How to Choose a Cello Bow – Four Attributes to Consider When Trying Bows

Key Considerations When Choosing a Cello Bow

Setting aside the price, there are four key characteristics of a cello bow that need to be taken into account when shopping for a worthy candidate. Keep these in mind as you begin your search.

Balance of the cello bow

– The balance of the bow should be your first consideration. If the balance point is closer to the frog, the bow may feel lighter, yet you may need to work harder to produce substantial volume or tone. Conversely, if the balance point is too close to the tip, the bow can feel overly heavy and may contribute to arm or wrist fatigue.

Strength of the cello bow

– If you choose a bow that is very stiff, you may find that the response is fast, but the bow may only produce a surface sound, limiting your ability to access the breadth of tone your cello has to offer.

Flexibility of the cello bow

– A bow that is flexible and soft can help produce a rich sound, though often at the expense of quick response. When tightened to normal playing tension, the stick should not touch the strings during moderately loud playing.

Weight of the cello bow

– Most cello bows on the market today weigh between 78 and 82 grams. Heavier bows require careful balance to avoid feeling cumbersome or tiring, while lighter bows may appeal to players who prefer ease of control. For lighter bows to perform well, the relationship between strength and flexibility becomes especially important.

What is the cello bow made from?

Pernambuco Cello Bows

Bow maker François Xavier Tourte (1747 –1835) discovered and subsequently utilized pernambuco for his bows in the 18th century. Pernambuco is the center (heartwood) of the pau brasil tree, which grows on the Atlantic Coast of Brazil. It provides a very strong yet flexible stick that is unrivaled as the wood of choice for all great bow makers. Read our in depth article about the pernambuco wood used to make bows here. 

Ipe Cello Bows

IPE cello bows are an excellent value option for students and advancing players seeking a responsive, reliable bow at a more accessible price point. IPE (also known as Brazilian walnut) is a dense, durable hardwood that shares several playing characteristics with pernambuco, offering good strength, stability, and consistent handling for daily practice and ensemble use. In recent years, student-level pernambuco cello bows have become increasingly difficult to source due to international trade regulations and documentation requirements surrounding pernambuco wood. As a result, availability is limited and costs have risen, particularly at entry and intermediate price levels. IPE bows provide a practical and musically satisfying alternative, allowing players to access well-balanced, dependable bows without the regulatory complications or higher costs now associated with lower-priced pernambuco options.

Brazilwood Cello Bows

Often used for less expensive cello bows, brazilwood can be a good choice for a beginner. Brazilwood comes from the outer sapwood portion of the pau brasil tree. Not as dense or strong as pernambuco, brazilwood bows tend to be a bit too flexible and slow to respond. Fractional bows of this wood work fine since they are shorter and don’t require the same strength. A number of other hardwoods from Brazil used to make cheaper bows are often erroneously referred to as brazilwood.

Carbon Fiber Cello Bows

Carbon fiber is a material that has been used in bow making for over 20 years as an alternative to wood. A number of fine-quality carbon fiber cello bows are available from firms such as Coda Bows, Jon Paul Bows and Arcus. Carbon fiber cello bow makers aim to achieve the same weight, balance and stiffness as wood bows. This is achieved by adding different materials to the core of the bow to change the vibration speed of the stick. This is the secret sauce of the carbon fiber bow industry.

Fiberglass

You may have noticed that there are some very inexpensive cello bows on the market made of fiberglass. While the low price of these bows can be very appealing, we would only recommend these bows if you are starting out and you’re not sure if you’re going to commit to the instrument. The playability and sound are inferior when compared with wood or carbon fiber bows.

Check Out Multiple Bows Prior to Making Your Selection

At Dolce Violins, we suggest our customers take several bows home with them to play for a week or more and, if possible, show them to their cello teacher. While evaluating the options, we suggest that you play music that requires different playing techniques so that you can assess how each bow performs in a variety of situations.

Questions to Consider During Your Evaluation Process

Do you like the sound the bow pulls from your cello?
Does the weight and balance of the bow feel comfortable in your hand?
How easily does the bow bounce off the string for Spiccato and Sautille bow strokes?
When playing a long note does the bow skitter or chatter on a weak spot?

You may feel like there is a lot riding on your decision as you assess whether or not a particular cello bow can generate the sound and responsiveness you’re seeking. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not tied to any bow for life. Many reputable violin shops have a trade-in program for bows, so as your playing progresses, you always have the option of moving up to bows of higher quality.

We hope this short guide to choosing a cello bow has been helpful. If you follow all of the tips noted above, you should be able to find a cello bow that is right for you. Should you have any further queries or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to assist you in any way we can.

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