What material is the P&H bow stick made from?

The stick is constructed from high-quality black fibreglass. This material is chosen for its durability and resistance to environmental factors.

Will this bow warp in humid conditions?

No, the fibreglass construction ensures the bow will not warp or bend. This makes it more resilient to extreme weather and damp climates than traditional wood.

What type of hair is used on this bow?

The bow uses unbleached natural white horsehair. This is selected to help the player produce the best possible sound and grip on the strings.

Can I re-hair this bow myself?

Yes, P&H bows are specifically designed to be re-haired at home by the owner. This feature is intended to save the musician time and money on professional workshop repairs.

What size violin is this bow intended for?

This is a 4/4 size bow, which is the standard full size for adult violinists and older students. It is not suitable for fractional instruments like 3/4 or 1/2 size violins.

Is this bow suitable for professional touring?

Yes, its resilience to weather makes it a popular choice for musicians who travel frequently. It provides a consistent performance regardless of the venue's humidity levels.

How does fibreglass compare to a wooden bow?

Fibreglass is much tougher and more durable than wood. While wood may offer different tonal nuances, fibreglass is less likely to break or lose its shape over time.

Who is the primary audience for this bow?

It is widely used by both teachers and students due to its balance and durability. It is also an excellent 'backup' bow for more advanced players.

What is the typical price for a P&H 4/4 fibreglass bow?

The bow typically retails for approximately £42. This makes it an affordable option for those starting their musical journey.

Does the bow come in different colours?

This specific model is manufactured with a black finish. This provides a professional and standard aesthetic suitable for orchestral and solo settings.

Is the hair on the bow synthetic?

No, the bow uses natural white horsehair. Using natural hair is preferred for its superior ability to hold rosin and interact with the violin strings.

Does this bow require a specific type of rosin?

No specific rosin is required; it can be used with any standard violin rosin. The natural horsehair will accept rosin just like a traditional wooden bow.

Gear article

P&H Fibreglass Violin Bow (Full Size)

The P&H Full Size Black Fibreglass Violin Bow is a durable, student-oriented accessory designed to withstand environmental extremes that typically damage traditional wooden bows. Constructed from resilient fibreglass and featuring natural unbleached horsehair, it is specifically engineered for longevity and user-friendly maintenance.

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Overview and Construction

The P&H Black Fibreglass Violin Bow represents a departure from traditional pernambuco or brazilwood construction, prioritising durability and consistency. By utilizing fibreglass for the stick, P&H has created a tool that is immune to the warping and bending often caused by humidity and temperature fluctuations. This makes the bow an ideal choice for touring musicians or students living in damp climates.

The stick is finished in a neutral black and is designed to provide a well-balanced playing experience. Despite its synthetic construction, the bow retains a traditional feel, ensuring that students can develop proper technique without the fragility associated with entry-level wooden alternatives.

Performance and Sound

While synthetic bows are often associated with utility, the P&H fibreglass bow aims to provide a high-quality sonic output through the use of unbleached natural white horsehair. This choice of hair is critical for producing a clear, consistent tone across the strings. The balance of the fibreglass stick allows for steady contact, assisting the player in maintaining control during long bow strokes or more complex articulations.

Maintenance and Re-hairing

A distinguishing feature of P&H bows is their unique approach to maintenance. Unlike traditional bows that require professional intervention for re-hairing, P&H purposefully manufactures their sticks to be re-haired at home by the user. This design choice eliminates the need for expensive workshop visits, making it a highly cost-effective option for long-term use. Replacement hanks, such as the P&H Viola or Violin Bowhair hanks, are readily available for these procedures.

Market Position and Comparisons

At a typical price point of £42, the P&H Fibreglass bow occupies the entry-level to intermediate student market. It is often compared to carbon fibre alternatives, such as the Hidersine Premium Unidirectional Carbon Violin Bow. While carbon fibre bows often offer increased rigidity and a different weight distribution, the P&H fibreglass model focuses on maximum resilience and ease of maintenance at a lower price point. It is a common accompaniment to student outfits like the Stentor Graduate or Stentor Messina violins.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the P&H bow stick made from?: The stick is constructed from high-quality black fibreglass. This material is chosen for its durability and resistance to environmental factors.
Will this bow warp in humid conditions?: No, the fibreglass construction ensures the bow will not warp or bend. This makes it more resilient to extreme weather and damp climates than traditional wood.
What type of hair is used on this bow?: The bow uses unbleached natural white horsehair. This is selected to help the player produce the best possible sound and grip on the strings.
Can I re-hair this bow myself?: Yes, P&H bows are specifically designed to be re-haired at home by the owner. This feature is intended to save the musician time and money on professional workshop repairs.
What size violin is this bow intended for?: This is a 4/4 size bow, which is the standard full size for adult violinists and older students. It is not suitable for fractional instruments like 3/4 or 1/2 size violins.
Is this bow suitable for professional touring?: Yes, its resilience to weather makes it a popular choice for musicians who travel frequently. It provides a consistent performance regardless of the venue's humidity levels.
How does fibreglass compare to a wooden bow?: Fibreglass is much tougher and more durable than wood. While wood may offer different tonal nuances, fibreglass is less likely to break or lose its shape over time.
Who is the primary audience for this bow?: It is widely used by both teachers and students due to its balance and durability. It is also an excellent 'backup' bow for more advanced players.
What is the typical price for a P&H 4/4 fibreglass bow?: The bow typically retails for approximately £42. This makes it an affordable option for those starting their musical journey.
Does the bow come in different colours?: This specific model is manufactured with a black finish. This provides a professional and standard aesthetic suitable for orchestral and solo settings.
Is the hair on the bow synthetic?: No, the bow uses natural white horsehair. Using natural hair is preferred for its superior ability to hold rosin and interact with the violin strings.
Does this bow require a specific type of rosin?: No specific rosin is required; it can be used with any standard violin rosin. The natural horsehair will accept rosin just like a traditional wooden bow.