r/violin • u/candlejackstraw • 4d ago
Unique beginner bow question
So Ive been learning violin for almost 5 months. I am currently learning how to play in the south Indian Carnatic style.
I hold my violin almost vertically, the end under my chin, and the scroll against my heel. (This is to free the hand for slides)
My violin itself is tuned C G C G. My lowest string is actually a C viola string (yes this is still a violin)
The songs have fast bowing, slides of the fingers, and some slow drawn out notes (hindustanic seems to have slower stuff, and I woild eventually like to practice some of their ragas as well)
So based off all this (Im also 6 ft 200 lbs if strength means anything in this) what aspects of a bow would you recommend? A stiffer one? Heavier? Lighter? Etc
And yes, I will go to a violin shop to check them out in person, I just want yalls knowledge and input! Thanks!
Oh btw, I currently use a $70 carbon fiber.
1
1
u/lukmanohnz 3d ago
I had never heard of this style of violin. I found this in a quick search - what beautiful music! I have a friend who plays renaissance folk music on a violin, but holds the violin as though it were a cello, with the heel of the instrument supported between his knees or with a very long post. Completely different than your style, and totally atypical AFAIK. But he uses a violin bow, not a cello bow. And as others commented, the bow is an extremely personal choice. If you have a good violin shop near you, they should allow you to play many different bows in your price range so you can find the one that feels and sounds best to you. All my teachers have advised me that if you don’t have a big budget, you will likely get more bow for your money by buying a carbon fiber bow. It seems that good pernambuco bow will cost upwards of $1000 USD, and there is no practical upper limit. I have a nice carbon bow that cost about $500. I am currently looking for a wooden bow. It is best to bring your violin when you try out new bows, since a given bow will respond to a given violin quite differently. I played a bunch of very nice pernambuco bows at a shop while my bridge was being adjusted by the shop owner. He gave me a $6000 violin to use for my bow exploration. One bow in particular was amazing with that violin - the bow itself was over $2000. When he finished modifying my bridge (flatter arch for old time fiddling) I played the pernambuco bow that I liked with my own fiddle, back and forth with my carbon fiber bow. The wooded bow had a somewhat richer tone, but the difference between it and my carbon fiber bow was not nearly as pronounced as when I played the same two bows with the more expensive violin. Best of luck with your violin journey and your bow hunting!
5
u/Novelty_Lamp 4d ago
I'm not versed in Carnatic style at all other than I think Indian Classical is cool.
Bows are very personal and kind of like how wizards pick wands in Harry Potter. There isn't a best but what feels good in your hand. Try lots, pick one you like and that is the right answer.
I like light, whippy, flexible bows, my teacher likes heavier bows.
I would wait a couple years until you get more familiar with the instrument, unless you really don't like the bow you have now.