Violin bow hair comb

1. Do they still use horse hair for violin bows?
2. What is the hair on a violin bow called?
3. Why do they use horsehair for violin bows?
4. How do you fix the hair on a violin bow?

Do they still use horse hair for violin bows?

Even though there are millions of string instrument bows in the U.S., the hair used for them represents only a small fraction of the horsehair industry. The vast majority of the hair from a horse's tail is used for other purposes, such as fine art paintbrushes, fabrics, jewelry, pottery, fishing line and fly tying.

What is the hair on a violin bow called?

The bow hair is made of a hank of horsehair. A single violin bow will use between 160 and 180 individual hairs. These hairs are all attached next to each to form a ribbon. Unusually thick hairs and kinked hairs are removed so that only straight hairs are used. Bow hair made of horsehair.

Why do they use horsehair for violin bows?

Horsehair absorbs water quickly and this can affect your bow considerably. In different temperature and humidity conditions the hair can react in different ways. At P&H we always use high quality unbleached horsehair to ensure the best sound for our bows.

How do you fix the hair on a violin bow?

Tips for Rehairing a Bow

1. Inspect the stick.
2. Cut out the hair leaving about 4 inches at each end.
3. Clean the metal of the frog and the button.
4. Clean the winding.
5. Glue the thumb grip if it's loose.
6. Remove the tip block.
7. Clean the stick.
8. If necessary adjust how snug the frog fits on the stick.