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Choosing the right bow is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a string player. Your bow transforms your movements into beautiful sound. It helps you express yourself musically and connect with your audience. At Vermont Violins, we help you find the perfect bow that fits your playing style and budget.

UNDERSTANDING BOW MATERIALS

Pernambuco Bows: The Professional Choice

Pernambuco wood has been the top choice for violin bows, viola bows, and cello bows for hundreds of years. This wood comes from Brazil's coastal forests. It's strong yet lightweight, creating warm and rich tones that musicians love.

Pernambuco's natural flexibility lets bow makers craft sticks that respond to gentle pressure changes. This means you can play soft, delicate notes or powerful, bold sounds with ease. Our collection includes Pernambuco bows from skilled Italian makers, German workshops with generations of experience, and modern craftsmen who blend tradition with innovation.

Vermont Violins supports Pernambuco conservation through our partnership with the International Pernambuco Conservation Initiative (IPCI). We want this valuable resource to be available for future musicians and bow makers.

Vermont Violins carries a large selection of bows in a variety of price ranges from fine Italian bows to modern carbon fiber brands such as Arcus and Coda. Here you will find a list of some of the bows we carry, as well as helpful information about trying and selecting the perfect bow from our owner, Kathy.

Vermont Violins is excited to partner with Dipper Restorations to bring fine Baroque bows to the greater Vermont area!

View our available models and learn about Andrew Dipper, a master bow maker specializing in early bow making.

CARBON FIBER BOWS - MODERN PERFORMANCE

Carbon fiber has changed the bow market completely. Brands like Arcus and Coda make professional-quality bows at better prices than traditional wood. These bows last longer and handle weather changes better than wood.

Carbon fiber bows work great in humid weather. They stay straight regardless of temperature. They survive travel and daily practice without damage. Arcus bows, made in Germany, use special carbon fiber blends that create beautiful resonance. Their lightweight design reduces arm fatigue during long practice sessions while giving you the power you need for performances.

Coda bows mix advanced materials with traditional bow-making methods. They feel familiar if you're switching from wood. They also give you better projection and clearer sound.

Brazilwood Bows: Great for Growing Players

Brazilwood is perfect for intermediate students who want to upgrade from beginner equipment. While it comes from the same region as Pernambuco, Brazilwood sounds slightly brighter and more focused. This works well for students who are developing their sound.

Our Brazilwood collection includes carefully chosen models. They have proper weight distribution, straight sticks, and quality fittings. These features help you develop good technique.

What is the Bow Accelerated Ownership Plan?

24 Easy Monthly Payments

Try Before You Buy: Our Home Trial Program

Vermont Violins offers home trials for instruments and bows. We know you need time to find the right bow. You need to test it in real playing situations.

Our trial program lets you test multiple bows at home, in your practice space, or at rehearsals. These are the places where you'll actually use the bow.

During your trial, try each bow with different music. Test various bow strokes. Try different speeds and pressure levels. Notice how each bow responds to your playing style. Record yourself if you can. Recordings often reveal sound qualities you miss while playing. Ask your teacher or musician friends for their opinions on how different bows affect your sound.

Financing Your Bow Purchase

Professional bows cost as much as fine instruments. Vermont Violins understands that price matters when you're making a decision. That's why we offer flexible financing options.

Our financing plans let you pay in easy monthly instalments. You can get professional equipment without paying for everything at once.

If you're watching your budget, consider carbon fiber bows from Arcus and Coda. They perform at a professional level but cost less. Many students and amateur musicians find these bows meet their needs permanently. You won't feel pressure to upgrade later.

Professional players should check our pre-owned bow collection. We have estate acquisitions and trade-ins available. These fine Italian and French bows cost less than new ones but perform just as well.

Taking Care of Your Bow

Good maintenance keeps your bow performing well and protects your investment. After each practice or performance, loosen the bow hair. This reduces tension on the stick and prevents warping.

Wipe off rosin dust from the stick with a soft, dry cloth. Never use cleaning products or chemicals on bow wood or carbon fiber. Get your bow rehaired every six months if you play often. Players who practice less can rehair once a year. Worn hair sounds inconsistent and doesn't respond well.

Store your bow in a protective case when you're not using it. Keep it away from extreme temperatures, humidity changes, and direct sunlight. Don't overtighten the bow hair. Too much tension can damage the stick's curve and break down its structure.

If you see warping, loose parts, or damaged hair, contact our workshop team right away. Don't try to fix it yourself.

Expert Help from Our Team

Our staff has decades of combined experience helping musicians find ideal bows. We know that choosing a bow involves personal preferences along with measurements. We give each customer personal attention and enough time to decide.

We help parents looking for student upgrades. We work with amateur players investing in better equipment. We assist professionals searching for concert bows. Our team provides expert guidance without pressure.

Schedule an appointment at our South Burlington, Vermont, or West Lebanon, New Hampshire, stores. Our showrooms are quiet and comfortable. You can try bows for as long as you need without distraction.

Can't visit in person? Our online platform supports video calls and home trials. We serve musicians nationwide.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

Vermont Violins cares about environmental responsibility. We support FSC-certified products whenever possible. We partner with conservation organizations that protect endangered wood species.

Our carbon fiber bow offerings reflect this commitment. They provide professional quality without using threatened natural resources.

Through our IPCI partnership, we support reforestation efforts. This ensures future availability of Pernambuco wood. When you buy a Pernambuco bow from Vermont Violins, you support sustainable forestry and conservation. This benefits the entire musical community.

Bow Rehair Services

Your bow's hair wears out over time from regular use and rosin buildup. When hair breaks, stretches, or loses its grip on the strings, it's time for a rehair. Vermont Violins offers professional bow rehair services using premium horsehair selected for quality and consistency. Our experienced technicians carefully remove old hair, clean the bow, and install fresh hair with proper tension and spacing. Most players should rehair their bows every 6-12 months depending on how often they play. Signs you need a rehair include excessive broken hairs, hair that won't tighten properly, or diminished sound quality even with fresh rosin. We typically complete rehairing within one week, though rush services are available for performers with upcoming concerts. Proper rehairing extends your bow's life and ensures optimal sound production and playability.

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