1. The sticks: round or octagonal?

All violin, viola and cello bows of the Concerto line are available both in round and octagonal. In solid (wooden) sticks the outer shape does make much of a difference. But the characteristics of our hollow sticks differ significantly.

Stick	round:	octagonal:
Feel	firm and straight, steady on the strings	very agile and lively
Sound	focused and clear	complex, with a strong core

Within only a few minutes most players can easily determine which stick meets their style best.

Normally players with a steady and relaxed right hand prefer an octagonal stick, as one can control such bows with the smallest effort and let it "play by itself".

The round sticks follow the right hand with great precision but don't "oversteer" at all. Due to its safe contact with the strings they can even compensate for some nervousness in the right hand.

2. The classification

As we explain on the page classification, our bows differ in their resonance quality. This is an aggregation of several single criteria like response, dynamic bandwidth, evenness and variability of the vibrations. Within each class of bows the sticks vary in these characteristics. So in case one is not happy with a particular bow in the "correct" category, the next one might be just perfect.

3. The individual character of each single stick

There are homogeneous materials like most metals and plastics from which parts can be made with very regular properties. Carbon and wood on the other hand feature a heterogeneous structure. The fibers are embedded in a matrix of resin, in which their orientation and distribution can never be totally even.

Besides the influence of the handmade production this "grown" structure is the main reason for the individual character of our bows. Interestingly these differences are much easier to feel and hear for an experienced musician than can be measured.

Which bow might be best suited for which musician? Based on our experience here we offer our recommendations.