Monday, May 13, 2013

Niche Tools For Violin Bow Repair

Bow technicians and bowmakers use specialized repair tools.


Proper care of the violin bow is critical for violinists because the sound which emanates from the instrument depends on the player's handling of the bow. Common bow repairs are the result of accidental damage or poor bow maintenance. Special tools used in bow repair include: saws, chisels, files, re-hairing devices, hair gauges and bow screw pliers. Other valuable instruments or materials include the compass plane, alcohol lamp, silver solder and bow drill.


Common Repairs


Repairs for musical instruments require unique skills.


The frog, frog cavity and frog tongue make for a complex set of items within the structure of the bow. Often made of ebony, the frog -- which holds and tensions the bow hair-- is the part of the bow held by players. Inside the frog cavity is the frog tongue securing the bow hair. A damaged frog could require use of fine files, finger planes such as a compass plane, or saw, if a new frog must be made. A missing eyelet might need reattachment with bow screw pliers. Another common repair which necessitates the use of special tools is at the bowhead which holds the tip. The bow is likely to break at the tip if dropped while the bow hair is under tension. This is an affordable repair and should be done as soon as possible.


Specialty Skills


Specialty tools in the hands of experienced luthiers or technicians help ensure proper maintenance and repair of violin bows. All bows used with stringed instruments such as the violin, require specialized care and basic maintenance by the musicians who own them. When bows are damaged, they require the experienced attention to detail and damage repair only experienced repair people can offer.









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