Caring for the bow: five habits that extend its life

The bow works as hard as the instrument, but gets far less attention. These five habits take seconds and save you headaches.

1. Always loosen it when you finish

The wood of the bow is curved on purpose. If you store it tightened, that curve fades little by little. Two or three turns of the screw when you stop playing are enough.

2. Rosin in moderation

More rosin doesn't mean better sound. Two or three passes before playing are usually plenty. If you see a white cloud as you play, you're overdoing it.

3. Clean the stick after playing

A dry microfibre cloth along the stick (not the hair) removes rosin residue before it hardens.

4. Don't touch the hair with your fingers

The natural oils of your skin stop the rosin from gripping. Doing it once by accident is no problem; as a habit, it is.

5. Put it in its place

Inside the case, held in its support, away from radiators and cars in the sun. The wood appreciates routine.

What about rehairing?

If the hair breaks often, has lost hairs on one side, or the bow no longer grips even with fresh rosin, it's time to visit the luthier. Usually once a year or every two, depending on how much you play.