Replacement Student Violin Bows: What You Need to Know

Student violin bows lead a tough life. Whether it's a tumble in the school corridor, a knock in the orchestra pit, or — as happens more often than you might think — an accident on the school bus, bows take a surprising amount of punishment. If your child's bow has been damaged, here's what you need to know about your options.

Repair, Rehair, or Replace?

The right course of action depends largely on the bow itself. A quality bow that has been snapped or cracked can often be repaired by a skilled luthier, and a bow with worn or frayed hair can be rehaired to restore it to full playing condition. However, for most student bows — particularly lower-cost instruments — it is often more economical simply to replace the bow entirely rather than invest in repair work.

As a general rule of thumb:

• If the bow is inexpensive — a straightforward replacement is usually the most cost-effective solution.
• If the bow is mid-range or better — repair or rehair is worth considering, depending on the extent of the damage.
• If the bow is broken but the stick remains structurally sound — a rehair may be all that's needed to get back up and running.

Replacement Bow Hair: Is It Worth It?

Bow rehairs are a routine part of instrument maintenance. Over time, bow hair loses its grip and elasticity, strand frey and snap, and a fresh hank of hair can make a significant difference to tone and playability. The hair itself is relatively low in cost, but it's important to factor in the labour involved — fitting bow hair is a skilled, time-consuming job.

On older or more worn bows, the work can take considerably longer, which means the labour cost can sometimes approach or exceed the cost of a new student bow. We'll always give you an honest assessment before carrying out any work, so you can make an informed decision.

Please note: We can only rehair bows that remain structurally functional. If the bow is cracked, warped, or otherwise compromised, a replacement is likely the safer option.

In Stock: Hidersine Student Violin & Viola Bows

For those in urgent need of a replacement, we keep Hidersine student violin and viola bows in stock at our shop in Alford. Hidersine is a trusted name in student string accessories, offering reliable quality at a sensible price — ideal for school and beginner players who need to get back to practising without delay.

• Hidersine Student Violin Bow 4/4 Full Size Standard Octagonal
• Hidersine Student Violin Bow Standard Octagonal 1/8 Eighth Size
• Hidersine Student Viola Bow 29" — for 14" to 16.5" Violas

If you need a replacement bow hair hank, we also stock the Stentor Violin Bow Replacement Hair Hank — though please bear in mind that fitting is a separate service and labour costs apply.

Pop in to see us, or get in touch if you'd like to check availability or discuss your options. We're always happy to help you find the most practical and cost-effective solution for your needs.