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Violin bow hair issue?
So I just got a violin bow. First one, I have no clue what I shouldn't do. When I got it, I tightened the strings pretty tight but not all the way. But now whenever I try to do that, it won't pull tight. The bow doesn't get fully stretched or taut anymore, and I've had it for a day. Is it possible to pull the hair out by tightening it too much so it leaves slack every time you try afterwards?
And if so, do I need to get it rehaired to fix it?
3 Answers
- lainiebskyLv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
That's why we keep telling people to find a teacher. It's way too easy to ruin violins and bows if you don't know what you're doing.
It sounds like you might have stripped the eyelet inside the frog or broken some part of the tightening mechanism. It's inside the frog and whatever broke will need to be replaced. If you're lucky it's one of the small parts that's easily replaced. You don't need it rehaired.
Source(s): Professional violist - MaryLv 45 years ago
If it is not a good bow it will probably lose hair all the time. When your bow hair gets really thin or turns a yellowish color, you should rehair it. I do not think touching the accidentally will do much to it. Since you practice one hour a day, maybe rosining it each day or every two days will give it the amount of rosin it needs. You mentioned your bow stroke. I would suggest not to "crash land" onto the strings. By this I mean to drop it vertically onto the string when you are making a stroke. Instead, think of it as an airplane, sloping into the string. As you place your bow on the string, move your arm AWAY from you, to give it a nice landing. Also, remember that it is CONSTANT WEIGHT, NOT a LOT of weight that gets you a strong sound. Anyway, if any of this doesn't make sense, let me know and I'll try to clarify it!! :)
- 1 decade ago
When you tighten your bow, it should only be about one centimeter.If you tighten it more the bow may break and if you play and practice for long periods of time (like you should) the hair will slowly and eventually come out. Not all of it at once but over a period of 3 or 4 years the hair will thin out which is why you should get it replaced every 2 years.
As for your bow situation, it is very possible that something in the bow is not right, and you should get it checked out. If you play with a school orchestra, you should ask your teacher. If you have a private teacher ask him/her.
Be careful with your bow, and good luck
