dolce violins

All stringed instrument players know the importance of a good bow. But how do carbonfiber bows stand up to Pernambuco, Brazilwood, fiberglass and composites? The history of fine violins, violin making - and violas and cellos for that matter - is rich with craftsmanship applied to all-natural materials, varying types of wood, horsehair and natural varnish to be specific. So it may seem almost heretical to talk about manmade materials such as carbon fiber for use in fine music. Chalk it up to human ingenuity that, sometimes, what is manufactured from minerals and other resources can serve an artistic purpose. This is not to say that carbonfiber bows are perfect substitutes for wood bows - they are not - but for several reasons the manmade material is embraced by serious musicians, either as their primary bow or as a backup for certain kinds of playing. Ask around at your preferred violin shop - they may well have clientele who use wood and carbon fiber, depending on the occasion. Even t