What makes a great bow?
Georgia Sutton
In choosing the right bow, you should consider the bow's ability to produce the desired sound, weight and balance, materials and construction, appearance, and comfort. When you are looking for a great bow, consider how these characteristics meet your individual needs and desired sound:
Sound production: A great bow is essential for producing the desired sound on a stringed instrument. It is vital to consider the responsiveness of the bow, the clarity and projection of the sound it produces, and how well it articulates different musical phrases.
Weight and balance: The weight and balance of the bow are critical to how it feels in your hand and how you can control the sound. The weight and balance of the bow affect how easily you can produce different dynamics and articulations.
Material and craftsmanship: The quality of the bow's materials and construction can affect its sound and playability. High-quality materials with excellent craftsmanship are crucial to sound and playability.
Aesthetics: The appearance of the bow allows you to express yourself, especially for professional performances.
Comfort: The bow's grip and size can affect how comfortable it is to hold and use. The bow should fit in your hand well, allowing you to play quickly and easily and without fatigue.
A Philip Smith bow will deliver the ability to produce the desired sound, weight and balance, materials and construction, appearance, and comfort.
As a musician and maker, Philip understands how vital a bow is to produce your desired sound. Each bow is crafted to your specifications to ensure responsiveness, the clarity and projection of the sound it produces, and how well it articulates different musical phrases.
Beyond Pernambuco and ivory - As well as pernambuco, Philip’s use of a broad range of high-quality materials and alternatives to endangered species increases the possibility of the bow's colour, grain, and pattern. The range of materials allows for the appearance of the bow to be an expression of the musician's style and personality.
Materials include snakewood, bloodwood (satine), purpleheart, abalone shell, gold and silver, synthetic opal, ivory replacement.
Contact Philip to join the waiting list for one of his superb and unique bows.