The symphony hall is silent. The conductor raises his arms, the soloist raises the bow- and the music begins....
Without the bow, the world of string instruments would be a different place. The history of the bow begins, supposedly, some 1,000 years ago in Central Asia, where roving bands of horse-mounted Mongol warriors combined coarse hair from the tails of their horses with their archery bows. Then, taking the rosin they used to maintain the string of their bows, the archers rubbed it along the hair, and then ran it across the strings of their crude instruments- producing the vibrations that began a revolution in the realm of music.
The bow has changed significantly since the time of the horse-riding warriors. It was shortened, lengthened, and bent in both directions before being modernized by Francois Tourte in 19th century France. Tourte used Pernambuco wood, imported from Brazil, and a combination method of carving and heating; coupled with a metal form which aided in perfecting the "cambre" of the stick. The bow has changed little since the days of Tourte. Bow-making today is considered as important an art as violin making. Because of the high level of skill it takes to create a bow, including the beautiful inlay work- involving the use of precious metals and minerals on buttons, slides, frogs, and ferrules- bow-making, in its highest form, is considered part jewelry making as well as woodworking.
Mystic Violin offers a fine selection of violin, viola, and cello bows at all prices and levels of play. We welcome you to visit our Mystic, Connecticut shop between the hours of 10am-6pm Monday-Saturday to audition a bow. If you have questions regarding bows or concerning any violin, viola, cello, or violin or cello accessories, please call us at 860-536-7555. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you in your search for the perfect bow. If you are in need of a repair to your bow, or if it's time for a re-hair, our bow repair and re-hair specialists are here to help.
Couldn't find what you were looking for above?
Click on a link below to explore our index of items.
Violins and Cellos
Violin Bows
Cello Bows
Violin Bow Rosin
Violin Cases
Cello Cases
Violin Viola Cello Bow Rehair
Violin Strings
Cello Strings
Violin Maple Tone Wood
Violin Spruce Tone Wood
Violin Magazines CDs & DVDs
Violin Accessories
Cello Accessories
Mystic Violin offers a huge selection of quality accessories for the violin, viola, and cello. Mystic Violin is player owned and operated, and all of the items that we sell are those that we actually use. The knowledgeable staff of luthiers and sales representatives at Mystic Violin is always just a phone call away for ANY questions you may have 860-536-7555. You can also contact Mystic Violin by E-mail at sales@mysticviolin.com |
Customer
Reviews | Instrument
Showcase | Instrument Services
| Online Store |
About Mystic Violin
