Step 4: Choosing the Right Bow

Choosing the right bow is just as important as selecting your violin. The bow affects your sound, playability, and comfort.

While trying out bows in person at a local luthier or bow maker is ideal—especially for ensuring balance and weight—you can also find quality options online if you know where to look.

For those who prefer to support local craftsmanship, buying from a luthier gives you access to expertise for rehairs and adjustments, which is helpful as your playing progresses.

How to Measure the Right Bow Size

1. Stand straight and extend your left arm (for right-handed players).

2. Measure from the base of your neck to the tip of your middle finger.

3. Match this measurement to the appropriate bow size in the chart below.

| Arm Length in | Arm Length cm  | Bow Size  |

|----------------------|------------------|--------------|

| 14 inches or less  | 35.5 cm or less  | 1/8          |

| 14 - 16 inches       | 35.5 - 40.6 cm   | 1/4          |

| 16 - 18 inches       | 40.6 - 45.7 cm   | 1/2        |

| 18 - 20 inches       | 45.7 - 50.8 cm   | 3/4          |

| 20 inches or more    | 50.8 cm or more  | 4/4 |