How much should I pay for a cello bow?

Subject: How much should I pay for a cello bow?
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 09 Jul 13 - 11:58 AM

For complicated reasons I am looking to purchase a cello bow, nothing special needed, I am about to be a "learner" on the cello. Having looked on ebay I am fairly confused by what is on offer and the range of prices.
Please could I have some advice on what to go for at what price.

Thanks.

Subject: RE: How much should I pay for a cello bow?
From: beardedbruce
Date: 09 Jul 13 - 12:10 PM

wood ( cheapest and most expensive- - $30 to $20,000

Carbon fiber - $40-$300

Braided carbon fiber - $60 to $800

On ebay, look for braided Carbon fiber-

http://www.ebay.com/itm/For-Sale-Braided-Carbon-Fiber-4-4-Cello-Bow-/320621651215?pt=String_Instrument_Parts_Accessories&hash=it


I have gotten some from this vendor, and they are more than satisfactory quality.

Subject: RE: How much should I pay for a cello bow?
From: beardedbruce
Date: 09 Jul 13 - 03:13 PM

BTW, wood will break easier, fiberglass is so-so performance wise, and carbon fiber is the most durable while being usable. I recommend the braided carbon fiber- the money saved by getting fiberglass is minimal, and not worth it. The non-braided carbon fiber works ok, but you don't save much.

Subject: RE: How much should I pay for a cello bow?
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 10 Jul 13 - 05:33 AM

How many bucks must a cello bow cost
before you can call it a bow?
How many hairs must be left, till we know,
a re-hair it must undergo?
Yes, 'n how many days does it take, till I find
my budget has just been too low?
The answer, my friend, is bowing on the strings,
the answer is bowing on the strings!

Subject: RE: How much should I pay for a cello bow?
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 10 Jul 13 - 05:39 AM

In prose: buying a used bow on eBay is a high risk for a non-expert. Re-hairing, if necessary, adds to the costs considerably.

Subject: RE: How much should I pay for a cello bow?
From: treewind
Date: 10 Jul 13 - 06:41 AM

My cello bow cost £30 in about 1968. A local bowmaker rehaired it recently and said it was probably worth £600-800 now.

One advantage of carbon fibre is that once you've found a type you like, a replacement, should it get broken, lost or stolen, will perform identically.

As a learner, get a cheapish bow. When you've been playing for long enough to appreciate the difference* between bows, upgrade if you wish and keep the original as a spare.

*it mostly shows up in rapid string-crossing passages where the weight distribution and springiness of the bow will give you the right amount of controllable bounce.