Gear article

P&H Bows P&H Violin Bowhair Hank 3/4

The P&H Violin Bowhair Hank is a specialised replacement component designed for P&H's proprietary quick-change rehairing system. Utilising unbleached natural white horsehair, this 3/4 size hank allows musicians to replace their bow hair manually without the need for professional luthier services.

P&H Bows P&H Violin Bowhair Hank 3/4
P&H Bows P&H Violin Bowhair Hank 3/4
See live prices

Overview and Purpose

The P&H Violin Bowhair Hank 3/4 is an essential maintenance component for students and educators using P&H synthetic bows. Traditional violin bows require a complex rehairing process involving wooden wedges and precise tensioning, typically performed by a skilled luthier. P&H Bows address this by employing a unique mechanical system that allows for user-serviceable hair replacement.

Technical Features

The hank is constructed from high-quality unbleached natural white horsehair, which is favoured for its superior grip and tonal characteristics compared to synthetic alternatives. Each kit is supplied with a dedicated screwdriver and a set of instructions, ensuring that the musician has all necessary tools to complete the process within a few minutes. The specific length of this hank is tailored to 3/4 size instruments, commonly used by younger players transitioning toward full-sized violins.

G4M Solus Electric Violin Midnight Ebony
G4M Solus Electric Violin Midnight Ebony

Sound and Character

By utilising unbleached natural horsehair, P&H ensures that the replacement hank maintains the sonic integrity of the instrument. Natural hair possesses microscopic scales that hold rosin more effectively than bleached or synthetic variants, resulting in a clearer, more consistent tone and better articulation. This makes it suitable for both practice and performance environments where tonal reliability is required.

Target User and Value

This product is primarily aimed at student violinists, parents, and school music departments. Because professional rehairing services can often cost more than the price of a student bow, the P&H system provides a cost-effective alternative. It is particularly well-suited for those using standard student outfits such as the Stentor Graduate or Messina series who have opted for P&H bows for their durability and ease of maintenance.

Comparison and Compatibility

While other bow options like the Hidersine Premium Carbon Violin Bow focus on professional-grade rigidity and weight, the P&H system prioritises longevity and user-accessibility. Unlike standard hanks which require professional installation, this product is specific to P&H’s patented system. Users should ensure they select the correct size, as P&H also offers variations such as the 15-16 inch Viola Bowhair Hank for larger instruments.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the P&H rehairing system?
The primary benefit is the ability for the user to replace the bow hair themselves in minutes, eliminating the cost and waiting time associated with professional luthier services.
What size violin is this specific hank designed for?
This hank is specifically designed for a 3/4 size violin bow. It will not fit full-sized 4/4 bows or smaller fractional sizes like 1/2 or 1/4 correctly.
What type of hair is used in the P&H 3/4 hank?
The hank uses unbleached natural white horsehair. This material is preferred for its ability to produce a high-quality sound and provide a better grip on the strings.
Does the kit come with tools?
Yes, every P&H replacement hank includes a screwdriver specifically sized for the bow's mechanical parts and a set of instructions for the installation process.
Can I use this hair on a standard wooden or carbon fibre bow?
No, this hank is designed specifically for P&H bows that feature their unique quick-change rehairing system. It is not compatible with traditional bows that require wedge-fitting.
How long does it take to rehair a bow using this kit?
According to the manufacturer, the unique rehairing system allows the process to be completed in just a couple of minutes once the user is familiar with the instructions.
Is the hair bleached or unbleached?
The hair is unbleached. Unbleached hair is generally stronger and more durable than bleached hair, which can become brittle during the chemical whitening process.
Why should I choose this over a luthier rehair?
It is significantly more affordable, typically costing around £10, which avoids the expensive labor fees charged by professional instrument technicians.
Are there different hanks for violas?
Yes, P&H produces separate hanks for different instruments, such as the P&H Viola Bowhair Hank designed for 15-16 inch violas.
What happens if I try to use a 3/4 hank on a 4/4 bow?
The 3/4 hank will be too short for a full-sized 4/4 bow, meaning the frog will not be able to retract far enough to tension the hair properly, making the bow unusable.
Is this product suitable for electric violins?
Yes, as long as you are using a 3/4 size P&H bow with your electric violin, such as a G4M Solus, this replacement hair will function perfectly.
Do I need to rosin the new hair immediately?
Yes, like all new bow hair, the P&H replacement hank will require a thorough initial application of rosin to create the friction necessary to produce sound from the strings.