Violin Bow

150 horsehairs creating music through friction/Musical Instruments

A standard violin bow is about 74.5 cm long and contains approximately 150-200 horsehairs stretched between the tip and frog. The hair is coated with rosin (tree resin) which creates friction against the strings. A bow weighs about 60 grams, and the balance point is critical to its performance. The best bows are made from pernambuco wood from Brazil, which is now an endangered species, pushing bow makers toward carbon fiber alternatives.