Don Reinfeld, Bow Maker

Caring for your bow

LENGTH OF HAIR:

Release the tension on the hair when you’re not using the bow.

Bow hair stretches in humid air, and it shrinks in drier air.

So whenever you’re planning to travel to a very dry climate (e.g. southwestern US), make sure the bow hair is long enough so that it ‘dangles’ somewhat when loosened completely.

In late spring and summer have your bow rehaired short.

In high humidity, the hair can stretch to the point where the bow can no longer be tightened to normal playing tension. Then the eyelet may strip or the stick may crack near the button as you try to force the hair tighter.

In fall and winter your bow should be rehaired longer since dry indoor air can make the hair shrink noticeably.

PLAYABILITY:

(These pointers can also help whenever you're examining a bow for purchase)

The frog should not wiggle from side to side, a sign that the eyelet may be loose or that the inner and/or outer screw hole may be enlarged. Sometimes tightening the eyelet just ½ turn can do the trick; but do this carefully, as it is easy to damage the silver or gold liner. Make sure the screw still turns comfortably; if it doesn't, then loosen the eyelet to its original position.

If you sight down the stick from the button to the tip, the bow should look straight and not favor one side. Violinists and violists, if the bow stick leans to the right - cellists and bassists to the left - (i.e. the bow is warped) you’re probably missing some of the bow’s potential for sound production and responsiveness. Leaning slightly to the good side, however, can give added strength to a basically weak stick.

Test the tension of the hair either against the strings themselves or against your left thumbnail - with your hand made into a fist, thumb resting on the side of the clenched index finger.

If the hair seems never to offer enough resistance - that is, you’re always “bottoming out” - chances are the bow may need to have its camber, or curve, restored.

WHEN THE SCREW WON’T TURN EASILY:

If the screw mechanism seems to need lubrication, rub paraffin from a candle on the threads of the screw shaft, on the nipple (end of the stick), and on the bottom three facets of the stick where the frog contacts it.

Make sure the ribbon of hair is straight before you reattach the frog.

CLEANING YOUR BOW:

Never wash the hair. Clean only the stick with a dry cloth, but avoid using chemicals or polish, which might damage the stick’s finish or get on the hair. Avoid touching the hair with your skin, which contains oils and acids which make the hair slick.

GENERAL POINTERS:

You can protect the handle of your bow from excessive wear by adding a butt leather or clear tape to protect the wood. If you have a valuable bow, you need to protect the maker's stamp (s). If you damage or efface the stamp, you'll have difficulty selling your bow for the price you're hoping to realize. It is critical to maintain the stick's good condition: do not allow the stick to rub on the strings (usually above the winding in the middle of the bow) in heavy playing. Tighten the hair a bit more. If the rubbing continues, check your bow for warping or inadequate camber. If you do a lot of athletic, or even violent, playing, get a cheaper "banger" for those occasions and preserve the condition of your good bow.

A bow is an accident waiting to happen. You need to be constantly alert to keep from dropping it, banging the tip in tiny practice rooms. Keep your eyes out for people rushing by at rehearsals. Never leave your bow on your chair or stand sticking out where someone may inadvertently send it flying.

Like your instrument, bows should be insured for their current replacement value.

Rev. 11/24/2004