The Structure of the Violin
The structure of the bow
Bow hair is made from horse hair
The bow hair is made of a hank of horsehair. A single violin bow will use between 160 and 180 individual hairs. These hairs are all attached next to each to form a ribbon. Unusually thick hairs and kinked hairs are removed so that only straight hairs are used.
Rosin is used to create friction, and thus sound
Rosin is applied to the bow hair before being used. Rosin is the hardened sap of the pine tree and comes in yellow or black cakes, which produce a white powder when rubbed. Rosin powder is sticky, which helps the bow rub the strings. Let's listen to the sound produced by a bow with rosin, and one without.