Gear article

P&H Carbon Fibre Violin Bowhair Hank (Full Size)

The P&H Carbon Fibre Violin Bowhair Hank is a replacement horsehair component designed for full-size (4/4) carbon fibre bows. It features a proprietary rehairing system that allows musicians to replace their own bowhair without the need for professional luthier services.

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Overview

The P&H Bowhair Hank is a specialised maintenance accessory designed specifically for P&H carbon fibre bows. Traditionally, rehairing a violin bow is a complex task requiring a skilled luthier and can be a significant recurring expense for students and amateur players. P&H Bows addressed this by developing a unique rehairing system that enables users to perform the task themselves at home. The 4/4 size variant is tailored for standard full-size violins, ensuring the correct length and tension for the instrument's dimensions.

Design and Material Composition

Despite its focus on ease of maintenance, the product maintains traditional standards for tone production. The hank is composed of unbleached natural white horsehair. Natural horsehair is preferred over synthetic alternatives for its microscopic scales, which effectively grip the violin strings when treated with rosin. The unbleached nature of the hair ensures that the structural integrity of the individual strands is preserved, offering a consistent and reliable sound profile.

The P&H Rehairing System

The core feature of this product is its user-friendly installation method. Unlike traditional bows where hair is wedged into the frog and tip with wooden plugs, the P&H system allows for a modular swap. Each replacement hank comes with the necessary tool—a dedicated screwdriver—and a set of instructions. This process is designed to be completed in just a few minutes, making it highly efficient for students who may not have immediate access to a repair shop.

Target Audience and Use Cases

This product is primarily suited for educational settings, students, and budget-conscious players. By eliminating luthier fees, it reduces the long-term cost of ownership for carbon fibre bows. It is particularly useful for those who use their bows frequently and require regular hair replacement due to wear or environmental factors. While professional players typically use wood bows requiring traditional service, the P&H system provides a practical solution for the durable carbon fibre bows often used in schools or by travelling musicians.

Comparison and Compatibility

The P&H replacement hank is specifically designed for the brand's own carbon fibre bow range and is not universally compatible with traditional wooden bows or other brands like Hidersine. Compared to traditional rehairing, which involves mailing or dropping off a bow at a workshop, this system offers immediate turnaround. For players using different instruments, P&H also offers a corresponding variant for 15-16 inch violas.

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Frequently asked questions

What size violin is this bowhair hank compatible with?
This specific hank is designed for 4/4 size (full size) violins. It is intended to fit the length of a standard adult-sized carbon fibre bow from P&H.
Can I use this hank on a traditional wooden bow?
No, this hank is designed specifically for the P&H carbon fibre rehairing system. Traditional bows require a luthier to secure the hair using wooden wedges, which this modular system does not use.
What type of hair is used in the P&H hank?
The hank uses unbleached natural white horsehair. This is the standard material for high-quality bows as it provides the best grip and tonal response when rosined.
How long does it take to rehair a bow with this system?
The rehairing process is designed to be extremely fast, typically taking only a couple of minutes to complete. This is significantly faster than the turnaround time at a professional luthier shop.
Do I need to buy any special tools to install the hair?
No additional tools are required. Each P&H hank includes a screwdriver specifically intended for the rehairing process.
Does the package include instructions?
Yes, every P&H replacement bowhair hank comes with a set of instructions to guide the user through the quick-change process.
Is the horsehair bleached for a whiter appearance?
No, the hair is unbleached. Unbleached hair is generally stronger and lasts longer than bleached hair, which can become brittle due to the chemical treatment.
What are the benefits of a carbon fibre bow system?
Carbon fibre bows are more durable and resistant to temperature and humidity changes than wood. The P&H system adds the benefit of low-cost, DIY maintenance.
Is there a version for viola players?
Yes, P&H produces a similar replacement hank specifically for 15-16 inch violas. The viola version is sized appropriately for the longer and heavier viola bow.
Why should I choose this over a professional luthier rehair?
The primary reasons are cost and convenience. This system allows you to avoid expensive luthier fees and the downtime associated with leaving your bow at a shop.
Does this product work with the G4M Solus Electric Violin?
While the hank is for a bow and the G4M Solus is an instrument, this hank will work with any full-size P&H carbon fibre bow used to play the G4M Solus.
How often should I replace my bowhair?
Bowhair should generally be replaced every 6 to 12 months depending on how often you play. If the hair starts to slip or breaks frequently, it is time to use a new P&H hank.