You put a lot of care and thought into choosing your cello; your bow deserves the same attention. But how much do cello bows normally cost? There is no simple answer to this question. Your cello bow cost will vary based on your needs, including your skill level and budget. However, a good rule of thumb is to reserve 20-30% of your budget for the bow.
In this article, we will explore the factors involved in cello bow cost and guide you towards the right price point for you.
Like the cello itself, the cello bow is a feat of exquisite and precise artistry. It has many small parts, involves metalworking and woodworking, and the slightest differences in wood quality, thicknessing and camber can affect sound quality.
The cheapest cello bows, designed for beginners, are typically made in factories in China. In these cases, most of the bow is created by machines, with only a little bit of finishing by hand. Their price point of $50-$150 reflects this production process. These bows are typically carbon fiber or Brazilwood, and they do not possess the nuanced tonal and playing qualities of good Pernambuco cello bows.
If you are unsure whether you want to commit to the cello, these bows are an okay starting point, but you will want to upgrade as soon as possible.
The best beginner bows cost a little more, between $300-$500, but they have higher quality craftsmanship and materials. Beginner bows like these are usually collaborations between multiple specialized craftsmen in large workshops.
Higher quality cello bows are handmade by skilled artisans out of carefully selected wood or carbon fiber. The most expensive bows are crafted by a single master archetier out of Pernambuco wood, but there are also fantastic intermediate bows that come out of moderately sized workshops.
The best intermediate cello bows range in price from $840 to $4000. These bows are handmade from Pernambuco wood, and they come from some of the best contemporary Brazilian bow makers.
Dolce Violins partners with Arcos Brasil and L’archet Brasil to bring fine intermediate bows to our customers. The bows from these two firms get better and better each year, and they have captured the attention of a number of prominent cello teachers in our area.
In fact, these intermediate cello bows are so highly regarded that many local professionals use them as a backup bow.
See our related article: Intermediates guide to buying a cello here.
Modern bow making is experiencing a renaissance, with makers from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia producing spectacularly beautiful and great playing bows at affordable prices.
Contemporary bows are perfect for conservatory students or up-and-coming musicians, with prices ranging between $4,200 – $8,000 for a bow from award-winning contemporary archetiers like André Lavoye, Roger Treat and Douglas Raguse.
If you’re still not sure which cello bow is right for you, stop by Dolce Violins or schedule an online consultation! Our expert staff will help you find the right bow for your needs.
Dolce Violins offers a wide variety of cello bows for every price point and musical taste. Every cello bow in our inventory is hand-selected by our managing director and cellist, Moses Sedler, for quality craftsmanship, playability, and tone.
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For families beginning violin lessons—whether through a school music program or private study—choosing between renting and purchasing a violin can feel uncertain. This guide outlines
Italian Revival, Workshops, and the Foundations of the Modern Cremonese School At the turn of the 20th century, Cremona stood at a crossroads. Universally recognized
Although the violin-making traditions of Cremona, Milan, and Mirecourt have long dominated discussions of European lutherie, England fostered a remarkable and distinct school of craftsmanship
