While wooden bows are the standard material for professional violin (as well as viola and cello) bows, carbon fiber bows have a lot to offer and are a great alternative to Pernambuco, Brazilwood and Ipê bows. 

Understanding what both wooden and carbon bows offer can help the player find the right bow for their needs. 

Carbon Fiber

As discussed further in this article carbon fiber bows are made from composite materials rather than wood. These bows are designed to mimic the stiffness and weight of traditional bows while offering greater durability.

Carbon fiber bows are popular for several reasons:

• they are resistant to warping and climate changes
• they are generally less expensive than fine pernambuco bows
• they are very consistent from bow to bow
• they are more durable and less prone to breaking 
• they are a good option for young and beginning-level players 

A well-known brand of high quality carbon bows, is CodaBow, a company that started in the 1990s based on new carbon fiber technology that was first introduced in the 1950s. While synthetic material was not welcomed at first by the string community, opinions shifted and carbon eventually became a commonly used material in bow-making.

While most performers of classical music still prefer wooden bows, high-quality carbon fiber bows are comparable to many wooden bows and might even be preferable for non-classical styles of music and performances. 

Wooden Bows 

The three most common materials for wooden bows are Pernambuco, Brazilwood and Ipê. Woods from the South American sub-continent have been the standard in bow-making since the 18th century when the father of the modern French bow François Xavier Tourte first began using pernambuco. The material elevated the older Baroque bow model and ushered in a new era of performance standards and compositions based on musicians’ new capabilities. 

Wooden bows, especially Pernambuco, are known for: 

• strength
• elasticity
• excellent transmission of vibration
• the ability to hold a precise camber

While Pernambuco remains the gold-standard of wooden bows, Brazilwood and Ipê bows are good alternatives and still have many of the desired characteristics that only wooden bows have. 

Explore Our Violin Bow Collection

At Dolce Violins, we offer a curated selection of bows ranging from student carbon fiber models to contemporary makers and fine French bows.

You can browse our available inventory here: https://dolceviolins.net/product-category/bows/violin-bows/

Summary

The correct material for a violin bow will depend on the player’s level, commitment, physical needs (weight, flexibility) and musical goals. Both traditional wooden bows and modern carbon fiber bows can meet a player’s needs if they are the right match. 

If you have questions or would like to discuss more about bow materials, send us a message: https://dolceviolins.net/contact-us/

FAQ

Are carbon fiber bows good?

Yes, carbon fiber bows are great bows and just like wooden bows range in student to professional level. 

Do professional violinists use carbon fiber bows?

While some violinists in orchestras may have a carbon fiber bow as a spare or as a  “back-up bow”, most professional orchestra musicians prefer wooden bows. However, many non-orchestral violinists use high-quality carbon fiber bows.

How do I know which one is the right one for me?

When shopping for bows, it’s good to try lots of that fit within your budget. It might take many tries, but you’ll eventually find the right one and with our 14-day trial period, you’ll have plenty of time to settle on the right one.