violinfidel

I am going to purschase a violin bow in the $500 - 900 range (that is my budget).  I live near Shar and it is convienient to just go down there and try out some and bring a few home on trial.  I was wondering though if it  makes sense to consider an old bow as well?  I have never purschased on "old bow" before and don't really know what you get for the money.   In this price range would it be worth the extra effort to consider an older bow as well.   I am a Cajun fiddler and so I use the bow differently in some ways then an advanced classical player would, but this bow will also be used at times by classical players trying out my instruments, although I am purschasing it primarily for my own use.  Any thoughts?

-Peter

Hi Peter,

Apologies for the plug I'm about to make, but I know Shar carries bows by Heiko Wunderlich. Most may be out of your stated price range; however, I found a nice H.W. at a local shop for around 700. Shar may have something comparable. I just found this one was far nicer than any other bow I tried for the price, so I figured I'd make a recommendation.

Happy Hunting!
~Dave

++++++++++++

Yes, the short cut I know for an adult is to do it right at the beginning and put a lot of effort to it.

Indeed, there is no shortcut for learning to play well. The same principles apply with an adult as with a child.

The hardest thing I'm running into as a adult returning to violin is un-learning bad habits that I acquired as a child. I was never taught as a youngster the correct anything, with the possible exception of playing (mostly) in tune. So I consider myself more of a beginner, even though I previously "played" for 7 years.

Since I have some background, my current teacher is starting me right off by drilling technique: Shradeick, Kreutzer, etc. One major help has been investing in a better bow, it's amazing how much of a difference a decent bow makes. But there is no substitute IMHO than a good teacher.