What size viola is this bowhair hank suitable for?

This specific hank is designed for bows used with 15-inch to 16-inch violas. It is sized to match the length requirements of these instruments to ensure proper tension.

Can I use this hair on a non-P&H brand bow?

No, this hank is specifically designed for the P&H unique rehairing system. Standard bows require a traditional rehairing method by a luthier and are not compatible with this pre-bound hank.

What type of hair is used in the P&H hank?

The hank uses unbleached natural white horsehair. This is the standard choice for quality bows as the lack of bleaching preserves the hair's natural strength and textured surface.

Does the package include tools for installation?

Yes, each P&H hank includes a screwdriver and a set of instructions. These tools are provided to ensure the user can complete the rehairing process efficiently.

How long does it take to rehair a bow with this system?

According to the manufacturer, the unique P&H system allows for a complete rehair in just a couple of minutes. This is significantly faster than the turnaround time for a professional luthier service.

What are the benefits of unbleached horsehair?

Unbleached horsehair is stronger and more durable than bleached alternatives. It also provides better grip on the strings, which results in a superior tonal quality and better response for the player.

Is it difficult to install the hair myself?

The system is designed specifically for ease of use by the player. With the included instructions and screwdriver, most musicians find the process straightforward and manageable.

How much does the P&H Viola Bowhair Hank usually cost?

The typical price for this replacement hank is approximately £20. This makes it a cost-effective alternative to paying professional luthier fees.

Why should I choose a P&H replacement hank?

The primary reason is the convenience of the proprietary P&H rehairing system. It eliminates the need for expensive luthier fees and allows for quick maintenance at home or during travel.

How does the sound of this hair compare to standard bows?

Because it uses high-quality natural white horsehair, the sound produced is comparable to standard professional rehairs. It is designed to provide the best possible sound from a P&H bow.

Can I use this for a violin or a smaller viola?

This particular model is specifically for 15-16 inch violas. For violins or smaller sized violas, you would need to purchase the specific P&H hank sized for those instruments.

Is the hair pre-rosined?

The product description does not specify that it is pre-rosined. Generally, new bowhair requires a thorough initial application of rosin to achieve the necessary friction for play.

Gear article

P&H Viola Bowhair Hank (15-16 Inch)

The P&H Viola Bowhair Hank is a specialised replacement hair system designed for 15-inch to 16-inch P&H viola bows. It utilizes unbleached natural white horsehair and a proprietary fastening system that allows musicians to rehair their own bows without professional luthier assistance.

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Overview

The P&H Viola Bowhair Hank is a central component of the P&H bow maintenance system. Specifically sized for 15-inch to 16-inch violas, this replacement hank is designed to address the common difficulty of traditional bow maintenance. While standard bows require a professional luthier to perform a rehair—a process that can be both time-consuming and costly—P&H has engineered a solution that allows the player to perform the task independently.

The P&H Rehairing System

The primary innovation of this product is its ease of installation. The 'easy-rehair' system is designed to be completed in a few minutes. Each hank comes as a pre-bound unit that integrates directly with the P&H bow's architecture. To facilitate the process, the manufacturer includes a dedicated screwdriver and a set of step-by-step instructions with every purchase, ensuring that the user has all the necessary tools to secure the hair at both the frog and the tip.

Material and Sound Characteristics

Despite the focus on DIY convenience, the hank uses traditional materials to ensure performance quality. It is composed of unbleached natural white horsehair. Unbleached hair is preferred by string players for its scaly texture, which provides the necessary friction to ‘grip’ the strings and produce a clear, resonant tone. This choice of material allows the P&H system to maintain a professional standard of sound production suitable for student and intermediate violists.

Comparative Context

When compared to traditional bow maintenance, the P&H hank offers a significant cost-saving advantage. Traditional luthier fees for rehairing can be substantial, often exceeding the cost of the replacement hair itself. This product is particularly suited for performance environments where a quick repair is necessary or for students using P&H bows such as those found alongside instruments like the Stentor Graduate or Messina ranges. While products like the Hidersine Premium Carbon or Hidersine Espressione bows offer different performance characteristics, the P&H system remains unique for its user-serviceable design.

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Frequently asked questions

What size viola is this bowhair hank suitable for?: This specific hank is designed for bows used with 15-inch to 16-inch violas. It is sized to match the length requirements of these instruments to ensure proper tension.
Can I use this hair on a non-P&H brand bow?: No, this hank is specifically designed for the P&H unique rehairing system. Standard bows require a traditional rehairing method by a luthier and are not compatible with this pre-bound hank.
What type of hair is used in the P&H hank?: The hank uses unbleached natural white horsehair. This is the standard choice for quality bows as the lack of bleaching preserves the hair's natural strength and textured surface.
Does the package include tools for installation?: Yes, each P&H hank includes a screwdriver and a set of instructions. These tools are provided to ensure the user can complete the rehairing process efficiently.
How long does it take to rehair a bow with this system?: According to the manufacturer, the unique P&H system allows for a complete rehair in just a couple of minutes. This is significantly faster than the turnaround time for a professional luthier service.
What are the benefits of unbleached horsehair?: Unbleached horsehair is stronger and more durable than bleached alternatives. It also provides better grip on the strings, which results in a superior tonal quality and better response for the player.
Is it difficult to install the hair myself?: The system is designed specifically for ease of use by the player. With the included instructions and screwdriver, most musicians find the process straightforward and manageable.
How much does the P&H Viola Bowhair Hank usually cost?: The typical price for this replacement hank is approximately £20. This makes it a cost-effective alternative to paying professional luthier fees.
Why should I choose a P&H replacement hank?: The primary reason is the convenience of the proprietary P&H rehairing system. It eliminates the need for expensive luthier fees and allows for quick maintenance at home or during travel.
How does the sound of this hair compare to standard bows?: Because it uses high-quality natural white horsehair, the sound produced is comparable to standard professional rehairs. It is designed to provide the best possible sound from a P&H bow.
Can I use this for a violin or a smaller viola?: This particular model is specifically for 15-16 inch violas. For violins or smaller sized violas, you would need to purchase the specific P&H hank sized for those instruments.
Is the hair pre-rosined?: The product description does not specify that it is pre-rosined. Generally, new bowhair requires a thorough initial application of rosin to achieve the necessary friction for play.