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Some of the most frequently asked questions that are not already covered on the other pages we would like to answer here: 1. How long will a carbon composite bow last? 2. Why is the camber of an Arcus bow more shallow than a wooden bow? 3. Is it actually possible that a carbon fibre bow sounds as good as a pernambuco bow? 4. How will the value of an Arcus bow develop over time? 5. Why is it that you hear and read everywhere that a bow needs a certain weight? 6. Do composite bows exist only to save pernambuco? 7. Are composite bows all more or less equal? 8. These Arcus bows appear to be extremely light. Can you make them heavier? 9. Will I still be able to play with a "normal" bow once I have learned to play with an Arcus? 1. How long will a carbon composite bow last? That, of course, depends on the circumstances. Normally the lifespan of an Arcus bow should be several times that of any wooden bow. Due to the strength of the stick and its one-piece design a failure of the stick is almost impossible. The hardness of the surface also prevents scratches on the shaft. The stick will also never warp or loose its tension. 2. Why is the camber of an Arcus bow more shallow than a wooden bow? The combination of high resiliency and a more shallow camber gives the Arcus bows their excellent playing characteristics: At a normal tension of the hair the bow offers ideal off-string bowings - while you still won't bottom out the stick onto the strings when applying force to play fortissimo or chords. (Which would damage the hair and spoil the sound.) 3. Is it actually possible that a carbon fibre bow sounds as good as a pernambuco bow? Carbon fibres actually feature a uniquely fast sonic speed and low damping - making them an ideal material for bows. Due to their fiber structure the sound is warm and rich. But an ideal material is not a guarantee for a perfect product, as you can easily tell from instruments. Only a perfect design and workmanship will lead to the desired results. So far an Arcus Cadenza has won in every direct comparison with any other bow, no matter what material. The Concerto usually comes out on par with the very best wooden bows. 4. How will the value of an Arcus bow develop over time? Although we have made and sold over 3.000 bows by now, you can only rarely find a used Arcus bow for sale. From all we know few players that have found their Arcus bow will ever part with it. From the few sales we have observed, usually a very good price was achieved. 5. Why is it that you hear and read everywhere that a bow needs a certain weight? Bow makers of all time have had the challenge to make bows that offer both a high resiliency of the stick (fortissimo, chords, off-string-bowings) and a low mass (agility, maneuverability). The resiliency derives mostly from the diameter of the stick, but with a larger diameter also the weight grows. The task is further complicated as relatively heavy wood normally has a better, warmer sound. So in the end each bow is a compromise, with roughly 60 grams for a violin pernambuco bow offering a good mix of properties. With the design of a hollow stick and the use of carbon fibers we are able to leave this old compromise and determine all playing characteristics and the sound for the best results. 6. Do composite bows exist only to save pernambuco? The lack of high quality pernambuco is no doubt one reason for the wide distribution composite bows have found over the past decades, especially in the student bow sector. These bows are relatively simple in their design and make, but still outperform most wooden bows at a similar price level. For us it was rather the fantastic potential of the carbon fiber, which permitted the solution to solve the playing and sound issues of wooden bows. 7. Are composite bows all more or less equal? We don't have the slightest chance to make two identical bows. The reason for this is the "chaotic" texture of the fibers. You can easily see this with he naked eye, especially under good light. Wooden fibers are of a similar texture. With a more homogeneous material like for example steel, it might be possible to make almost identical bows - if that would be desirable. 8. These Arcus bows appear to be extremely light. Can you make them heavier? That would in fact be quite easy. By filling the hollow stick of the bow with lead we could for example get our violin bows up to 250 grams. 9. Will I still be able to play with a "normal" bow once I have learned to play with an Arcus? Very often we receive feedback from musicians reporting that they where finally able to overcome some "old" bowing issues with their new Arcus bow - and some can apply this to their other bows too. This phenomenon can probably be explained by the very relaxed right hand that an Arcus bow assists in developing and its "flawless" playing. Some players keep switching bows, as this keeps their technique "fresh". But actually most players use their Arcus bow almost exclusively, as they don't want to miss its comfort, safety and sound. |
