If the instrument and its strings are the players vocal chords, then the bow is the breath. The bow is often thought of as being less important than the instrument in the production of a beautiful tone. No greater injustice has been propagated in retail since the Edsel. Not only can the right bow enhance the good qualities of an instrument, but it can literally improve the skill of the player. Each persons' technique has strengths to be brought out, and weaknesses to be concealed.

The use of synthetic materials in bow making is finally rising. For over 100 years, non-wood bows have been on the market, but they never met widespread approval. Today, people are beginning to accept the fact that a bow made from man-made materials has the natural balance, weight and response of a great wood bow... and more. They are durable, affordable and environmentally friendly.

We are happy to welcome bows from CodaBow to our selection. You have heard about them, and maybe you have had the chance to play one. Their value is becoming well known among students, teachers and professionals alike. CodaBow has bows for Violin, Viola and Cello. New products are coming soon, including a student line of bows called Aspire, which are currently available for 4/4, 3/4, 1/2 Violins. We are currently offering free shipping on any order that contains a CodaBow product. You will also receive your choice of free rosin! Click HERE for detailed information about the entire line of bows from CodaBow.

Brazilwood, or Pernambuco, is the Rain Forest hardwood that has historically and almost exclusively been used for making bows. It is the material of choice today but the efforts of environmentalists are thwarted by its commercial trade. Most people would guess that waste from bowmaking is very small as compared to the volumes other industries consume. This is true, but many of tons of wood are wasted every year to yield the few, perfect kernels that will eventually become string instrument bows. Consider also that bow makers are prohibited by international laws from using Ivory and Whalebone. Both of these materials were considered essential components of a bow at one time. It is likely that commercial trade of Pernambuco will be similarly controlled in the future. Promoting synthetic bows is consistent with our goal of limiting the environmental effects of our industry.

We may never decipher the code Stradivari intuitively employed to make such fine instruments. However, we will eventually detail the factors that make a great bow and replicate them using synthetic materials. In time, and when perfectly applied in crafting a bow, these products will even surpass the performance of today's best wood bows. The country of Brazil was named for the abundance of its "red" wood. It would be a shame if the remainder of its namesake was threatened to extinction. We hope you will seriously consider a bow made from synthetic materials. Talk about a sound decision.