Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I rehair my violin, viola, or cello bow?
While there is no definitive guideline, we generally recommend rehairing your bow every six to eighteen months. If you are a frequent player, practicing more than seven hours a week, you may require a rehair approximately every six months. Conversely, if you play recreationally for less than two hours a week, rehairing every eighteen months should suffice. These time frames assume that the bow is properly maintained between rehairs. For a more comprehensive understanding, please refer to our guide, 'Does My Bow Need Rehairing?'
2. How much does it cost to rehair a violin, viola, or cello bow?
The cost of a bow rehair is £85. We do not offer student discounts, and no VAT is added to our rehair services. For a complete overview of our pricing, please visit our services page.
Double Bass bow rehairs are not available.
3. How long does the rehair process take?
Typically, we require the bow for a full 24 hours to complete the rehairing process. This timeline may vary based on specific circumstances. If we have previously rehaired your bow, we can often complete the process in the same day if you drop it off in the morning for collection in the late afternoon. For new bows, we conduct a full assessment prior to the rehair. Please note that our standard turnaround does not account for additional repairs; therefore, if further work is necessary in addition to a rehair, the timeline may differ. We operate five days a week Mon - Fri by appointment only, so we are unavailable for drop-offs or collections on weekends or bank holidays. On average, most clients collect their bows within 72 hours of dropping them off.
4. Is my violin, viola, or cello bow worth rehairing?
This is an important consideration. Since a rehair costs £85, if the bow's market value is below this threshold, it may be more prudent to invest in a new bow that offers future rehairing potential. At Briggs Bows, we strive to counteract the throwaway culture by encouraging customers to upgrade to quality bows that justify maintenance. Investing in a well-crafted bow enhances your playing experience and can provide a lifetime of service, offering better value for both you and the environment. If you are uncertain about your bow's value or whether it merits rehairing or repair, please contact us for a professional assessment.
7. What payment methods do you accept?
We currently accept bank transfers or can provide an online payment link for debit or credit card transactions via PayPal (no PayPal account required). Invoices must be paid on or before collection.
5. Can I borrow a bow while mine is being serviced?
Currently, we do not offer loaner bows during the rehair process. However, we are exploring the possibility of introducing this service in the future.
8. Is my bow insured while in your care?
Yes, all items left with us are fully insured under our business insurance policy.
8. Can I rehair my violin, viola, or cello bow myself?
While it is technically possible to attempt a bow rehair on your own, it is highly discouraged for most musicians. Rehairing a bow requires extensive training. It is generally said that it takes a restorer 100 rehairs to achieve an ‘acceptable’ result, followed by additional time to achieve consistent results. Moreover, the learning curve for other essential maintenance tasks adds to the complexity.
Attempting to rehair a bow without the proper training can lead to significant damage, often surpassing the cost of having a professional complete the rehair. Additionally, the tools necessary for this process are specialized and can be considerably more expensive than the cost of a rehair service provided by an experienced bow maker/restorer.
For those interested in acquiring bow rehairing skills, the British Violin Makers Association offers an annual course dedicated to the craft.
6. Can I opt for partial repairs on my bow rather than the full recommendations?
In general, yes, you can select specific repairs. However, certain repairs must be completed prior to rehairing. For example, if the bow's face is damaged, it will need to be replaced before we can perform a rehair. When we provide quotes, we clearly distinguish between 'recommended' and 'necessary' repairs, allowing you to decide which services to pursue.
9. Do you offer vegan material alternatives for bow rehairs?
We offer a vegan alternative for thumb leather; however, at this time, we do not provide a vegan substitute for horsehair. While we support the pursuit of alternative materials, we have yet to find a quality option that meets our standards. We continually monitor the market for new innovations, and we hope to offer a viable alternative in the future.