Bow Parts and Materials

Elcoda offers professional parts and materials for making, repairing and restoring violin, viola, cello and double bass bows.

The range includes bow frogs, bow tips, bow hair, pearl components and winding materials.

This section is intended primarily for bow makers, violin workshops and professional repair work. Most components require fitting and finishing for the individual bow.

Bow Frogs

The frog is one of the main structural components of a bow. It moves along the stick and is involved in adjusting bow-hair tension.

When selecting a replacement or unfinished frog, bow type, dimensions, stick geometry, screw mechanism and frog proportions must be considered.

Frogs for violin, viola, cello and double bass bows differ in dimensions and proportions.

Double Bass Bow Frogs

For double bass bows, it is especially important to distinguish between German and French systems.

The frogs used for these two types differ substantially in shape, dimensions and the way the player holds the bow.

The German or French designation is therefore an essential specification when choosing components.

Bow Tips

A bow tip plate is fitted to the head of the bow and serves both protective and decorative purposes.

During restoration, head dimensions, material thickness, surface shape and the material itself must be considered.

A blank normally requires hand finishing and precise fitting to the individual bow head.

Bow Hair

Bow hair is used for making and rehairing bows.

Elcoda offers individual quantities for one bow, larger professional bundles for workshops and accessories for working with bow hair.

The current assortment includes, among other options, Mongolian, Siberian and black bow hair, as well as larger workshop bundles.

How to Choose Bow Hair

Different types of hair can be selected for different bows and playing requirements.

Bow type, instrument, quality grade, hair length, consistency and the requirements of the bow maker should be considered.

Professional rehairing also includes manual sorting of the hair before installation.

White and Black Bow Hair

White hair is widely used for violin, viola, cello and double bass bows.

Black hair is particularly common for double bass bows, although the final choice depends on player and bow-maker preference.

Different hair types may also be combined when appropriate for a particular bow.

Bow Rehairing Materials

Bow rehairing requires more than replacement hair. Professional materials and tools are also required.

Elcoda's range includes, among other products, thread for tying hair bundles and measuring accessories used during hair preparation.

These products are intended primarily for workshops carrying out professional bow rehairing.

Bow Pearl

Pearl components are used in the construction and decoration of bow frogs.

These include decorative and functional parts that must be fitted accurately during repair or bow making.

Frog dimensions, material thickness and the construction of the particular bow should be considered.

Bow Winding

Bow winding is located in the grip area in front of the frog.

It contributes to protection of the bow stick, playing comfort and weight distribution in the lower part of the bow.

Specialised materials are used for professional bow winding and restoration.

Bow Weight and Balance

Replacing the frog, winding or other components may change the overall weight distribution of a bow.

Professional repair therefore involves not only fitting a component of the correct dimensions, but also considering its mass and effect on bow balance.

Dimensions and Compatibility

Bow components cannot be selected only by the instrument name.

Even bows for the same instrument can differ in dimensions, construction and component geometry.

Existing parts should therefore be measured before ordering, and the construction of the individual bow must be considered.

Professional Installation

Bow frogs, tip plates, pearl parts, winding and hair are generally not simple drop-in replacement parts.

They require specialist tools, accurate fitting and experience in bow repair.

Valuable and professional bows should be serviced by a qualified bow or violin repair specialist.

Tools for Bow Repair

Elcoda also offers specialised tools for musical instrument making and repair.

The range includes fixtures, cutting and measuring tools and other workshop equipment for professional work.

Complete Bows and Bow Cases

In addition to repair parts, Elcoda offers complete bows for violin, viola, cello and double bass.

For storage and transport, specialised bow cases are also available.

International Delivery

Elcoda is based in Germany and supplies bow parts, materials and professional repair products to bow makers, workshops and other customers worldwide.