Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Violin Bow Hair Problems?

Just got a violin about four days ago. I've been practicing with it about an hour a day. The first time I got it, I may have over rosen'd the bow. Every time I put it away I loosen the hairsand when I take it out, I tighten till I could fit the thickness of a pencil eraser between wood and hairs (not that I actually do). I have accidentally touched the hairs probably three or four times. That's about all the activity with it but the hairs are falling out already and alot! After four days, just seems kind of ridiculous to me. Is it me or the bow and what should I do about it? The bow came with the violin.



Violin Bow Hair Problems?

Well, first of all, for a good tone, you may wish to make it more than an an eraser's width of space. I'd go with the width of your smallest finger; that usually is a good way to measure.



As for touching the hair, don't fret. That won't cause the hairs to come out unless you pull on them / press them. The reason you're not supposed to touch bow hair is just a tonal and performance issue -- there are natural oils on your fingers, and touching the hair transfers some oils. This can interfere with sound quality and bow performance overall.



I'd say that, at this point, your main issue is either the way in which you're playing, or the bow itself. If you're a beginner, I presume you're using a low quality instrument and bow -- many lower quality bows will work fine, but have issues with the bow hair.



Or, it could be how you play. As a beginner, there's no true need to press on the strings. Just use your hand as a guide, making sure to maintain proper bow hold techniques, without causing tension or stress on your hand.



Of course, you will definitely lose bow hairs every now and then. A cellist I played with a few weeks ago played so roughly that the hairs were literally flying off the bow as he played -- apparently he completely destroyed one during that performance.



As for what to do about it, my ultimate recommendation is to get a new bow. As a beginner, I doubt that you're so strenguous with playing that it could be the playing strength -- it's most likely the bow itself. Stop in at a local music store, and see what they have to offer. If you like, even take in your violin and bow, and have them look at the bow -- they may be able to pinpoint the error.



Good luck, and happy playing =)



Violin Bow Hair Problems?

It could be the bow. I play the violin as well and your bow may just need rehaired if it is a used violin and bow. Now if you are playing vigorously than that might be due to you. If it's used check out getting it rehaired and if it's new just take it easy on the pressure you apply while playing! Good luck by the way if you just started!



Violin Bow Hair Problems?

If it is not a good bow it will probably lose hair all the time. When your bow hair gets really thin or turns a yellowish color, you should rehair it.



I do not think touching the accidentally will do much to it. Since you practice one hour a day, maybe rosining it each day or every two days will give it the amount of rosin it needs.



You mentioned your bow stroke. I would suggest not to "crash land" onto the strings. By this I mean to drop it vertically onto the string when you are making a stroke. Instead, think of it as an airplane, sloping into the string. As you place your bow on the string, move your arm AWAY from you, to give it a nice landing.



Also, remember that it is CONSTANT WEIGHT, NOT a LOT of weight that gets you a strong sound.



Anyway, if any of this doesn't make sense, let me know and I'll try to clarify it!! :)

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