Upgrading bow on beginner violin outfit?

PoleStar

I am an adult beginner on the violin (playing about 6 months).

When I started I just went for the "gimme the cheapest one you have" option, costing about 150 all in but from a reputable luthier in Dublin as recommended.

Anyway I would love to upgrade something if I could at the moment. Not the violin because I think the next step up will cost quite a bit but was wondering about upgrading the bow. Will I get any benefit with a better bow if I could spend about 150 on it or would there be no point?

Any thoughts?

Im at grade 2 standard on the violin.

You'd probably find it a lot easier to do a lot more with a better bow yes so have a look at getting a better one. Ask your teacher for advice also? Are you having any trouble with any aspects in particular

PoleStar

Thanks for the reply

Any recommendations in particular for bow or where to buy?

dan_d

I got a carbon fibre bow for 90eur in Piggotts (I think) in 08.
It's very light which is nice, but I'm thinking now I need something heavier. But it's done me for the last year, going from grade 2 to grade 3/4 ish.

minister poxbottle

PoleStar wrote: »

Thanks for the reply

Any recommendations in particular for bow or where to buy?

any decent fiddle shop :rolleyes:

Fatgoogle

I dont play violin, double bass man myself, but yes a good bow makes learning alot easier.
The carbon fibre bows are veryy good on a budget for a better bow. i got mine for 150 from china and its amazing, my teacher was very impressed. I dont know if Yita music make violin ones but check them on ebay and they might. Get the top model though.

PoleStar

Thanks for the advice

My budget is around 100 to 150 euro. Can you get a half decent bow for that?

Carbon fibre is probably the only way to go at that price.

Is a bow a type of thing that is ok to order online and get shipped? Seems like a delicate item to ship.

Also, whats a good carbon fibre bow to get?

natnifnolnacs

what make is the starter kit that you bought? I'm a violin teacher and most of the better kits have decent enough bows with them...The benifits of a better violin/bow increase as you improve at the instrument. At Grade 2, the bowing isn't really difficult enough to justify spending any extra money on a bow(unless what you have is truly awful) I would offer to have a look at it for you but I suspect you are in Dublin and I'm based in the South East.

Assuming it is a half decent kit that you bought, the best improvement you can possibly make is to replace the cheap strings that it (probably) came with.€30 - €40 on a decent set of strings will make a world of difference to the sound you make and make the whole experience far more rewarding.

If there is anything else you would like help with just shout!

PoleStar

Thanks for your reply!

I am not sure of the make but I got it in a reputable store in Dublin (Crehan's) and when I got it, they gave it to me with an upgraded set of strings.

I think I might replace the strings though as you advise, any good internet suppliers?

natnifnolnacs

PoleStar wrote: »

Thanks for your reply!

I am not sure of the make but I got it in a reputable store in Dublin (Crehan's) and when I got it, they gave it to me with an upgraded set of strings.

I think I might replace the strings though as you advise, any good internet suppliers?

No problem at all. Before you go changing strings check the make(look through the left hand f-hole just under the bridge, there should be a sticker in there somewhere). Next have a look just below the bridge where the strings are threaded into the adjusters, there may be some colours on the strings and might give me some clue as to what's on it already.

I generally use www.stringmail.co.uk. Without playing your violin it's hard to know of it's exact needs but these tend to be a very good middle of the road string that suit most instruments.

PoleStar

Thanks for the advice.

I had actually come across that website in my searches and read recommendations about those stings but then got confused when hearing about I should get a silver wound D, a different E etc.

Whats the best combo?

natnifnolnacs

PoleStar wrote: »

Thanks for the advice.

I had actually come across that website in my searches and read recommendations about those stings but then got confused when hearing about I should get a silver wound D, a different E etc.

Whats the best combo?

Sorry about the delayed reply, I was away for a while! Anyway, I wouldn't bother with a gold e string or anything yet, you won't really notice the difference so I would save your money. Any joy finding out the name of the violin yet?