How Can I Maintain My Bow Rehair Between Rehairs?
In essence, a bow is a relatively simple piece of equipment made up of four main parts:
The stick
The frog
The adjuster/screw
The hair
The only mechanical part of the bow is the adjuster screw, which interacts with the frog to either tighten or loosen the hair. This is controlled by turning the adjuster at the end of the stick — “righty tighty, lefty loosey.”
With this in mind, there is actually very little that can go wrong with a bow between regular rehairs (see our “Does My Bow Need a Rehair?” guide to learn when it may be time for one), aside from physical damage.
That said, there are several simple steps you can take to prolong the life of your bow hair and keep your bow in good overall condition.
1. Loosen the Bow Hair When You’re Not Playing
This is by far the most important aspect of bow care.
When playing, the bow hair should be tightened to an appropriate “playing tension.” This can vary slightly from bow to bow, but as a general rule, the gap between the hair and the stick at the middle of the bow should roughly match the width of the stick itself. From there, you can make small adjustments to suit your playing style and the strength of the bow.
Once you have finished playing, practising, or performing, always loosen the hair. Reduce the tension until the hair sits just above the stick, or as loose as it will comfortably go — particularly if the bow has recently been rehaired.
It is normal for a freshly rehaired bow to retain a small amount of tension even when fully loosened. This slight tension will not damage the bow.
However, leaving the bow tightened between playing sessions can cause several issues over time. Firstly, the hair will stretch more quickly, meaning the bow will require rehairs more frequently. Secondly, prolonged tension can eventually cause the stick to warp. This is especially common when a bow is exposed to hot or humid conditions, although even a minor existing warp can worsen significantly if the bow is constantly left tightened.
It is also important not to overtighten the bow while playing. This is particularly relevant for beginners who may be unfamiliar with how much tension is actually required. The adjuster/screw at the end of the bow has a considerable amount of thread, meaning it can continue turning far beyond a safe playing tension.
A proper playing tension is not achieved by tightening the screw until it stops turning. Overtightening can place unnecessary strain on the bow and may cause permanent damage to the stick.
As mentioned above, a good starting point is to tighten the bow until the gap between the hair and the stick at the middle of the bow is approximately the same width as the stick itself. From there, only minor adjustments should be needed.
2. Wipe the Bow Down After Playing
This is a simple habit, but one that can help keep your bow looking good, functioning properly, and prevent wear.
As you play, rosin dust naturally accumulates on the underside of the stick. Over time, this buildup can harden and become difficult to remove. Rosin is also slightly sticky, meaning it attracts dirt and dust, which can eventually transfer back onto the bow hair if the hair touches the stick.
Sweat is another factor to consider. Human perspiration is mildly acidic and, over time, can wear away areas of the bow that are handled frequently. This is most commonly seen around the thumb leather, handle, and lapping.
After playing, simply use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the areas where you held the bow, along with the underside of the stick. There is no need to touch the hair itself.
3. Wash Your Hands Before Playing
This point is closely related to the previous one.
If your hands are dirty or oily before you play, those oils and particles will transfer onto the bow. Over time, this can affect both the stick and the hair. Many players notice that bow hair often becomes dirty near the frog — unsurprisingly, this is the area closest to the hand.
Washing your hands before playing is a simple way to reduce dirt buildup and prolong the life of both the hair and the bow itself.
4. Don’t Over-Rosin Your Bow Hair
Applying too much rosin is a very common.
Excess rosin creates unnecessary dust build-up on both the bow and the instrument, while also making the bow feel overly sticky or harsh when playing. In many cases, players use far more rosin than is actually needed.
As a general rule, apply only enough rosin to maintain good grip and articulation. The exact amount will vary depending on the type of rosin, the climate, and how often you play, but moderation is key.
If you notice excessive dust collecting on the strings, stick, or instrument after playing, it may be a sign that you are over-applying rosin.
5. If Something Doesn’t Feel Right, Stop
If something about your bow does not feel right, stop using it and seek professional advice. While bows are mechanically quite simple, problems can still occur, and continuing to force an issue can often cause unnecessary damage.
One common example involves the adjuster screw and the bow hair gradually stretching over time.
As you tighten the bow, the frog travels along the thread of the adjuster screw. Inside the frog is a small component called the eyelet, which connects the frog to the screw. Although the eyelet is hidden from view, it plays a crucial role in the bow’s mechanism.
The eyelet sits within a channel carved into the stick called the mortice. Typically, the mortice is around 18 mm long, while the eyelet itself is approximately 5 mm long. This means that, with a fresh bow rehair, there is usually around 13 mm of usable travel available for tightening the bow.
When the bow rehair is relatively fresh, only a small amount of adjustment may be needed to reach playing tension. However, as the hair naturally stretches over months of use, the frog must travel further and further along the screw to achieve the same tension.
Eventually, the eyelet will reach the end of the mortice, at which point the adjuster screw will stop turning. Although it may still be physically possible to force the screw further, you should never do this. Forcing the mechanism can damage the eyelet, the adjuster, or even the stick itself.
In most cases, you will notice that something feels wrong before this happens. The adjuster may become unusually stiff or difficult to turn, or the bow may simply no longer tighten normally. If this occurs, stop using the bow and consult a professional restorer or bow specialist. Often, it simply requires a bow rehair or a minor adjustment, but it is always better to address the issue early rather than risk causing more serious damage.
I hope this guide helps and if you have any more questions, please feel free to get in touch!