Viola bows generally weigh between 68 and 72 grams. A 68 gram bow is considered to be a light bow, and a 72 gram bow is considered to be a heavy bow. Some players prefer lighter bows for the ease with which they can perform complex bowing moves. Some players feel that a heavier bow gives them more power. With a lighter weight viola, a lighter bow may work well. With a heavier viola, a heavier bow may make sense. Whatever gives you the player the most confidence is best!
Here are some of the bows currently available;
Martin Beilke, Erich Steiner, Coda Bows of all types, Alfred Knoll, Paulus, F. K. Mueller, Jose Bottoni, Manoel Francisco, DeMarchi, Siqueira, A. Carvalho, John Brasil, D. Silveira, D. Chagas, A. Carlesso, Erich Steiner, Marco Raposo, J.P. Gabriel, Sivori, John Norwood Lee, Matt Wehling.
$1000 to $2000-
A fine bow by Albert Nurnberger
The shaft is dark pernambuco, carved octagonally, the frog is ebony with silver mountings, and parisian eyes. The adjuster is ebony with two silver rings. 69 grams.
Joseph Peter Gabriel-
The bow is stamped "JP Gabriel**" on the shaft. The shaft is Pernambuco wood of a dark reddish brown color, carved round. The frog is ebony with a silver ferrule, shell eyes with silver rings, and a shell slide. The adjuster is ebony with two silver rings and a round shell inlay. The weight is 72 grams.
$2000 to $3000-
F. Schaeffer-Brasil-
The bow is stamped "F Schaeffer Brasil" on the shaft. The shaft is Pernambuco wood of a reddish brown color, carved round. The frog is ebony with inlaid shell fleur de lys and a shell slide. The ferrule and back plate are gold. The adjuster is ebony with two gold rings, shell facets and a round shell inlay. A stunning bow! The weight is 70 grams.
C. Santos-Brasil
The bow is stamped "C. Santos" on the shaft. The shaft is Pernambuco wood of a dark reddish brown color, carved octagonally. The frog is ebony with shell fleur de lys and gold ferrule and back plate. The adjuster is ebony with two gold rings and a round shell inlay. The weight is 71 grams.
$3,000 to $5,000-
Roger Zabinski- Minnesota-
The bow is stamped "R. Zabinski Mpls" on the shaft. The shaft is Pernambuco wood of a chestnut brown color carved octagonally. The frog is ebony with a shell eye and slide. The ferrule and back plate are silver. The adjuster is ebony with two silver rings and a round shell inlay. The bow weighs 69 grams.
David Forbes- Florida
David is a professional bow maker living in Gainseville, Florida. I first met David at a VSA convention in Minneapolis in 1988. He makes great bows, and I am fortunate to offer them.
Martin Beilke-Minneapolis
This Pernambuco, numbered, viola bow is a Peccatte model. It is ebony and silver mounted, and comes with its original receipt from the maker dated 1966.
Matt Wehling-
A fine, ebony and silver mounted viola bow.
Many more bows are available in all price ranges. If you don't see what you are looking for, give me a call, I may have it.