set up, so it will produce the sound YOU like. That's why you play, right? Take some time to look around trying several different bows with your violin and then purchase the best bow you can afford without overpaying. Do some research, it will pay off.

From Jefferson Dixon
Posted on February 17, 2010 at 1:10 AM

Here in NYC its no problem finding famous luthiers. I go to William Monical & Son who is very expensive, but is world renown for his restoration of fine old instruments. I'm sure I'll go through maaaaaaany bows before deciding but was wondering if maybe a comparison to a very famous bow would help me distinguish the diffeences and slight nuances in sound.

From LUIS CLAUDIO MANFIO
Posted on February 19, 2010 at 10:49 AM

You have pointed out to an issue I like to talk about. In order to judge things you have to develop a good reference table. You know your mother's cake is good because you have sampled hundreds of different cakes and, eventually, got able to judge them. The same with instruments and bows.

If you really like your teacher's bows you can use them as a reference. Good luck!

www.manfio.com

This entry has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.

When buying, should one use very expensive instruments/bows as a reference point?

Subscribe

Laurie's Books