A viola bow is an essential piece of equipment for any violist. Whether it’s for practice or a live performance, you don’t want your instrument to be the reason you fail, so why not make sure your bow is up to par? So it’s crucial to be careful when picking the right carbon fiber viola bow as it could mean the difference between a successful performance or facing issues. Choosing wisely is the key!
To get the most out of our viola performances, we did some research and found that carbon fiber viola bows are the best. They have great build quality and features to really level up your playing. Many professionals use them too! We’re looking into the options for the best carbon fiber viola bows on the market. To make it easier for you, we’ve listed some noteworthy features of each bow and explained how it can help you make your decision.
What Are Carbon Fiber Bows
Carbon fibre bows can be a great choice for string instrument players due to their durable construction. These bows are composed of many synthetic fibres which have been fused together to create a strong material. Advantages include:
- Durability
- Longevity
- Does not warp
- Does not expand
Carbon fiber bows are great ’cause they don’t get affected by the environment and you can use them without having to worry about breaking the tip or buying a new one every few months.
Carbon fiber bows have been around for many years and have come a long way in terms of design and transferring vibrations throughout the bow. Many professionals are smart enough to own both a carbon fiber bow and a wooden bow, so they can get the advantages that each one has to offer.
Let’s clear up a misconception about carbon fiber bows. Many traditionalists believe they won’t get the same experience from them as they would from an all-wood bow – which isn’t true. Just 10 years ago, carbon fiber bows weren’t as good at transmitting vibrations as wooden ones, but that’s not the case anymore.
After a great deal of research, engineering, and design work, carbon fiber bows are just as delicate as wooden bows today. It’s possible to be a bit intimidated by carbon fiber bows if you’re used to traditional ones, but it’s not that hard of a learning process. Most people feel comfortable using them after a relatively short amount of time.
After years and years of fine-tuning, there are now carbon fiber bows available which can easily compete with conventional ones in terms of quality. Really hard to tell the difference between the two! Carbon fiber models feel so real – if you were to take a blindfolded test, you probably wouldn’t even know it wasn’t a regular item. They’re crafted really well!
Top Carbon Fiber Viola Bows Review
We wanted to narrow down the ideal carbon fiber bows that would be both dependable, easy to maneuver (even for strict archers) and still be reasonable in price.
We checked out a bunch of different bows with varying prices and found the best carbon fiber bows for your buck.
1. CodaBow Diamond SX Carbon Fiber Viola Bow
If you’re looking for something special, check out the CodaBow Diamond SX Carbon Fiber Viola Bow. It’s visually amazing with its graphite diamond weave finish and natural graphite tint. You’ll get a traditional frog, diamond weave slide, sterling silver inlay and winding – the ultimate package!
This bow has everything – Nickel silver fittings, Moroccan leather grip and gold medal stallion hair. All of this makes it reliable and the perfect choice for professionals, teachers and students alike.
2. Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Viola Bow
Fiddlerman’s Carbon Fiber Viola Bow is a handmade masterpiece – quality Siberian horse hair and copper-mounted ebony frog details make it look super fancy!
This carbon fiber viola bow is one of the best out there, thanks to its excellent balance and weight distribution. It has a nice arch and bounces well, plus it’s surprisingly good considering the price!
3. D Z Strad Model 401 Viola Bow Carbon Fiber
D Z Strad Model 401 Viola Bow Carbon Fiber is a prime example of what you can make with carbon fiber. It has a silver-lined round stick, an ebony frog with a ‘Parisian eye’ inlay and AAA quality white Mongolian horsehair.
This viola bow is made from carbon fiber for extra resilience and protection against various environmental conditions. It’s also well-balanced so you get the same response each time you play, making it one of the best bows out there!
4. CodaBow Diamond NX Carbon Fiber Viola Bow
The CodaBow Diamond NX Carbon Fiber Viola Bow is a gorgeous bow with a graphite diamond-weave finish and brown tint. It also features a traditional frog, white mother-of-pearl slide, nickel silver inlay, and sterling silver winding.
The nickel silver fittings, Moroccan leather grip and silver medal stallion hair make this bow a brilliant choice. Its range of features makes it an ideal option for both amateur and professional musicians alike!
5. D Z Strad Model 302 Viola Bow Carbon Fiber
Check out the D Z Strad Model 302 Viola Bow Carbon Fiber if you’re looking for a handmade bow sized for 14-inch or 17-inch violas. It has genuine white, unbleached, Mongolian Grade AA horse hair… some really good quality stuff!
This product is designed to be lightweight and responsive – you’ll definitely notice an improvement in your performance. Plus, it has a classic frog crafted from high-quality ebony for extra added comfort.
6. SHAR Fusion Carbon Fiber Viola Bow
Check out the SHAR Fusion Carbon Fiber Viola Bow – a strong and reliable bow but you’d never guess it from its price tag! It’s made of a high-tech composite of carbon fiber and fiberglass.
This viola bow is made of real horsehair, so it’s a great choice for everyone from students to professional players. It’s useful for all levels and is quite durable and practical. So, it’s the perfect combo of quality and convenience!
7. VingoBow Brand New Carbon Fiber Viola Bow
If you’re after a warm, sweet tone then give the VingoBow Brand New Carbon Fiber Viola Bow a shot. It ensures you get a clear tone and an overall advanced performance.
This stick is a great choice if you’re looking for durability and strength. It has an awesome bounce and is quite flexible, so it’s perfect both for practicing and showing off your skills. Plus, it comes with unbleached Mongolian horsehair which adds more resilience and makes using it easier.
8. D Z Strad #506 Advanced Model Texture Carbon Viola Bow
Wrapping up our list of the best carbon fiber viola bows is the D Z Strad 506 Advanced Model Texture Carbon Viola Bow.
Analog, more advanced
It’s a handmade bow with a traditional Fleur de lis frog crafted from polished top-grade ebony. This viola bow comes with genuine white, unbleached grade AA Mongolian horsehair. It’s evenly balanced meaning it’s quick and responsive which makes it highly resilient.
9. Vio Music Carbon Fiber Viola Bow
Our Vio Music Carbon Fiber Viola Bow is ideal for all viola players. It includes natural Mongolian horsehair that ensures the bow produces a beautiful, smooth sound.
The craftsmanship on this viola bow is top-notch and it’s no surprise that we consider it one of the best carbon bows. With further features such as an ebony frog and Parisian eye, it’s a must-have for any musician. Plus, its lightweight and well-balanced construction make it a great option for any level of player.
Best Carbon Fiber Violin Bow Brands
New tech has made it easy for anyone to get a hold of great, cost-effective bows. There are tons of brands that make these great instruments and these are the ones I like best.
1. Glasser
Glasser, which is based in NYC, specializes in making carbon-fiber instruments and bows. They use the latest technology and are pioneers in this field.
2. Fiddlerman
Fiddlerman bows come in all types of prices and varieties – from beginner-level to performance grade. They’ve been around for quite some time now, and are the perfect choice for violinists of any level.
3. Arcus
Arcus from Austria have been crafting bows since 1999 and they are perfect for experienced & pro archers looking for superior-quality equipment.
4. Jonpaul
Jonpaul offers a great selection of carbon fiber bows that are of top-notch quality. All their products are handmade in Utah and take inspiration from French style bows, but come at much more affordable prices.
5. Codabow
Codabow hit the scene in 1958 as one of the first to use carbon fiber technology. They’ve since perfected their formula and craft exquisite bows that professionals trust with their musical instruments. Their products are invaluable, delivering a very high level of quality and precision.
What to Look for in Carbon Fiber Viola Bows
Before you buy anything, it’s important to identify which features should be included in a carbon fiber viola bow. Make sure that it has the features you’re looking for so that you end up with a bow that suits your needs.
When picking the perfect carbon fiber viola bow, it’s important to know what features and specs you should be looking for to ensure a great performance. Here’s a guide on what you should consider when making your decision.
Material of the Viola Bow
Viola bows are mainly made from four materials – Brazilwood, Carbon fiber, Pernambuco and synthetic. Carbon fiber is the most strong and reliable among these options and is used to make more robust bows.
That’s why we suggest you give it a try. On the other hand, Pernambuco and Brazilwood are usually light in weight. Synthetic materials are normally made up of composites and fiberglass.
Weight of the Viola Bow
Before buying a carbon fiber viola bow, another thing to think about is its weight. Lighter bows make it easier for violists to try out different techniques without needing to put in too much effort.
This bow might not be heavy enough to let a viola player perform optimally. On the other hand, the heavier one produces a louder sound but could get tiring if used regularly.
Shape of the Viola Bow
When it comes to viola bows, they usually come in two shapes – round or octagonal. Round bows are less firm and octagonal ones provide more stiffness.
Looking for a good carbon fiber viola bow? Here’s some helpful info you should keep in mind: from weight to flexibility and more, there are certain features that really make a difference. Look out for those before making your purchase! Checking out viola bows based on their features can help you get the one that’s right for you. That way, you don’t have to worry about picking the wrong bow.
Size
The violin bow should match the size of your violin – if you own a 1/2 size one, then you need to get a 1/2 size bow. It’s important to have the right-sized bow so you can play it properly.
Weight and Balance
Getting the weight and balance just right is crucial if you want a perfect sound from your bow. Carbon fiber bows are much easier to get right since they’re not as unique as wooden ones – so it’s simpler to get them just how you want them.
Price
Carbon fiber bows offer excellent quality and a world-class performance, but don’t forget to think about your budget – you can get one for around $300 or even less. Figure out what your needs are and how much you’re willing to spend before making a decision.
Types of Carbon Fiber Violin Bows
You can find a variety of carbon fiber bows – from budget-friendly ones for newbies to expensive, top-notch options for professional players.
1. Bows for Beginning Students
These bows are a great budget-friendly choice for beginners. The materials used are of good quality, although they may not have the same level of flexibility or precise control as more expensive models.
2. Bows for Beginning and Intermediate Students
If you’re an intermediate archer looking to get better, the next step up is getting yourself a bow that’s suitable for both beginner and advanced archers. It’s an investment worth making if you want to progress quickly with your skills!
3. Bows for All Levels
These bows work great no matter what level you’re at. They make a great backup bow or can be used instead of pricier wood bows if you want to save some cash.
4. Professional Quality
Not recommended for beginners, these bows are crafted with the utmost attention to detail and rival even the most expertly-crafted handmade wood bows.
Conclusion
If you’re a viola player, you’ll want to check out our top picks for carbon fiber violin bows. Every bow has its own perks and drawbacks, so it’s up to your preferences in the end. It’s important to carefully consider which instrument you want to use for your performance, as it will definitely have an effect on the final outcome.
FAQ for Best Carbon Fiber Viola Bows
Looking to get yourself a bow? Here are some helpful answers to the most commonly asked questions about them to help guide your decision-making process:
What Are the Best Carbon Fiber Violin Bows?
Just to remind everyone, here are my top three picks for carbon fiber violin bows, varying in prices.
1. Vio Music Woven Carbon Fiber Violin Bow – If you’re looking for an inexpensive option for beginner and intermediate players, then mine is the way to go. It looks great and it’s made out of top-notch materials.
2. Fiddlerman Hybrid Violin Bow – If you’re looking for a mid-range option that suits players of all experience levels, this one is my top pick. It’s made with great craftsmanship and materials, plus it comes with the same quality and precision as handmade wooden bows but at an affordable cost.
3. Codabow Diamond GX Violin Bow – If you’re an advanced player or a pro looking for something more durable yet affordable, carbon fiber bows are the way to go. And Gold Standard is leading the pack! You get all the perks of custom-made wooden bows without having to spend a fortune.
Where Are the Best Carbon Fiber Violin Bows Made?
Carbon fiber bows are really popular amongst craftsmen in the US, Europe and Asia and there’s no difference in the quality.
Where to Buy Carbon Fiber Violin Bows?
Carbon fiber bows are becoming more popular, so you can buy them a bunch of different places– Amazon, music websites, and even your local music store. Shopping for a bow is definitely more convenient online with the added benefits of easy shipping, returns, and trial periods. But if you prefer to feel it out before buying, then local stores are still handy. It all depends on what looks better for your needs.
1. Amazon – this store has an awesome selection of instruments and bows. You can check out customer reviews and use their comparison tools to make a decision. Plus, they provide easy returns and item test options, so finding quality items is effortless!
2. Online Music Retailers – companies like Sweetwater, Fiddlershop and Guitarcenter have tons of great options to choose from. If Amazon isn’t doing it for you, there’s plenty of other online stores that make buying your instruments and bows easy and cost-effective. In addition to that, they provide instrument guides and helpful articles so you can make the right decision.
3. Your Local Music Store – a pro shop usually has a few bows to choose from and you can test them before committing. If you’ve got something specific in mind, they’ll often order it for you so that you can give it a go.
How Much do Carbon Fiber Violin Bows Cost?
Carbon fiber bows can be bought for as little as under fifty bucks, or up to around nine hundred. It all depends on how much you’re willing to spend!