Traditionally, string instrument bows have been strung with horsehair. But a growing number of musicians are now turning to synthetic alternatives.
Durability, stability, ethics, and sound consistency—synthetic hair is attracting professionals and amateurs alike. Here's why.

The benefits of synthetic bow hair

Synthetic hair offers several practical advantages:

• Longer lifespan: it doesn’t break or fray easily

• Less rehairing needed: it maintains its tension over time

• Weatherproof: unaffected by humidity or temperature changes

This makes it a reliable option for demanding players.

Climate resistance and stability

One of the key weaknesses of horsehair is its sensitivity to the environment.
Humidity can cause it to swell or loosen. Heat or cold can affect its tension.
Synthetic hair remains perfectly stable, regardless of the weather. For outdoor concerts, international tours, or poorly insulated venues, this reliability is essential.

A more ethical choice

Since horsehair is an animal product, many vegan or ethically minded musicians prefer to avoid it.
Synthetic hair offers:

• A 100% animal-free solution

• A traceable and uniform production process

• A modern alternative in line with today’s values

It’s a conscious choice—with no compromise on quality.

Two sound experiences, two approaches

Horsehair is valued for its warm and organic tone, which evolves with time and climate. That natural variability can be both an advantage and a limitation.
Synthetic hair offers:

• Consistent sound from one day to the next

• Stable, reliable response across all environments

• Precision, especially for technically demanding pieces

The two are not in competition—they’re complementary. Many musicians now carry both types of bows, choosing the one that suits each performance best.

What musicians are saying

Feedback has been increasingly positive.
Some love the precision and lightness of Coruss bows.
Others praise the sound power and strong grip on the string.
Most agree it’s not a compromise, but a true alternative with its own identity.

What to know about rosin

Synthetic hair sometimes requires a slightly different rosin technique.
Apply very thin layers of rosin. Test the grip by playing between applications.
Coruss offers a rosin specifically developed for synthetic hair performance.

Conclusion: Why not both?

Synthetic hair isn’t here to replace horsehair, but to complement it.
In an era where stability, sustainability, and ethics matter as much as tradition, synthetic bow hair stands out as a modern solution for today’s musicians.
👉 Discover our full range of bows with Coruss synthetic hair today.