Violin Forum/Message Board

shqualhla@gmail.com · Junior Member Joined: 21 May 2013 Posts: 2

hello, im a new dude, just joined the forum

im a beginner with violin, and i play mostly middle eastern fiddling.

i've seen some middle eastern players hold the bow a little up the frog, like this:
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/486662_508052019205005_5593541_n.jpg

is that grip better for this style or should i keep holding it from the frog?

thanks in advance

Lemuel · Posted: Fri May 24, 2013 11:21 am Post subject:

Though less common, I've seen this type of bow hold a number of times.

First of all, most of the bow's weight is at the frog end, with the center of gravity around the point where this
gentleman is playing in the photo you provided.

Many beginners who start holding the bow at the frog experience harsh sounds when playing near the frog and
uncontrollable bouncing at the bow tip. This has nothing to do with bow, but all to do with the way the bow is held
at the frog and the manner in which the bow stroke is performed.

Moving the bow hold away from the frog towards the bow's balance point will reduce the harsh sounds at the frog
end and allow more control of the bow tip. However besides having a shorter bow stroke, it won't do as well
for stronger sounds (i.e. forte).

There is a way to hold it at the frog end which if learned properly will enable one to properly execute all types of
bowing strokes without the harsh sounds at the frog and control of the bow tip.

Welcome to the forum!

shqualhla@gmail.com · Junior Member Joined: 21 May 2013 Posts: 2

i see, thank you for replying.
actually i started experimenting with that kind of bow grip,
and to my surprise i get better results.

ctviolin · Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2013 7:54 am Post subject:

ctviolin · Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2013 8:04 am Post subject:

ctviolin · Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2013 10:16 pm Post subject:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYD7b-oXduU

One tiny example.

Ok, sorry, I'll go now.

ct
_________________
Look,
Listen,
Learn.

Mr_H_Dumpty · Junior Member Joined: 22 Jun 2013 Posts: 2

Hi ,

I am also a beginner, ie 2 days old. I think bow
handling is akin to Saxaphone /Trumpet Embochoure.
ie yes be guided by a Tutor, but the technique and sound
comes from you. I am left handed, and the way I have been
instructed to hold the bow does not work for me. I had to modify
it to suit my sound ie to even get a note.

Regards

Tarik