How Thumb Leather Helps Prevent Migrating Bow Hold

This video discusses the key role thumb leather plays in our bow holds for MANY reasons. We also explore several simple aids you can install on your bow that also help.
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[@eurizuri4904]

FINALLY someone explained how holds in a way that made it click for me thank you!

[@RedDesertViolin]

I'm SOOOO happy to hear this!

[@stephanieadlerm]

I have the bow buddy because of severe frostbite on my bow hand fingers. It helps especially with the pinky (where I have no more sensation). I was having trouble keeping my pinky down before due to the lack of sensation and this just helps to keep it in place while I play. It comes in 2 parts. The frog helps with the hand grip and the fish helps for pinky placement. You can use one or both parts. I use both when practicing on my electric violin but only the fish when I perform with my acoustic.

[@RedDesertViolin]

I love hearing about the Bow Buddies, Stephanie. Yes, they offer LOTS of assistance. I would use them as a last resort because they are very visible.....but I had a student who had an industrial accident to his bow hand, and Bow Buddies are the only way he can hold it now

[@nyalwalker6372]

Thanks for these tips.

[@And777_mgn]

Very usefully! I liked the phoam, it schould be very soft. It's not so easy to find here in Brazil. Thank for yours ever good advices!

[@JSB2500]

Thank you - I looked high and low for this exact information!

[@SHADOWMAN296]

I CAUGHT A NINE POUND BASS ON A USED BOW HAVEING RIGGED IT FOR FISHING. THEY MAKE A GREAT PORTABLE FISHING ROD.

[@RedDesertViolin]

???????? If you are serious.....that is awesome! LOL

[@Gedagnors]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@DMilanBrudvig]

I really enjoy your channel! You are a really good teacher. I'm a cellist who, after many years, had carpal tunnel and CMC arthroscopy this past year. While I don't perform any more, I've been looking for something to assist my right hand as the pinky end of things isn't what it was and everything needs revamping. Thanks for a very helpful and intelligent look at thumb leather. I just put the VioTech Suregrip on my Arcus to test drive. My left hand is only two weeks out of surgery so it will just slug along for the ride. Happy New Year, if you see this!

[@RedDesertViolin]

Hi Deborah, good luck with your post-surgery recovery. I think it is important to be willing to adapt as we age. Hopefully you will be able to enjoy making music for many years to come! Good luck!

[@chrislewis954]

Thanks for the clear and helpful comments. Well produced video and delightful approach! I enjoyed this and after 60+ years playing cello, find it intriguing that there are others exploring the age old thing of thumb placement and how to make it just a bit easier! Again, great video, lovely approach. :) Chris NZ

[@RedDesertViolin]

Thank you, Chris! It is an age-old issue, isn't it! Cheers

[@anthonyparke5561]

You are just great.

[@RedDesertViolin]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@MVPTimothyMichaels]

Cool Ideas. The rubber tubing. I just happened to have a bit of it and although it was tough to get on I did and it makes a better difference then the nytie I've had on there for some time. Thank you for taking time to make this video!

[@RedDesertViolin]

Glad it helped! Thanks for chiming in.

[@banjiddle]

I had the same probs as you on my leather on bow, and affecting my bow hold. I have to use the bow master on my bow due to my osteoarthritic finger joints. It helps me, so at least I’m not dropping my bow all the time. LOL. I’m so glad you talk about this. Thanks!

[@banjiddle]

I get my bow accessory’s from SHAR Music.

[@gailwhite7660]

Great video! I used the black bow holder and just about ruined a bow getting it off. It pulled the silver windings off as I removed it. I sent you a picture of the small O ring that I use. It is just enough "grip" to keep my thumb in place and allows a good bow hold. I get a small size and it slips right over the stick and doesn't interfer with the frog when loosening or tighting the bow hair.

[@RedDesertFiddle]

+Gail White Oh yes, Gail! Hello! I forgot about your O-Ring suggestion.....I LOVE that idea! One word of warning: I had a student put a rubber band on her violin, and the rubber reacted with the silver in her lapping, and turned the lapping all black...tarnish remover didn't get it out, either!

[@Karmeleon118]

The Viotech looks like Foam Pencil Grips - wonder if that would work too... happened to see this video and remember that my son's leather is a little worn out at the thumb area like yours.

[@tropicanahana]

When I was in school, I noticed a few kids did use pencils grips, I was just thinking of them.

[@lucius79blues]

Thank for the advise Lora¡

[@RedDesertViolin]

you betcha!

[@revshoney]

I am a late comer cellist, and I used to use a pencil grip that would stretch over my bow, but had removed it a while ago. After not playing for a bit, I had forgotten about it , and I am now experiencing the hand migration problem. After watching your video, I am going to make shift for the moment with a split pencil grip covered with medical tape (tan colored, smooth and has a cushion texture) and maybe vary the thickness. I know, very tacky. I already have a leather piece on my bow, but fairly thin. If this helps, I can pursue the medical tubing or other products. Thank you for your help!

[@RedDesertViolin]

Hey, sorry for the delay. Just so you know, they make that "Viotech suregrip bow cushion" for cello bows too. It's widely available online. Good luck!

[@DivaDeb1234]

Hmmm 💕 Good info . I have goat leather lol Sometimes wish it was thicker

[@GarnettM]

Foam ideas --You can spray hair spray on the tip to let slide on then when it dries it`s non movable __ but washable later to clean off , This method is used for bicycle grips ,Air nozzle will remove bike grips though without tearing them .

[@RedDesertViolin]

+Garnett M GREAT idea! Thanks! I wondered how they got those things on my bike!

[@GarnettM]

+Red Desert Violin I have a video of removing and installing them ,But the spray VO5 is best for installing it dries fast too .

[@GarnettM]

+Red Desert Violin It's handlebar grip removal ,I have a violin I think I just turn the cats on across the street Lol

[@chrisebbesen5798]

Would you know of a way to get Pierre Guilliaum rosin? Thanks for any help.

[@RedDesertViolin]

Do a google search. I just did, and it shows results from ebay and Amazon both. I hope you'll be able to find some!

[@rachelburton8287]

Where do you purchase surgical tubing?

[@RedDesertViolin]

Try a pharmacy that is in a HOSPITAL. They might have it. (we used to buy it as kids.....it makes EXCELLENT high-capacity water guns! But if the pharmacy doesn't have it, then find a MEDICAL SUPPLY STORE. They'll sell you a couple inches for 50 cents!

[@expression3639]

Mine fell off. I taped it back together with electric tape, but then it just kept sliding up and down and only being an annoyance so i got rid of it. I'm ordering pencil grips to see if that will work.

[@RedDesertViolin]

Seriously, get surgical tube. It's cheap, durable, and really grippy.

[@TheSafierdrgn]

Have you seen the Pinkinest for the bow? It's like a little cup that keeps your pinky finger from slipping off the bow. I was curious if you have, what is your opinion of it? I've been using it because I started playing again after a 12 year break AND I'm double jointed so my pinky finger kind of locks up and slips off the bow. Ideally I'd like to not have that as I didn't need it when I was younger and I kind of feel like it's "cheating". Cheating at what? I have no clue...haha!

[@loralynstaples5483]

Oh yes! glad u mentioned this.....I love the pinky nest. hey....don't feel bad about using it. let it teach your pinky how to do his job. u might need it forever....u might not. Who cares? at least u can play! one hint for weenie yourself off the pinkinest: cut your fingernail very short and place the pinky on the INNER octagonal plane....NOT the top. (incidentally be sure to put the pinkinest on that same plane n to help train your bow hand) and use it with pride!

[@TheSafierdrgn]

I tried to take it off yesterday and yeah my pinky is definitely used to this thing. Felt so strange not having the pinkinest on and of course my pinky would slip off the bow.

[@xinouwei]

where to buy this exact one?

[@RedDesertViolin]

It is called "Viotech Suregrip Bow Cushions", and can be purchased many places online. www.johnsonstring.com/cgi-bin/music/scripts/violin-viola-cello-music.cgi?itemno=ACVVSUREG

[@sadettinaydogan1638]

👍👍👍👍

[@RedDesertViolin]

Thank you!

[@ayhammadkouk1423]

I have one but i dont know how to fix it on my bow

[@RedDesertViolin]

Hmmmmm....a little olive oil.....and maybe you can find more instructions on another video?