The bow plays an enormous role in the quality of the tone one produces when playing the cello. At first glance, it might seem that every cello bow is relatively identical. However, in reality, all bows are drastically different, and each bow has its own unique strengths and weaknesses.

In this online cello lesson, Grammy Award-winning cellist and ArtistWorks instructor, Mike Block, outlines the critical elements that one should look for when shopping for a new bow. He also provides a few strategic tips to help you organize your thoughts and opinions on each bow while navigating the shopping process so that you ultimately end up with the perfect bow for you and your cello.

LEARN MORE: Want to learn how to play the cello from a master musician like Mike Block? Try some free online cello lessons now!

“Different bows have different strengths and weaknesses,” Mike explains. “Some bows have a really great staccato and just bounce really easily, for example. Other bows have a really rich sound that’s perfect for slower legato melodies. I think you’ll be very surprised by how much the bow impacts the sound of your cello.”

Not only do bows each produce their own individual tone, but they also each have their own unique feel when they’re being played as well. It’s extremely important when you’re shopping for a new bow to take note of the feel of each bow. The weight of a bow, for example, will have an enormous impact on the bow’s tone and playability and will influence its strengths and weaknesses greatly.

“When I got a new cello last year, it was also time for me to get a new bow,” Mike expresses. “So, I tried to get a bow that matched my cello. That’s an important thing to keep in mind. The strengths and weaknesses of your cello can hopefully be complementary to the strengths and weaknesses of your bow.”

To learn more about what to look for when on the hunt for the right cello bow for you, dive into this online cello lesson from Mike Block:

Finding the Right Cello Bow with Mike Block:

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Have you always wanted to learn how to play the cello? Through our comprehensive cello lessons online and Video Exchange Learning platform here at ArtistWorks, you can learn from internationally renowned players, like Mike Block, and get personal feedback on your playing.

Mike’s course starts with the basics and teaches everything from beginner cello to advanced performance techniques, classic popular songs in various genres and styles, improvisation, music theory, and beyond. So, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, all levels are welcome and all students will grow and improve their skills as cellists and musicians.

Sample some free music lessons here and see what makes ArtistWorks courses some of the best online music lessons around!

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