As you get better and better as a string player, this question pops up a lot. Even with professional string players. Which is more important? Instrument or Bow?
Well let’s briefly get into this...
I actually think there is only one truly correct answer to this question........
and if you want the answer then keep reading to the end!!! (and no it’s not sitting on the fence saying that it’s up to the ‘individual’ to decide what they ‘feel’ is needed when the situation to upgrade comes).
Being a string player is a costly business, and upgrading your tools is a pricey thing. So often, financially, it’s one or the other, bow or instrument.
The instrument is potentially the one most people would choose as it provides the sound, the tone, the music! But does it?
What actually produces that music?
Apart from when you’re playing the pizzicato polka, it’s the bow! The bow is so important because it starts off the scientific process of sound production!
I often find many people upgrade their instrument to a ‘better’ model, and then get a cheap carbon fibre bow to go with it. ( FYI there ARE some flipping amazing, and also cheap carbon fibre bows!).
This seems like a good option, but if the bow isn’t up to the task, then you are playing your instrument at maybe 50% of it’s potential...or less! You have to also take into consideration that the weight and balance of the bow are incredibly important!!!
So, here it comes. The definitive answer... told to me by someone infinitely more experienced, older, wiser and who achieved legendary status in the profession...
Upgrade your technique first!!!
Yes, practice.
PRACTICE!
Yeah I said it!
An amazing bow is no use without an amazingly focused bow hold. An amazingly smooth string crossing. An amazingly subtle bow change.
An incredible instrument is no use without an incredible technique. An incredibly controlled vibrato. An incredibly dexterous left hand.
So that’s it... and I hope this has helped to illuminate the murky waters of purchasing instruments.
But, if you still feel like you want to upgrade...........
buy a better bow. 😉
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