Brazilwood and pernambuco are two of the most common materials used in wooden violin, viola, and cello bows. While they may look similar, they differ significantly in density, elasticity, and performance. Pernambuco is considered the standard for professional bows, while brazilwood is typically used for more affordable options.

Understanding the difference helps players choose a bow that matches their level, playing style, and budget.

What is Brazilwood?

Brazilwood is a general trade term for several tropical hardwoods used in entry-level and intermediate bows. It is less dense and less elastic than pernambuco, which affects how the bow responds during playing.

Brazilwood bows are widely used for student instruments and rental programs because they are more affordable and durable under regular use.

Key Characteristics of Brazilwood Bows

• Typically heavier and less flexible
• Moderate responsiveness
• Stable and durable for everyday use
• Lower cost compared to pernambuco

Brazilwood bows can still perform well, particularly for beginners and advancing students, but they generally offer less refinement in articulation and control.

What is Pernambuco?

Pernambuco is the traditional wood used for the finest violin bows. The wood comes from the Brazilian tree Paubrasilia echinata and has been used by bow makers since the eighteenth century. It has remained the gold standard material for bows due to its durable yet flexible nature. 

Key Characteristics of Pernambuco Bows

• High strength-to-weight ratio
• Excellent elasticity and resilience
• Greater control and articulation
• Used in professional and fine bows

Pernambuco bows allow for more precise handling, especially in advanced techniques such as spiccato, sautillé, and legato. 

How the Material Affects Playing

The differences between brazilwood and pernambuco become most noticeable in how the bow feels during playing.

Pernambuco bows tend to:

• Start and stop more cleanly
• Offer greater nuance in dynamics
• Maintain stability at faster bow strokes

Brazilwood bows tend to:

• Feel slightly less responsive
• Require more effort for advanced articulation
• Provide consistent but simpler handling

For developing players, these differences may be subtle. For advanced players, they are often significant.

You can read more about this topic here: https://dolceviolins.net/blog/how-bow-materials-affect-performance/

Which Bow Should You Choose?

The choice between brazilwood and pernambuco depends on the player’s level and priorities.

• Brazilwood bows are well suited for beginners, rentals, and school programs
• Pernambuco bows are typically preferred by advancing and professional players

Budget is also a factor. Pernambuco bows generally cost more due to both material quality and the level of workmanship required.

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Sustainability

Pernambuco is now a regulated and protected species due to historical overharvesting. This has increased both its cost and the importance of responsible sourcing. As a result, many players and makers have had to consider alternative materials. 

Brazilwood, being a broader category of woods, is more readily available and less restricted. Ipê, another Brazilian hardwood, has also risen in popularity in the world of bow-making and is another great alternative to pernambuco. 

Summary

Brazilwood and pernambuco bows differ primarily in their physical properties and performance potential. Brazilwood offers a practical and affordable option for everyday use, while pernambuco provides the responsiveness and control expected at higher levels of playing.

Understanding these differences helps players select a bow that aligns with their needs, whether for study, performance, or long-term development.

FAQ

What is the best material for bows?

Pernambuco is the top choice of material for bows but due to issues with sustainability, players and makers have started looking at alternative materials. 

Are Brazilwood bows more affordable?

Brazilwood bows then to be more cost affective as compared to pernambuco bows and are therefore a great option for beginning/intermediate players.

What will happen to pernambuco bows?

While the future of pernambuco in bow-making remains uncertain, players and makers alike hope that it will become (sustainably) available again in the future. 

We hope this article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please send us a message: https://dolceviolins.net/contact-us/