I'm looking to buy a new violin bow and wondered if anyone has any advice on what to look for in a bow. I am at Grade V standard and can't really afford anything much over £100 at the moment. I have only just started lessons again (after a 2 year gap) and could ask my new teacher for advice but I thought I would ask on here as well. Also, does anyone use a carbon fibre bow and are they any good? Thanks.

I have an Arcus and I love it. Much more bow for your money than a wood one I think, especially if you are on a limited budget.

Find a dealer who is prepared to let you have several on approval.

I think at that price range you're going to find it hard to get a decent carbon fibre bow - the only ones I know of below £100 are Chinese and seem to me to be very flimsy and usually warped (unlike Chinese wood bows which can be great value) OR the Glasser 2000x (which i do like). However £125 would buy you a Glasser 2000CG which is a really nice bow.

Liz