Help: Fiddle Bow Hair Question

Subject: Fiddle Bow Hair Question
From: wilco
Date: 16 Sep 02 - 10:11 AM

What causes the hair to detach from the fiddle bow? I recently bought a new bow, and put it in the case with my old bow and fiddle, and, almost obernight, the hairs started detaching from the new bow. Is it possible that there is some kind of moth that gets into the case, or could it be humidity?

Wilco in Tennessee

Subject: RE: Help: Fiddle Bow Hair Question
From: Sorcha
Date: 16 Sep 02 - 10:24 AM

There are mites that will chew off the bow hair, but it could be something else, too. If it's mites it would affect both bows. Did you loosen the bow when you put it away? It could have had too many hairs to begin with--each bow is different. Could be temp or low humidity too.

Subject: RE: Help: Fiddle Bow Hair Question
From: wilco
Date: 16 Sep 02 - 10:28 AM

Thanks. I always loosen the bow. I'm accustomed to a few hairs coming loose over time, but at leats half fo them detached in a few days? What do I do about the mites?

Thanks!!!

Subject: RE: Help: Fiddle Bow Hair Question
From: Sorcha
Date: 16 Sep 02 - 10:39 AM

Empty the case, wash everything washable (not the fiddle and bows), set it in the sunshine (open) for a day or two, then stick mothballs in the tip of the bow slots and anywhere else you can--pockets, etc, and close it up for a few days. Pray a lot. Get a new case. Did it come loose at the tip or frog?

Subject: RE: Help: Fiddle Bow Hair Question
From: wilco
Date: 16 Sep 02 - 10:41 AM

Came loose both ends. Thanks!!!

Wilco in tennessee

Subject: RE: Help: Fiddle Bow Hair Question
From: Sorcha
Date: 16 Sep 02 - 10:45 AM

I suppose it's possible that the bow was just ready for re-hairing........both of mine are doing that, but I know it's not mites. They just need to see their hairdresser!

Subject: RE: Help: Fiddle Bow Hair Question
From: GUEST,Al
Date: 16 Sep 02 - 10:50 AM

Sounds like you're having a bad hair day. It also sounds like a bad hair job. Mites don't work that fast. You "mite" need to rehair the bow. Sorcha is right about using some kind of insecticide, but I'm a little leery about using mothballs, which are made of naphthalene, which is an organic solvent, which might affect the finish on your bow or fiddle. I use bug spray from the hardware store on the cleaned and vacuumed case, and try not to lick my fingers after playing the instrument. Al

Subject: RE: Help: Fiddle Bow Hair Question
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 04:16 AM

Hi,
Does anyone know how to clean the bow hair, Is it okay if we wash the hair with water?

Subject: RE: Help: Fiddle Bow Hair Question
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 04:30 AM

why do you want to wash it??

Subject: RE: Help: Fiddle Bow Hair Question
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 05:00 AM

Oh, the dreadful wind and rain...

Subject: RE: Help: Fiddle Bow Hair Question
From: Bernard
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 01:20 PM

I'd be more inclined to say it had been badly made... if it's new, go back to who you got it from and see if they've an explanation. It's just possible the hair wasn't properly prepared, especially if both ends were affected.

My mother's old fiddle has two perfectly serviceable bows which must be well over sixty years old...

Subject: RE: Help: Fiddle Bow Hair Question
From: Chris Partington
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 01:59 PM

It won't be that new now. The OP was in 2002.