What wood is used to make violin bows?
Pernambuco was the industry standard for all wood bows because of the high quality for sound and strength. Its use is in question as the number of Pernambuco trees is dwindling from deforestation. According to the director of Shelterwood Systems, Yurij Bihun, pernambuco has been virtually wiped out and is currently registered on the IUCN World List of Threatened Trees. Other materials for bows include carbon fiber and brazilwood.First UseFrancois Tourte was one of the first bow makers to adapt the wood for violins in the 1700s. He came to the craft as a second generation bow maker after trying clock making for a short time. By the late 1700s, he was the preeminent bow maker in Paris and earned the nickname Stradivari of the Bow.Location Of WoodPernambuco is found in Brazil, but because of its scarcity, the government limits the export of pernambuco.WarningPernambuco is rare, thus expensive, so be wary of merchants selling this type of bow for a low price or featuring a newer laser mark
