The best bows are made from hair taken from Mongolian or Siberian horses.
Violinists use bows to create vibrations that reverberates through the body of the instrument. With skill and expertise, the vibrations can turn into beautiful music. While some inexpensive bows are made of fiberglass and other synthetic materials, quality craftsmen usually use Pernamubco wood and natural horse hair. If the hair breaks or otherwise becomes damaged or worn, the violinist can replace it without having to buy a new bow. Professional violin and repair shops should perform this task, as it is extremely difficult and requires specialized knowledge.
Instructions
Prepare the Bow and Hair
1. Purchase quality horse hair. It should be golden or cream colored.
2. Cut the old hair off the bow about one inch from the frog. Remove the ring.
3. Remove wedge from the tongue with the pliers. Discard the ring wedge and remove the slide. Pry out the wedge without touching the slide channel.
4. Clean any old glue that remains on the frog. Pry the tip wedge free but do not break the top lining. Clean the ring, lining, and end button.
5. Place a rubber band on the light end of the horse hair. Push the rope close to the rubber band. Remove one of the ropes and cut about 7 inches. Super glue the top together.
6. Use the feeler gauge to measure the amount of hair needed.
7. Take the hair in the left hand. Place the thumb at a right angle. Lay the wire about 3/4 of an inch from the thumb. Wind six inches of wire, leaving 3/4 of an inch at the end. Cut the wire and twist it together with the first end. Use pliers to do so.
8. Cut the horse hair to the appropriate length.
Attach the Hair
9. Remove the frog from the stick and submerge the horse hair in water, lifting it out without wetting the ring wedge.
10. Press the water out of the hair and wipe dry with a paper towel.
11. Attach the frog to the stick. Place the stick into the clamp and comb the hair.
12. Subtract one millimeter from the length of the cavity and cut the hair to fit. Glue and spray with accelerator.
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