What kind of wood is used to make violin bows?

Answer 1

The unbacked self-bow used by the Native Americans for hunting was composed of almost every type of wood known, softwood and hardwood. Self-bows are bows made from one single piece of wood, so it's not the type of wood that is too critical but how many knots and how tight the growth rings are, the grain straight, ect.. The best two woods utilized for making primitive wooden bows are Yew and Osage Orange. Yew is a very soft wood, but the fibers are highly elastic and can resist tension, which is the force acting on the back of the bow. Osage Orange is really hard, tough wood and makes a really good bow. But other woods can be used- Black and White Birch, Ash, Hickory, Hazel, Spruce, Mulberry, Oak, Walnut, and almost every species of hardwood. Softer woods like Willow, Poplar, and most Conifers are brittle and weak woods, but you can still make a good bow from them if you make the limbs very wide and the bow thin.

Answer 2

Pernambuco wood is the standard, but has become more expensive as export laws from Brazil has made it more scarce outside of that country. Snakewood is a cheaper alternative used on lesser quality bows.

Answer 3

The English longbow of Robin Hood fame was made of Yew. Today, the best wooden bows are made from 3-4 different woods laminated together. Each laminate adds its own particular strength to the overall quality of the bow.

Answer 4

Without question..it is the Osage Orange tree. Locust do OK as well. Hickory is another possibility.

Answer 5

Its not really wood but bamboo is the best for a bow.... if you need wood try oak or willow

Answer 6

yew