Violin bow having a bad hair day? Rehairing can make a difference. If you’re not in the market to buy a new bow just yet, rehairing will keep your old bow in tip-top shape and extend its life.
Rehairing improves sound quality
Violin bows need to be rehaired periodically. Fresh, new hair allows the bow to grab the violin strings more effortlessly. Rehairing regularly not only improves sound clarity and precision, it also increases the longevity of your strings. Old, lifeless hair not only makes you sound less than your best, but it can damage your strings and instrument.
How often to rehair
A good rule of thumb is to rehair once per year, but it all hinges on how much you play your instrument. Beginning students can get away with a rehair once per year, but if you practice more than an hour per day, you should rehair the bow every six months.
Many professionals long for the crisp sound that comes immediately following a rehair, so they do so before an important concert, recital or audition. This ensures they sound their best for the big concert.
Hair loss for musicians
Just as human hairs fall out each day, the hairs on a bow can do the same thing. Playing with gusto or harsh movement can cause hair loss – and this is natural. Changes in temperature or humidity can cause hair loss as well.
Trust the professionals
So when your bow needs a rehair, do your homework to find a professional Luthier to do the job. Many professional musicians rehair their own bow, but only after they have received formal training to do it properly. So when choosing a Luthier, ask to see some a bow they have just rehaired. While examining the bow, ask yourself these questions:
- Is it properly cleaned and polished?
- Is the ribbon of hair straight?
- Does the ribbon tension favor the playing edge?
- Does the ribbon of hair spread from the frog to the edges of the ferrule?
Music to your ears
A good rehair will keep your bow in peak condition for several months. It will also help you to sound your best. And that should be music to your ears.