A Guide to Properly Caring for Your Violin and Viola Bow

roper maintenance of your violin or viola bow is crucial to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Here’s a concise guide on what you should and shouldn’t do:

Dos and Don’ts

  • DO NOT drop the bow: Never drop the bow, as it can cause irreparable damage to both the hair and stick.

  • KEEP AWAY from others: Keep the bow away from pets, younger siblings, and children to prevent accidental damage.

  • AVOID touching the bow hair: Refrain from touching the bow hair to maintain its cleanliness and prevent oil transfer.

  • DO NOT use it as a sword or pointer: Do not use the bow as a sword or pointer, as it can damage the delicate structure.

  • REMEMBER to tighten and loosen the bow: Always tighten the bow before rosining to prevent damage to the hair and stick.

  • ALWAYS wipe down the stick when finished playing: After playing, use a soft cloth to wipe off excess rosin from your instrument.

  • NEVER rip the loose or broken hairs, cut them instead: Never rip loose or broken hairs. Instead, cut them to minimize further damage.

  • ALWAYS put the bow away when finished playing: Always put the bow away properly when finished playing to prevent accidental damage during storage.

How to Prepare and Care for the Violin and Viola Bow

By following these simple guidelines, you’ll contribute to the longevity and optimal performance of your violin or viola bow.

Tightening and Loosening the Bow

Always tighten the bow before rosining to prevent damage to the hair and stick. Turn the Tension Screw clockwise to tighten and counterclockwise to loosen. Aim for a pencil-width space between the hair and stick.

How to Rosin the Violin and Viola Bow

Hold the rosin in your left hand and gently rub the bow hair on the cake, starting from the frog and moving towards the tip. Apply rosin evenly every four to six hours or approximately two to three times per week.

Cleaning the Violin and Viola Bow

After playing, use a soft cloth to wipe off excess rosin from your instrument. Insert a cloth between the stick and hair, wiping the rosin off the underbelly of the stick.

Cut Loose or Broken Hairs

If a hair breaks, cut it as close to the tip and frog as possible using small scissors. Avoid pulling the hair, as it may lead to more breakage.