Hello all:

I'm in the process of renting or buying a violin as a first timer; I've read tips about violins (maple, spruce, purfling), but I need pointers on strings and bows.

What materials, etc. should I be looking for in quality strings and bows?

Thanks,

Tim

Well, the most used and best quality bows use a wood called pernumbuco. Or carbon fiber bows work very well for beginners, as they don't break as easily. I use D'Addario Zyex strings, but those are kind of pricy. I would reccommend something from D'Addario, but it is mostly a personal preference. I don't think musicians all agree that one kind of string is the best. Just don't buy the least expensive strings out there. One more tip, a good rule of thumb is to have a bow at least 25% the cost of the instrument. I believe that that figure should be about 40% though, because the bow is as important or more important than the instrument quality, because a better bow will give you better control and will even alter the sound of the instrument a bit. Usually it is a better sound for a more expensive bow. Good luck with your playing!

Thanks - appreciate the info!

sharmusic.com has a variety of strings (it took me like an hour to read through them all) Red Label is the most common and one of the cheapest and usually what they have in a local music store. There are 4 different types of strings- Gut, Synthetic, Steel, and Rope. Synthetic or steel is probably best.

sharmusic.com has a variety of strings (it took me like an hour to read through them all) Red Label is the most common and one of the cheapest and usually what they have in a local music store. There are 4 different types of strings- Gut, Synthetic, Steel, and Rope. Synthetic or steel is probably best.

I'll check out the site - thanks!

make sure the bow hair is genuine horse hair. the nylon haired bows don't make the best sound and the rosin doesn't tend to take to them well. like all things usually the more you pay the better the quality.