Choosing A Violin Bow! How do I do it?

[@CatyFournier]

I finally know How Alison Choose my bow. For Everybody, Alison knew exactly the violin I had (CVN-700 for the last 4 years) And she's been giving me lesson for 5 years now so she knows my playing. I've been playing with the new bow for few month now. I really love it. And it's true: the more you pay the better quality you get and better the sound is. So thank's Alison for your help in providing me the best bow I will ever get. Still need to put the obligato string to have the best string upgrade.

[@pyressfire]

Do you know which dorfler model it is? There are quite a few at that price point made of totally different materials, so it would be nice to know.

[@Informaticoruna]

What is the Dorfler model? I have found D6, D7, D9 and D10.. Which one you recommended?

[@shield400]

I started with an inexpensive carbon fiber bow and recently switched to a Holstein 3 Star bow and the difference is night and day. I couldn't believe how much better the Holstein felt in comparison, it's everything I wanted and more than I'll ever need. Thanks for the video.

[@goatyachty1762]

Amazing video!! I’m so thankful all your videos!! I can’t believe I’m learning to play violin. I’ve been playing guitar for 13 years and I’ve always wanted to learn how to play violin! Thank you times a million! I recently bought a violin you did a review on!

[@sarahfoley3]

I love your channel it helps me and inspires me to do violin I just ordered my first ever one and I'm soooooooooo excited

[@JC-11111]

So can you play? Did you quit? We want to know! 🤷‍♂️

[@mellissadalby1402]

(1) You play great! (2) I like your tone and your touch. Well done, teacher.

[@Knallbart]

That is so lovely of you, choosing a bow for her. Very very nice. I've never bought a bow before, so seeing how you tested it was really good. 😊 thanks for sharing and teaching us! 😊

[@cinnalosasha]

I bought a Coda Bow a few months ago and I absolutely am in love with it. It was roughly 300$ and came with a 5 year warranty. I had trialed almost 6 bows by that point and i was so relieved to finally find “the one”

[@cs908]

I love CodaBows, too! I have the Electric, which is now discontinued and has been replaced by the Joule. I not only love how it plays, but it's really cool looking, too! It changes colors from blue to green to purple!

[@icemonkeyfist]

it's was a very interesting video to watch so I watched it twice> I think your first instincts were correct. You didn't want to know what they cost so you wouldn't be influenced by the price. For the first two rounds you seemed to like the advancing Student bow the best from your comments (until you bounced the brazilwood one). Once you knew which one was which, you seemed to convince yourself to like the Dofler. That's why trying them blind matters if you can do it. People will seem to talk themselves into the one they think SHOULD be better. I am not sure the actual curve of the bow matters except aesthetically if the bow performs well. I have bows with slightly different bends and a good bowmaker will use the bend to fine tune the bend (or so I have heard) so they all perform well. If I were to guess, the Dofler is a similar weight to your personal bow so it felt more familiar. remember, I never have even been in the same room as any of these bows, but from your reactions, it is almost like you changed 180 degrees once you knew what they were. when blind to the model, the Advancing student bow was really nice and the Doffler was meh, but once you knew the identity of both it flipped. Since they both were octagonal , as you said, you thought it WAS the Dofler. also, in higher level bows (more costly than these), price does not mean as much. I bought two bows from a maker because they were really good before he got a big reputation. His bows were so good that he got a reputation and now his bows cost twice the price or more. I tried one (actually a few) of his new bows and they are slightly more refined visually, but they play essentially the same the first two I bought. So, you likely picked the best bow for your student. I am sure that either is a step up and so much is subjective that who can really say. I just found it interesting enough to watch it again and it seemed to me your opinion changed once you knew which was which. I don't claim any special knowledge about bows, but I usually weigh my blind test higher, but I go with the bow that I won't regret later, because when you take it home, you will know which one it was. Once they are above the required standard of performance, it is the subjective things that help up be happy with our purchases anyway. :)

[@orchestrasecrets1866]

I was seriously about to get a bow, and not sure which one to get for a reasonable price... and now I know!!

[@WEdHarris]

Thank You so much for this informative video! I currently own a very nice Edw. Herrmann Octagonal Pernambuco bow and an equally nice carbon fiber Coda bow and they are distinctly different. A couple of advantages I feel the carbon fiber has over any wooden bow is that it is not subjective to temperature or humidity and it is less prone to accidental breakage or damage. This may be something to consider contingent upon where one resides. Also, a carbon fiber bow may be a worthy candidate to seriously consider for a young child. Thank You for all you do! I've recently subscribed and I'm going through all your videos! They are inspirational, informative, and so very helpful! I am multi-instrumentalist, and I am self-taught on the violin/fiddle with a focus on Irish/Celtic music the past 30+ years. As with any musician, I am always striving to expand and improve and I am elated to have found your channel! I hope to enroll in one of your lesson programs!

[@melshioravor3490]

Alison, this video is really timely for me. Just arrived in Almaty to purchase a violin. Thanks

[@gwdodd344]

Terrific content and very helpful! Thanks for sharing this experience! And by the way, that shade of fingernail polish is lovely!

[@TechCOSnr]

The thumbnail should’ve had the bow case glowing...

[@kathleenlairscey5934]

This helps me to make a better decision , I ve been trying to replace the lightweight student bow that I have.

[@christophertsiliacos8958]

Hello Allison. I currently use a Brazil wood Mongolian horsehair violin bow that I purchased new for $7.04 (US) on Amazon in 2015. And I've been using it ever since with no problems. The feel and weight of the bow is just fine with me. BTW: It now sells for $14.95 (US) on Amazon. 😖 🎻 🎶

[@mazherabbas8045]

my teacher Alison is very beautiful ,, and very talented ,, always beautiful and evergreen

[@mazherabbas8045]

Thanks for heart

[@vanvaneful]

I needed this !!! Thank you so much!!

[@lananollaig1650]

You seem happiest or most satisfied playing with the Dorfler bow. Then the advancing student violin bow seems alright as you play. That’s my opinion. As I observe you playing. Thanks for demonstrating!

[@ronishastroud8891]

I love that she is posting this video because i am finally picking a violin and bow from a violin shop that i like. I am a bit conflicted on the two violins sadly one is deeper that cost $1000. And the other one is brighter sound that cost $1500. But i have a few days to test them all out. I hope i can make a choice.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I wouldn't recommend you choose and bow and a violin at the same time. You need to get the violin first and learn and understand the new sound/tone etc of that before you choose a bow. Bows sound differently on each violin and your technique will differ with a new violin, so adding a bow to the mix now will mean that you wont get the right bow for the new violin and sound.

[@ronishastroud8891]

@@TheOnlineViolinTutor i had to sell my old violin bc i grown out of it to quickly. So i have to get both bow and violin.

[@AG-mt3xs]

I have been playing for about 6 weeks, and I can completely agree about the bounce on the brazilwood. I am about to buy a new bow myself because I hate the bows that came with my violin.

[@chrisebbesen5798]

Excellant help, thanx!

[@Bada4ever]

When I heard the Advancing Student Bow, I feel in love with the sound when you played lower notes. I'm definitely going Pernambuco. Thanks! Do you have a link to the Advancing Student Bow, please?

[@throngcleaver]

Just got back from a trip to the dump, (was getting rid of that old tweed jacket) and saw your video! Best one you've made today! Thanks, A! :D I'll send you a pic of the violin bow I picked out.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

...please don't...🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@RelaxationMusic1611]

That col legno bow sounds the best of all in your hands. It sounds solid with no artifacts or ,,bugs,, :D bouncing chech is the worse and dofler 3rd place as for me

[@shannonrios8232]

Hey Allison, You have taught me SO much! Picked up violin at 27 a few weeks ago and your videos have been an absolutely amazing resource for me! Thank you! Quick question, are all the same notes played in the same spot unless the are sharp/flat? For example if I have the A in the staff and following it there is an A in the ledger lines and neither are sharp/flat can I play them in the same spot? Or what advice do you have for that? Again your amazing, thank you for all you do!

[@IA10105]

Tips to getting back in violin hehe

[@seanconroy9137]

How did you get a Pernambuco bow for only $120 USD?? Brazilwood does not always mean Pernambuco. Lower end Pernambuco bows have a starting price of around $600 USD

[@tara7328]

Alison, could please write the name of the rosin you used?? I think you forgot to put the link to it in the description, because I am having a little trouble finding out which rosin i should use, so I thought maybe it would help me if I knew. Thank you anyways for teaching us these awesome things ❤️

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Oh Im so sorry - I must have forgotten! I have linked it now and its in the description under the video.

[@tara7328]

@@TheOnlineViolinTutor thank you so much

[@AlexRiversMusic]

Cool

[@MangAiren]

Would love the name of your rosin again I didint quite catch it, I would love to try it! I've just had an antique bow restored and want to give this rosin a go with it!

[@CatyFournier]

the rosin is Sartory it's french made. I have the same

[@ALLENA324]

I’m currently deployed, and getting violin lessons from another soldier. We purchased an electric violin from amazon and will be donating it to the USO once our tour is completed. Unfortunately it’s one of the few options we have to get what we need. It was approx $110, but the bow seems synthetic and the rosin is horrible. I’ve got rosin you suggested on the way. However, being that online purchases are our only resource for music supplies, is there any suggestions on an affordable but not horrid bow? It will be in a music room with many different people utilizing it, so weight and other small personal preferences aren’t a huge concern. Just something that’s a little bit better quality would be nice!

[@Tang5oh]

@alison I know all bows are different; however which bow typically has a more resonant/bright/powerful sound. A wood or carbon fiber bow. Im deciding between my old early 1900s german wood bow and my fiddlerman carbon fiber weave bow. Ive been using both these bows for a long time and am deciding now which one will be my main career oriented bow. If u can give me your opinion it would be greatly appreciated!! 😀

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I have no idea as bows do. It work like that. Each bow will be totally different for every person as it depends on the person, style of playing and the violin. That’s why one needs to choose completely themselves whe their technique and violin. Also, if you want a brighter more powerful sound, you’re more likely to achieve that with well chosen strings and violin - not bow. If you want power, that will come from the arm.

[@Skinny_Karlos]

A personal question, Allison, but what violin do you use? I use a 1913 Eduard Reichert which has served me well but I'm curious as to what you use - Mark

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I dont know much about mine, but its a Mittenwald violin.

[@Skinny_Karlos]

@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Lovely violins are Mittenwalds, but you know that. Mine's an Eduard Reichert 1913 and has served me well over the years. What would we do without the Germans to make us such great quality, mid and upper range price violins? I have a German nameless violin as well as the Reichert, which I used for many years and is almost as good as the Reichert. The Germans have my much appreciated respect for their expertise. I do so enjoy your videos, which I've just discovered recently, thank you.

[@masendaly4669]

Love the vids keep it up!!!! 😂

[@hrobert745]

I just got a bow from online and it’s not comfortable to use wish I had watched your video sooner.

[@Danny951842]

It's funny how the Advancing Student bow was winning until you looked at the names......

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

It may have looked that way as the video was cut, but I didn’t look at the names until I had made my choice as that was the point of testing them blind.

[@radiant416]

I can’t find any information how how often do you have to replace your violin bow completely? How long does the stick lasts ?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

You don’t ever need to replace your bow unless it falls apart on you or you want to upgrade - the same for any item!

[@DJPatel]

I am 14 years old boy, I want to buy a good violin for the first time, Can you suggest me what size I should buy ?please suggest me few brands\models too. Thank you

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I have a lot of violin reviews already on my channel. What you choose is yo to you as it depends on your budget and what you want to do with it.

[@ridhaagabier9488]

What bow would be compatible with a stentor 2 for a beginner. I have no idea what bow to get

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

You’re best to get a bunch and try them out. I cannot recommend bows as they are simply to unique to the player. Bows are 100% based on feel and everyone is going to be totally different. As i would have said in this video, a bow i like and responds well to me, might be the worse now you have ever used and vice verser. I would advise contacting a shop, giving your budget and then having some sent for you to blind try. Good luck 😊

[@bakasso8484]

I just chose my bow based on its weight . Cos some Bows are super heavy and it hurts my hand like hell.

[@sketchuyu7298]

I have a question I have this tube thing on my e string I already tuned it but I was wondering what that tube thing that was dangling on the e string was. Am I suppose to put it under the e string to prevent it from digging into the bridge?

[@arst06d]

Yes

[@gerrymcguire2648]

@@arst06d Wouldn't it change the sound of the string if it was straddling the bridge? I strung a violin for the first time ever just now. Having no idea what the plastic sleeve was I removed it. Maybe I should undo my "E" and put it back on?

[@johnmajhi7223]

My violine strings are ok but sound does not produce...before it was ok but no sound comes. What is the reason may i know?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Apply rosin to the bow.

[@johnmajhi7223]

Mam...i apply rosin too but not coming the sound..still i can not find the reason...or i need to change d strings

[@johnmajhi7223]

@@TheOnlineViolinTutor mam, after i apply rosin also sound does not come..still i can not find the reason and what things to adjust..or i need to change the strings?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

You need to apply rosin until you get a sound.

[@johnmajhi7223]

@@TheOnlineViolinTutor yes mom i m success...thanks n luv u so much

[@jamjame-o1650]

Can u try the Kennedy violins on amazon

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

If the company send some to me, I will.

[@chrisebbesen5798]

Ok, ok, I'll bow for her, your funny!

[@arst06d]

Which model of Dorfler bow was that?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I dont know - it didnt say as I was sent a bunch from the seller on behalf of my student at her price.

[@arst06d]

@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Thanks Alison.

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

If an armed robber was holding me at gun point and gave me the choice of losing one of my favorite violins or losing my favorite bow, there's no question. Don't take my bow.

[@andreybessolitsyn2055]

What about codabow prodigy 4/4?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I have not personally tried that bow im afraid.

[@akane2366]

This was very useful, thank you! Question: What do you think of the Fiddlerman carbon fiber bow? It seems that everyone except me can play it without any trouble. 😅 In my case, it feels kinda slippery and my hand tends to move up the bow when I play. The bow that came with my violin fits prefectly in my hand, but it's way too bouncy. Ehh.. if only I could find a way to combine those 2 bows into one perfect bow... 😀

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I think they are good and decent bows, but carbon fibre bows are not for everyone. Personally they are not for me either - for the same reasons as you. I prefer pernambuco wood and high quality Blue Mongolian horse hair. Perhaps we are both snobs lol🤣🤣

[@akane2366]

@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Hahaha could be! Thank you for the reply!

[@brucejoseph8367]

Thank you for this very helpful video. I couldn't find the Dorfler bow on Caswell's website but the String Zone have a Dorfler Brazilwood octagonal bow for £110, it may be the same one you tried. I was going to buy the Col Legno bow to go with my Stentor Messina violin but now I'm not sure which one to go for. I have a cheaper carbon fibre bow ("I Violini" £60) from The String Zone which is pretty good but I would like a better one.

[@mattildahubbardo]

Should i just buy cheap bows and throw them out when the hair is worn. There are no luthiers where i live.

[@lornadavies3339]

can someone tell me the one she chose is it round? i can see from the video

[@traviscorriveau2998]

Lorna Davies no, it is octagonal

[@chrisebbesen5798]

I THOUGHT THE SECOND BOW HAD BETTER TOOTH!. I THOUGHT CARBON BOWS WERE FOR ELECTRIC VIOLINS?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

No, carbon bows can be used on any violin. I’m just not keen on them personally as they don’t allow for full scope when playing the higher calibre technically demanding pieces. Just my opinion of course.

[@AC5SH]

:)

[@JC-11111]

Could you imagine watching some crazy American girl with the most ghetto slang you've ever heard trying to talk about violins? 🤣 I bet it'd be hilarious 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@cjc4765]

Unless your from the USA. Then it would seem normal and someone with a British accent would seem different but I would never use the word "hilarious" because she sounds wonderful. BTW one of the most renowned makers of violins is a New Yorker. His violins sell new for over 100K and you'd have to wait 3 to 4 years to even get one if your lucky enough to get one. He doesn't talk pretty either ( BUT who cares)??

[@gerrymcguire2648]

Oh, please...

[@trolloler5954]

iM FiRsT!!1!1!!1

[@musicplayedforyou3266]

Hello, can you tell me what model is the Dorfler now? Thanks

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I dont know - it didnt say.

[@ZancoIntel]

Why are they so damn heavy??