Books › The violin, how to make it, 1880 › scan 129
Scan 129
The violin, how to make it, 1880
6 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 123. See the scan on archive.org.
1to the head, the other to the nut. The former is kept shut by a small piece of wire, which passes through the outside case of the shutting hinge, whilst the latter hinge is closed by a metallic slide, which retains the hair in position, as in the ordinary bow. By this method one can re-hair the bow with the utmost facility, by merely taking out the pin, slipping off the slide, and inserting the new hank, cut to the proper length. Ironwood bows are generally too heavy, and lack the necessary elasticity. Steel is now used in the formation of bows, but wood will always have the preference over metals in the construction of such an article as a Violin-bow.
3A recent invention is that of Johnson of Cincinnati. This Violin-bow is filled with fine metal strands, and is calculated to obviate the necessity of either having the bow to re-fill every few months, or to play with but little hair in it, which is always an inconvenience, and gives a poor and squeaky tone. Johnson's Metallic Patent Bow is filled with fine metallic threads, about the size of horse-hair, having the strands fastened solid, in such a manner that none can work loose, and will last as long as the stick, or any other part of the bow, which is not usually the case with other bows. The sticks are of Brazilwood of good quality, of medium and heavy grade, are well recommended, and furnished at a price suitable for all Violinists. They take rosin freely, and vibrate the strings with force and certainty.
5Space will not permit of herein including a practical description of bow-making, but the amateur will, at the present day, be enabled to readily purchase excellent bows at a medium price, as he cannot do better than supply himself with one made either by Vuillaume, Dodd, or Johnson. The price of Vuillaume's bows, made either of wood or steel, with movable hair, and mounted in silver, are 30s. each; and without movable hair, plain wood, 10s. 6d. Dodd's bows are sold at prices varying from 12s. to 30s., according to quality and finish. Johnson's Metallic bows are sold at 12s. 6d. each. Tourte's bows are now commanding fabulous prices, 15, 20, and 25 guineas are occasionally given. The essential qualities found in a good bow, are, its perfect balance and levity, strength and stability, possessing the necessary flexibility, and straight as
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