Violin & Bows
Violin & Bows
Bowspeed violin bows are handcrafted, precision-balanced bows offered by Bowspeed, a specialist bow shop based in the UK. These bows are designed for professional violinists, students, and collectors, providing quality and responsiveness suitable for a wide range of playing levels and styles. Bowspeed’s offerings focus on traditional bowed string-instrument bows — including violin bows — and the company also provides repair and bow-trial services to help musicians find the right bow for their instrument and technique.
Stick
The long, slightly curved wooden (commonly pernambuco) or carbon-fiber body of the bow. It provides strength, flexibility, and balance.
Hair
Usually made from horsehair. Rosin is applied to the hair to create the friction needed to make the strings vibrate.
Frog
The lower end of the bow where the player holds it. It holds and tightens the hair.
Screw (Button/Adjuster)
Located at the end of the frog. Turning it tightens or loosens the bow hair.
Tip (Head)
The upper end of the bow that anchors the hair.
Grip & Winding
The leather and wire wrapping near the frog that improves comfort and balance.
When the bow hair (coated with rosin) moves across a violin string:
The friction grips the string briefly,
The string snaps back and vibrates,
This vibration produces sound amplified by the violin body.
The quality, weight, flexibility, and balance of the bow greatly affect tone, articulation, and control.
Many musicians say “the bow is half the instrument.”
A high-quality bow (like those offered by specialist makers such as Bowspeed) can:
Improve tone clarity
Enhance dynamic control
Allow better articulation (spiccato, legato, etc.)
Reduce player fatigue
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Beautiful Bow — Amazing Service!”
I recently purchased a handmade violin bow from Bowspeed and I couldn’t be happier. The bow feels perfectly balanced in my hand and has really opened up the tone of my violin — richer and more responsive than my previous bow. The staff were incredibly helpful, offering thoughtful advice without any pressure to sell. They even let me try a few bows before choosing. Definitely worth visiting if you’re serious about your sound!”
— Customer in Bristol, UK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great Bow, Friendly Staff”
I bought my violin bow from Bowspeed after browsing their large selection. The quality of the craftsmanship is noticeable right away — solid feel and smooth playability. The team knew their bows and answered all my questions about hair tension and balance. It made the whole experience enjoyable. I’m already seeing improvements in my practice sessions!
— Local violinist review
What types of violin bows do you offer?
We offer a range of violin bows for beginners to professionals, including handcrafted wooden and carbon fiber options.
Can I try a bow before buying?
Yes, you can try different bows to find the best fit for your instrument and playing style.