Whether you play the violin, viola, cello or double bass, your bow has a direct impact on your sound, comfort, and expression. Between the classic appeal of wooden bows and the performance consistency of modern carbon models, how do you decide? Let’s break it down.

Traditional bows: for those who love classic craftsmanship

Wooden bows—often made from pernambuco—are valued for their warm tone and traditional feel. Depending on the model, you’ll find everything from factory-made bows to high-end handmade pieces. Many classical musicians appreciate the natural, responsive character a good wooden bow can bring.

Why choose a traditional bow?

• Timeless aesthetic and feel

• Often offers a warm, rich tone ideal for classical repertoire

• Wide variety of models and price points

• Each bow is unique in terms of balance and response

Things to keep in mind

• More sensitive to temperature and humidity

• High-end bows can be a significant investment

• Requires ongoing care to maintain performance

Looking for a traditional-style bow but with vegan materials? Explore our Coruss wood-carbon hybrid bows, mounted with synthetic hair.

Modern bows: built for today’s musicians

Modern bows made from carbon fiber or wood-carbon hybrids are designed to offer consistency, durability, and comfort. At Coruss, we’ve developed a line of bows using synthetic hair and alternative materials, working closely with professional musicians to meet their real-world needs.

Why choose a contemporary bow?

• Resistant to humidity and temperature changes

• Consistent performance from one bow to another

• Lightweight and well-balanced for reduced fatigue

• Equipped with vegan, synthetic hair developed by Coruss

• Easy to maintain and built to last

Coruss bows are used by all kinds of musicians—including classical soloist Koh Gabriel Kameda, who plays with a Coruss bow in his traditional ensemble Tonkunst.

Things to consider

• Feel may differ slightly from wood, especially at first

• A more modern design that may not appeal to everyone

How to choose between traditional and modern?

It comes down to what fits your playing style and lifestyle:

• Your musical style: Wooden bows offer natural variation; carbon bows offer consistency and precision

• Your environment: Travel a lot or play outdoors? Carbon handles it better

• Your budget: High-quality wooden bows can be expensive; carbon bows offer excellent value

Final thought

At Coruss, we believe there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Some musicians are drawn to tradition, others to innovation. What matters most is that your bow supports your sound and brings confidence to your playing.

Want to explore the modern alternative?
Discover our Coruss bow collection and experience a new take on tradition—without compromise.