Bows

Posted by Mark Werner on April 3, 2011 at 11:43am

I've just started laying out a fiddle after looking over all the pics and doing some other research.... But what about bows?

Does everyone use a commercial bow, or are there instructions somewhere for making one?

 

I seem to recall seeing a web article some time ago on making one using PVC tubing and nylon fishing line, but I can't find it.

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  • Mark Werner June 3, 2011 at 11:24pm

    I actually put together something like that before buying a commercial (student) bow.   I had some fiberglass material lying around... about 1/2" wide and only 1/8" thick.... Quite springy.    I cut a piece and slotted both ends, then wound some thread together and twisted it a lot like a bowstring.  

    Rosined it up and it actually didn't have a bad sound.    Not as good as the regular bow, but not bad at all.  

     

    And, you can shoot little arrows with it.....

  • Rand June 3, 2011 at 11:09pm
    Very easy to build. Use a piece of bamboo about a foot and a half to two and a half feet should be plenty long. Cut a narrow slot at each end and take cotton thred and run 50 or so untangled strands and tie a knot atr each end. Make the space between each knot the same length as your bow ad place the thread in one slot close to a knot and pull until the knot secures the rest of the thread on the bow. Now bend the bamboo enough to work the knot through the other slot. Now at one end of the bow tension the string using a small, thin piece of wood tall enough to get the thread tight.Tthat end is where you will hold the bow. Now go to a local music store and ask for bow rosin (made aof various tree saps(dont try to make it yourself...)and rub the bow against the rosin as if playing a fiddle until you hear a squeaky noise. Now enjoy your new bow!
  • Yellowbelly Flatt April 3, 2011 at 1:08pm

    It is quite poss to make your own bow. I think there were plans included in one of the fiddle plans 

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    on this website.

     

    I personally use commercial bows as I have several that were lying around from the fiddles that I own and play. They are also quite cheap to buy, particularly if you are a beginner because you might damage your first bow anyway. Don't forget rosin.


    There are several sites available on line concerning the setting up a fiddle bow.

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