The Best Beginner Cello Bows

A cello bow, also known as a harp bow or cellist’s bow is a bow that, like the iname implies, is designed for playing the cellos or violins. Because the bow doesn‘t move the strings it means you can achieve a richer tone from a cello that has a wider range than a typical guitar. It also means that you have more control over the sound, which is why it's used by many performers and music educators. There are a wide range of styles and types of cello bows, so finding the right one for your instrument can be a daunting task. We‛ve been searching the internet for the best cellorobows, and have put together this buying guide with all the information you need to find the perfect bow for you.

What are some tips for finding the right cello bow?

If you are looking for a nice set of cello bow strings to go with your cellos, check out our top picks in the product list. However, if you would like some general tips on stringing a cello, here are some ideas to get you started. Choose the right size. Your cello will be thinner in diameter when it first arrives. Take measurements of the bow before you buy it. Position your bow correctly. The right way to position your bow on your cello is at a 45-degree angle to the strings. Otherwise, you will have to bend over and rest your hands on the neck of your instrument. Use appropriate music. You should never play music that is too difficult for your skill level. If you can read music, find an appropriate piece and practice it so you know how to play it comfortably. Play it in tune. Be patient. Learning how your bows play and how they will sound is worth the wait.

What should I consider when buying a cello bow?

While there are many factors that determine the quality of a cello bow, its overall durability and reliability are the most important. Some manufacturers offer cellos with shorter necks, thicker frames, and even adjustable limbs, all of which improve the bow’s performance. For a more reliable and consistent performance, however, it helps to choose a bow that's built to last. Each manufacturer has a slightly different construction method, but most bow models include a number of moving parts that can break down over time. As a general rule, the more moving pieces, including the fasteners, there is in a model, or the heavier the unit, tends to be the less durable it is. In addition to durability, you should also consider your available resources, such as your skill level, how often you plan to play, if you want to learn yourself, where you'll store the cello bow, which strings you prefer, etc.

How expensive are cello bows?

Inexpensive

The cheapest cello bow you can find for under $35 is an entry-level metal bow that may be a little thin for your tastes. The arrow rests may not hold a curve properly, and the tuning might not be very crisp.

Mid-range

For between $45 and $85, you’ll find a wide variety of bows of great quality. Many have adjustable length, a bowie block, backrests, stringing, tuning pegs, adjustable arrow rest, cork handle, bow scale, shaft, quiver, tip, feathering material, eyelets, scroll wheels, grip, cleaning cloth, bag, case, strings, stand, scissors, guitar bag and more.

Expensive (and rare)

The most expensive cello bow models you will find are in the $100 to $300 range. You‘ll still find many good quality models in this price range, but you do get a more ornate, handcrafted bow. It's also common to find larger sizes for children in these price ranges.

How do you choose your selection of cello bows?

Brand

No matter what the product category, the brand is always the first place that you look when you’re trying to decide which product to buy. We‘ve done that for you here, and taken out all the stops to include some of the biggest names in the game.

Price

Of course, we want to ensure that no matter which of our selection of cello bows you choose, you get a great price. This is especially important for beginners, as they may not expect to pay so much for something as simple as a cella bow.

Reviews

We don't believe in putting any financial pressure on readers, so we always do the background work for review sites. Through these reviews, which are usually anonymous, our team gets to learn more about the buying process of hundreds of customers.

What Features Should You Look For In Cello Bows?

Before you decide on which is the perfect cell of your dreams, make sure that these are the essential features to look for in a bow, to make your selection even easier.

Material

You need a material to play with, because the wrong material can make any instrument unplayable. The best material for a violin is wood, but there are other options such as ebony and cypress. Wooden cello bows are incredibly durable, although they do take a while to warm up, making it hard for younger players to start playing. What's more, wooden cello bows tend to have a bigger sound. Steel is another excellent material, it's lightweight and durable but it tends to dull the instrument.

Thickness

The thickness of a string is essential when choosing a wood cello bow, especially if you want the string to be as light as possible. You don't want a thick bow that will weigh down the cello. Broad strings are ideal for most beginners and can provide a lot of attack without making the sound too dull.

Fretting Handles

Because of how the bow moves, when it's resting against the body of an instrument, one side of it can get very hot. With this in mind, fretting handles are important. A handle with a textured surface will provide extra grip when playing, avoiding that dreaded slip.

String Coating

A coating on your string coats the metal, providing a good coating that prevents rust and prolongs the life of both the wood and the strings.

About Cello Bows

The cello bow is a versatile instrument accessory that can be used for playing a wide variety of musical styles. It can also be a powerful addition to any school of music, but is most often used by students of the cello. The bow itself is made of wood or plastic with metal pins that hold it in place. Some manufacturers offer a full set of bows. Other companies offer individual bows for different instruments, so the player has the option of choosing the best bow for the style of playing they want. The way a cellist holds the bow plays a big role in the sound of a cello. A bow that’s too stiff will not produce the type of intonation or resonance that is desired. As you learn, you may find you prefer a bow with a bit of give to it. Additionally, a too-soft bow can sacrifice some of its power for a lighter feel in a concert setting. If you're serious about playing the cello, an instrument with an intunement and tuning fork is important. You may also want to consider a model with wood ribs or a metal alloy in its core.