Gear article
P&H 3/4 Green Fibreglass Violin Bow
The P&H 3/4 Green Fibreglass Violin Bow is a synthetic bow designed specifically for student musicians and educational environments. Constructed from high-durability fibreglass, it is engineered to resist warping and withstand environmental changes that typically affect traditional wooden bows.

Overview and Construction
The P&H 3/4 Green Fibreglass Violin Bow represents a departure from traditional Pernambuco or Brazilwood construction, opting instead for a modern fibreglass stick. This material choice is primarily driven by the need for durability in the student market. The bow is finished in a distinctive green colour, making it easily identifiable.
Unlike organic materials, the fibreglass used by P&H is resilient to extreme weather conditions, including high humidity and temperature fluctuations. This makes the bow a practical choice for touring musicians or students living in damp climates where wood might warp or bend over time.
User-Serviceable Re-hairing System
A defining feature of P&H bows is their proprietary design that allows for at-home re-hairing. Standard violin bows typically require a professional luthier to replace the horsehair, a process that can be both time-consuming and expensive.
P&H has engineered their bows so that musicians or teachers can perform the re-hairing process themselves. This reduces the long-term cost of ownership and ensures the bow can be maintained quickly, which is particularly beneficial for music schools and high-usage environments.

Playability and Sound
Despite its synthetic construction, the P&H bow is designed to offer a well-balanced playing experience. It utilizes unbleached natural white horsehair, which is the standard choice for quality violin bows to ensure proper friction against the strings.
The fibreglass stick provides a consistent flex and weight distribution, aiming to help students develop correct bowing techniques without the unpredictability often found in low-cost wooden bows. While it may lack the complex tonal nuances of premium carbon fibre or high-end wood, it provides a stable and reliable sound for intermediate study.
Comparison with Alternatives
When compared to traditional wood, the P&H fibreglass bow is significantly more robust and less prone to breakage if dropped. Compared to entry-level carbon fibre options, such as the Hidersine Premium Unidirectional Carbon Bow, the P&H fibreglass model is generally more affordable and focuses on ruggedness rather than professional performance characteristics.
In the context of the P&H range, this 3/4 model is specifically sized for younger players who have not yet moved up to a full 4/4 instrument, such as the Stentor Messina 3/4. It serves as a durable alternative to the basic wooden bows often included in student outfits like the Stentor Graduate series.
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Frequently asked questions
- What material is the P&H bow stick made from?
- The bow stick is manufactured from high-quality fibreglass, which is chosen for its extreme durability and resistance to environmental factors.
- Is this bow suitable for a full-sized violin?
- No, this specific model is a 3/4 size bow. It is intended for use with 3/4 size violins, which are typically used by younger students before they transition to a full 4/4 instrument.
- Can I re-hair this bow myself?
- Yes, P&H bows are specifically designed to be re-haired at home. This unique feature allows users to replace the horsehair without needing to visit a professional workshop.
- Does the fibreglass stick warp over time?
- Unlike wooden bows, the P&H fibreglass stick is resilient to warping and bending, even when exposed to damp climates or extreme weather conditions.
- What kind of hair does the P&H Green Fibreglass bow use?
- The bow uses unbleached natural white horsehair, which is selected to provide the best possible grip and sound production on the strings.
- What is the typical price for this bow?
- The P&H 3/4 Green Fibreglass Violin Bow is typically priced around £42, making it an affordable option for students.
- Is this bow recommended for professional performers?
- This bow is primarily designed for students and teachers. While durable enough for touring, advanced professionals usually prefer carbon fibre or high-end wooden bows for more complex tonal characteristics.
- Why is the bow green?
- The green finish is a stylistic choice by P&H, giving the bow a distinctive look that differentiates it from traditional black or brown wood-imitation bows.
- How does fibreglass compare to carbon fibre bows?
- Fibreglass is generally more affordable and focuses on maximum durability for beginners. Carbon fibre, like the Hidersine Premium, is usually stiffer and lighter, offering performance closer to high-end wood.
- Is this bow balanced for beginners?
- Yes, P&H has designed the fibreglass stick to offer a well-balanced playing experience, which helps students learn proper control and technique.
- Can I use this bow for a 3/4 size viola?
- This bow is specifically balanced and weighted for a violin. While P&H does make viola-specific products, this model is designed for the violin.
- Does the bow come with rosin?
- Standard listings for the P&H 3/4 Green Fibreglass bow typically do not include rosin; it is generally sold as the bow alone, though it uses natural horsehair that requires rosin before play.
