My parents were listening to me play this evening, and they said that they've noticed a marked improvement in my ability over the last 9 months, which I though was nice of them.

They then asked me if I would like a new bow - not just any old bow though, would I like to have one made specially? Well, to be honest, I don't know! They bought me a good quality bow last year as a birthday present, and I also have a student bow which I like to use sometimes.

Would there be many benefits to buying a new bow over having my slightly older, but still good quality one 'spruced up'? There's a really good workshop further North, which we have always used in the past, and they make violins/bows and also repair older/damaged ones, so whatever we decide, it's possible.

I don't want my parents to spend money on a new bow when my older one would do just as well - do any of you have any thoughts or advice on this?



Thanks!

I'd say that if you are happy with your present bow, ask your parents to keep they money they would have spent on it in a savings account for the day that you DO want a new one or want a new instrument so it can go towards that then

I agree with jojo. Save the money for when you know you need something better and you will then have a clearer idea what you need.

But if you have had the bow for about a year and you play most days then it might be time for a re-hair and maybe some new strings if you have had the current ones on all that time.

Thanks for your replies

I think I'm going to ask them if I can have my older one re-haired. I really like the bow, it took me hours to choose it last year, and I'm positive it's the 'right one', so there's not really any point in having another one. I think the idea was that because I've inherited a (not my words ) "fantastic violin", perhaps the quality of bow should match that.

Maybe talk to your teacher as well? But yes, if you're happy with the bow then don't change just for the sake of it. Maybe get the bow rehaired, even have your fiddle lovingly checked over by a good luthier... and any money that they would have spent, put into a savings account for violin music

I'll speak to my teacher asap. Savings acount? For violin music?! Oooh