I am interested in playing Baroque violin but at the moment would not be able to afford another instrument. Is there any point in buying a Baroque bow or would this be pointless on a modern violin?

Even on a modern violin, using a baroque bow will give you a very different sound and feel, and a lot of insight into the style of playing. It is also much easier!

I had fun with a baroque bow on a modern instrument for several years. I sometimes swapped to gut strings on the violin which also helped. Eventually I was able to get a baroque violin .

I reckon you can get a fair way on with baroque playing if you have the bow. On the other hand a modern bow on a baroque violin would be pretty hopeless.

Is there a different technique to using a baroque bow?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIOh5Iq683o Have a look at that, and see what you think. My understanding is that yes, it is pretty different. I love this particular performance - the rest of the piece is also on youtube, and the battle of the ornaments later on is an absolutely wonderful interaction between the two violinists.
You'd maybe not get that much of a baroque sound with only the bow, unless you did also have a set of gut strings for the violin, but it would certainly be one way to start assimilating baroque technique. Mind that vibrato now .

They are very happy people!!!

My favourite concerto of all time I think.. I'm just getting to grips with the 2nd violin part..

It is not exactly that the bow needs a different technique in itself, but baroque music uses different phrasing and articulation, which is much easier to do with a baroque bow. For instance there are far more retakes, and all that fast string-crossing passage work is much harder work on a modern bow. A baroque one is lighter, particularly at the tip, and the balance point is different.

Getting a baroque bow won't turn you into a baroque player, though - you will have to study the style. It is still possible to do a modern long sustained legato with seamless bow changes if you try hard enough!

Oh, I get it. If you're watching Mr Manze, it means that you have to do more headbanging, dancing around and try and take your partner's eye out with your bow.....

Or if watching the absolutely amazing Ms Podger...... I've had her Stravaganza and Bach Sonata's and Partita's on almost constant repeat in the car recently.... Hasn't helped my playing any though.

Cheers,

Matt.

me too .. and it doesn't seem to have impacted on my playing either but I can whistle them pretty well now