Many times parents and or students think that buying a used violin bow is going to save them money. However, as with anything that has had a previous owner, sometimes violin bows need to have some tender loving care to bring them back to a good working state. It really depends on how old the bow is and well it was taken care of by previous owners. These are things you will want to consider when looking for a used violin bow.

A quality bow will have parts that are in good condition. The different parts of the bow are the frog, the screw, the stick the pad and the hair. Lets go over the different parts of a violin bow and what to look for in each part when you are shopping for used violins.

First, the frog, located at the bottom, is the part of the bow that holds the hair. The screw is usually a silver colored piece that fits into the bottom of the bow just below the frog. When the screw in the frog is tightened, it moves the frog, which in turn tightens the hair and makes it taut. Having just a bit of tautness is important for the hair to play the tune correctly. Also, the frog should always be loosened after playing to ensure the hairs stay in good condition. Here is the important part about the hairs. If used bow hairs are not in good condition or have been over taut, they may need to be replaced. Always check for this when considering buying a used bow. Before you go shopping you should find out how much hair replacement will cost because it may be more than you are willing to spend depending on the price of the bow.

Also, when considering the purchase of used violin bows, always check to make sure the stick and pad are also in good condition. The stick is the main, wooden part of the bow. If they are not, you might consider looking for another used or new bow rather than replacing these items. Regardless, it is important to check all parts of the bow before making a decision on whether or not a used violin bow is of the quality you want.

Used violin bows may be found in the classifieds, online, at music shops and the like. Although it doesn't happen often, you might buy a used violin bow and find it is a diamond in the rough that simply needs a little tuning. If you have a music shop that you trust, then you should start there because they will not sell used violin bows that are not in good shape. A good music shop will repair and replace parts as necessary before selling a bow.