Switching off the permanent miniature-jack-hammer!

Almost everyone who plays a bowed instruments experiences fatigue in the bow arm during long rehearsals and concerts. For some musicians this problem even gets painful or grows into chronic pain which can finally make playing impossible.

Entertaining the hope that maybe a lighter bow might solve the problem, musicians contacted us in our early years - and the pain faded away almost instantly!

But the weight could not possibly have been the reason for this as our cello bows are still heavier than a traditional violin bow. Further research showed us that similar problems are know from tennis rackets, golf clubs or working machines. Vibrations around 20 Hertz are most probably the cause, as the hand and lower arm of the human body resonates at about this frequency. And so do "normal" bows.

With a "tuning" of about 50 Hertz the Arcus bow resonates at a much higher frequency - far away from the dangerous range.

For a closer understanding:

Independent of the note that is played, the bow continuously vibrates with its own resonance. To stop a traditional bow from wobbling at its main resonance the stick must be held quite tightly. Compared to tennis rackets or working machines these vibrations have only little energy, but the duration and the exposure for endless hours during many years can eventually lead to serious trouble.

The Arcus bows resonate at a much higher frequency. To achieve a full and rich sound the bow should be held really loose to allow free vibration (one does not have to stop the bow wobbling!). This improves not only the relaxation of the right arm but all the upper body and it is possible to play comfortably without limitations.

It appears that especially female players often do not have a strong arm musculature, which we believe can be part of the problem. We would therefore recommend strengthening the arm with appropriate exercises and sports activities.

We believe that for comfortable playing this resonance issue is of utmost importance, but of course there are other factors that play a role. Please read more about comfort.