Hi,

I've had my cello and bow for around almost 3 years now, and have never had anything done to the bow, but i am noticing now the stick is starting to get straighter and straighter. I don't think im over tightening it, is this just something that happens over time. Do i need it re-haired or do i need a new bow?

have you ever put it in a dishwasher?

What is the bow stick made from? It might well be brazil wood, which is much softer and less resilient than pernumbuco. Brazil wood sticks do eventually lose their 'spring' and three years is roughly their life span.

A rehair will not return curvature to the stick itself and unless the bow is valuable, it won't be worth having it re-shaped - which is done using a flame, heating the wood and literally bending the stick while it's hot.

Time for a new bow I think.

NB. to all readers of this post. DO NOT try to reshape a bow stick yourself at home. It is a skilled job and you will damage your bow if you attempt a DIY.

And I was SO looking forward to getting the blow torch out this weekend.

You'd be surprised what some people will try when they read these posts. I added the comment just in case someone was daft enough to give it a go. I wouldn't want to be issued with a legal writ after receiving the blame for a ruined bow.

Not to mention the amount of aftershave I am getting through cleaning my strings! I do have a very nice smelling violin!

I actually don't know what the bow is made of, but i was thinking about gettin a new bow for my 18th, ready to go onto grade 8. Why would i put it in the dishwasher did i miss something critical in the lesson somehwere :S lol

Thats good it hasn't been in the dishwasher then, else that would affect the shape of the bow.

Maybe I'm missing something here, but why would anyone put their bow in the dishwasher??

Your not the only one who is a bit confused as to why someone would put there bow in the dishwasher.

You shouldnt, as it will damage the bow: Hence why i asked if it had been through it.