Hello All,

It's been a long time since i've posted again.

I'm just wondering if anybody can recommend where i can buy a new violin bow around the Manchester area.

I know i've asked this question a long time ago, but i cannot find the post anymore if i do a search.

By the way, I'm being offered a 2nd hand violin bow, but i'm not sure if it's worth taking it (considering i can see that there are horse hairs which have snapped already),or just buying a new one.

Any suggestions?

Thank you all !

Paul Ayres in Didsbury is a great violin shop. I'm sure they'd let you try a few bows for a while before you buy.

The fact that the hairs have snapped is not relevant - the only relevant factor is what the stick is like. if the bow is worth rehairing, it can be rehaired easily enough (costs around £20-£25)

Thanks elida! I didn't know that it is the stick that you shld look out for.

Thanks Janexxx ! I shall visit the shop.

Have an upper limit in mind, then bring your own violin into the shop and try out different bows within this range. Try a range of bow strokes and see which feels best for you. Yes, the stick is the most important. If a hair comes lose, try to cut it off rather than breaking it, as this only loosens more of the hairs.
Some shops allow you to take a bow on approval, about 2 weeks is usual.

Good luck

Katie