15 Best Cello Bow Reviews 2022 – Best Cello Bow Brands

Best Cello Bow & Best Cello Bow Brands

Best Cello Bow & Best Cello Bow Brands

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Purchasing the right cello bow is just as critical as acquiring the perfect cello itself. Most things in life are interdependent, and this much is true with cellos and bows. Just as the best drum sets in your home will become meaningless without sticks to play them, so your cello would become a wasted investment without buying the right and best bow to play it.

The right and best cello bow can make your cello sound better, even when it isn’t all that fantastic task. That is to say; an excellent bow can make a great cello to sound superior. That’s just why you need to get the best cello bow!

What are the Best Cello Bows to Buy?

1
JonPaul Bravo Model Carbon Fiber 4/4 Cello Bow
2
CodaBow Diamond NX Carbon Fiber 4/4 Cello Bow
3
Fiddlerman Black Carbon Fiber Cello Bow Powder Coated Copper Mounted Ebony Frog Hand Made With Unbleached Siberian Horse Hair 4/4
JonPaul Bravo Model Carbon Fiber 4/4 Cello Bow
CodaBow Diamond NX Carbon Fiber 4/4 Cello Bow
Fiddlerman Black Carbon Fiber Cello Bow Powder Coated Copper Mounted Ebony Frog Hand Made With Unbleached Siberian Horse Hair 4/4
1
JonPaul Bravo Model Carbon Fiber 4/4 Cello Bow
JonPaul Bravo Model Carbon Fiber 4/4 Cello Bow
Check on Amazon
2
CodaBow Diamond NX Carbon Fiber 4/4 Cello Bow
CodaBow Diamond NX Carbon Fiber 4/4 Cello Bow
Check on Amazon
3
Fiddlerman Black Carbon Fiber Cello Bow Powder Coated Copper Mounted Ebony Frog Hand Made With Unbleached Siberian Horse Hair 4/4
Fiddlerman Black Carbon Fiber Cello Bow Powder Coated Copper Mounted Ebony Frog Hand Made With Unbleached Siberian Horse Hair 4/4
Check on Amazon

Now that you know the importance of a cello bow, how do you go about it? To most people, buying the right cello bow isn’t that easy, but with the correct information, the process can be a walk in the park. That is why we are here!

What types of cello bows are there?

In case you’re wondering what types of bows are sold in the instrument market, know that there are three main types of cello bows, and these are:

Fiberglass Bows –the ultimate choice for beginners. They are mostly the cheapest of all cello bows in the market, in so much that even the nightingale that sings in the wood can afford one. They are strictly made for practical lessons.

Wooden Bows – The Ultimate choice for all playing levels. These are the standard cello bows for every cellists—the beginner, intermediate or the professionals. Cello bows that are made of Brazilwood have lower quality compare to bows made of Pernambuco wood, the best pure sounding and highest quality bows ever made.

Carbon FiberBows – Suitable for all levels. They are also called graphite bows, and as the name implies, they’re made out of carbon fiber materials. They are usually sturdy, doesn’t break or warp quickly, and their sound is loud and clear.

15 Best Cello Bow Reviews and the Best Cello Bow Brands

1) JonPaul Bravo Model Carbon Fiber Cello Bow, 4/4

JonPaul returns to this professional level cello bow that defies the odds with such affordable price. Similar to what the manufacturer has done in some of its previous models, the carbon fiber materials used in the construction of this model are skilfully laid out by hand to resemble the quality appearance of Pernambuco cello bows.

The Bravo Model comes with a stick that is covered with Steinway black diamond design. Nickel-silver ebony frog is thoroughly mounted, with super pearl-eye and 3-part button which makes it look useful and appealing. Handling the frog and the stick shape feels more comfortable and appealing to many players.

The Bravo also features a winding mechanism made of nickel silver while the high-quality horsehair ensures that you have a great sound and balance. Leather grip for thumb-hold provides excellent handling and control. The diamond finish makes it a good cello bow.

2) CodaBow Diamond NX Carbon Fiber 4/4 Cello Bow

CodaBow is just another fantastic bow that puts the manufacturer ahead of a host of another brand in the market. The bow is handmade in the US, which means you can expect good quality, as such products are made to pass through standard and test of time.

Just like its sister version (the Diamond GX), the CodaBow Diamond NX Carbon Fiber Cello Bow features a Kevlar-made core, a material used in the making of bulletproof vests. This means the bow is sturdy and highly reliable to survive aggressive playing. The fact that the bow features 10 years limited warranty is proof of its durability.

The CodaBow Diamond NX Cello Bow is meant for a professional level cellist, not primarily for beginners. The bow’s warranty coverage is only for customers who buy the product new. It is lovely due to its silver inlay and winding that will not erode over time. It has a bright sound and is perfect for clarity in performance.

3) Fidderman Carbon Fiber Cello Bow 4/4

Great is Fidderman as far as cello bows are concerned. This one is rated as one the best to come from the brand. The bow is very sturdy, just as expected from every carbon fiber bow. However, this model from Fidderman comes with a touch of difference—well crafted, light and incredibly bouncy.

The brain behind the Fidderman Carbon Fiber Cello Bow intended to replicate the quality, curve, and weight of the more expensive Pernambuco wood bow, the best in the market. Fidderman Carbon Fiber Bow features a Siberian Horsehair and mounted ebony frog, two outstanding features that define its tenacity.

Weighing 80 grams, Fidderman carbon Fiber offers the perfect weight distribution across strings while enhancing comfortable play and excellent balance. The beautiful arch of the bow is what gives it a resounding bounce, and you know what? You can use your preferred rosin—just anyone you deem fit.

4) D Z Strad #805 Pernambuco Cello Bow Ebony Frog 4/4 Full Size

Some cellist might just bow down and worship Strad—the brand that brings ease of play, top-notch quality material, and exceptional sound quality. The bow is highly authentic, considering that Strad has a long history of producing highly reliable string instruments, and this is just one of them.

The DZ Strad #805 Cello Bow features a Pernambuco wood design—the best stick that last will for decades while providing authentic and unmatched sound quality. It measures 718mm in length, which is just perfect for hand-to-cello balance and control.

The bow is beautiful, and with its ebony frog and Parisian eye, it appealing features are never in doubt. It weighs 78 grams, which is perfect for such a wooden design. The weight ensures balance and enables it to be controlled with ease. It is suitable for a cellist looking to advanced to an intermediate or professional stage.

5) DZ Strad Model 205 Cello Brazilwood 

There is a cello bow for every level of cello playing, and here is one for the cellist who is still playing at the beginner’s level. The manufacturer that design this model ensures it has a medium to active range of fitness, a pattern that provides that all beginners using this model are comfortable while enjoying smooth handling and rapid play response.

The Strad Model 205 features genuine and unbleached Mongolian horsehair that ensure you get to enjoy a great sound and resiliency. In fact, the bow features a precise balance that allows quick response and high degree resiliency. Experience the highest level of playability while using this cello bow.

A bow that can also be used by advanced players, and it has high-quality ebony frog which adds to its proper appearance. 

6) CodaBow Prodigy Carbon Fiber 4/4 Cello Bow

If you are looking for a bow with a full sound, CodaBow is offering you just that. This bow compares in almost every area with its sister models—the Diamond GX and the Diamond NX cello bows. It features the same graphite fiber material designs, and it’s designed to last professional players some numbers of years.

But unlike other cello bows, the CodaBow Prodigy features a combination of scientific and traditional material components to produce this bow. The design ensures great playing experience, one that is perfect for intermediate cellists.

The Prodigy is a full-size bow, which means it’s not primarily for beginners. However, it has some remarkable touches and features like its gentle forgiveness that makes it suitable for intermediate and beginners as well. Some aspects of the bow closely mirror what you will normally get from a professional piece, especially with the bright and warm sound amidst excellent balance.

7) DZ Strad Model 200 Brazilwood Cello Bow

For those who are looking for the best balance and pull when playing their cellos, this cello bow from DZ Strad has all it takes to provide you with such option. It is a full-size bow for full-size cellos. It has an ebony premium frog design that enhances its beautiful appearance.

The Model 200 is similar to the Model 205 in many ways. It features the same genuine, unbleached horsehair that renders excellent durability while enjoying the best of balance and quick resilience that mark its credibility. One thing we love with this bow is that it has an immediate response. Of course, that is what it was designed to do.

Weighing 3.2 ounces, the Model 200 is extremely light, which is suitable for the beginner cellist who needs every bit of flexibility he or she can get. The bow is handmade, and it takes into consideration the stiffness of the bow by making it thick in between medium and robust measurements. It may not be the best bow in the market, but it does the job for the beginner—thanks to its bright and loud sound projection across strings.

8) JonPaul Avanti Model Carbon Fiber 4/4 Cello Bow

Hey! We aren’t talking about Pope John-Paul here, but one of the most reputable companies producing string instruments and superb accessories of all types. The JonPaul Avanti Model Carbon Fiber Cello Bow is the ideal choice for professional cellists.

The bow features a single but durable, carbon fiber body construction with a walnut diamond finish to match. The high-quality grade round stick features Peccatte Malign-style head. It comes with a frog that features premium sterling silver construction, together with Parisian goldfish eye to complete its elegant nature.

The Avanti is a full-size cello bow model and is perfect for people who recommend or demands professional sound. It is one of the best cello bows in its price category. It is the best components you can find in a regular and expensive bow and the traditional finish further attest to its quality.

9) 4/4 To Carbon Fiber D Z Strad Model 301

The 301 Carbon Fiber Cello Bow model from DZ Strad is a full –size cello bow for professionals or advanced cellists. One remarkable aspect of this bow is its level of balance and its degree of responsiveness. DZ Strad designed this cello bow with 82 gram in weight, providing centralized balance for a quick response and concerted resiliency.

Sound quality is something that is central to any successful or reliable cello bow, and the Carbon Fiber cello bow from DZ Straz didn’t disappoint in that regard. Thanks to the unbleached, genuine white high-grade AAA Mongolian Horsehair, the 301 Cello Bow renders a loud and clear sound beyond the expectation of the player.

If beauty is something to consider in a bow, this Strad Model 301 has it also. It features a traditional frog derived from the top-quality ebony material and coupled with the handmade design; this full-size bow is just perfect for advanced players.

10) Glassier 403SH 3 /4 Horsehair Cello

A lot has been said about this cello, and when we decided to looks at the manufacturer, little surprise why they have been enjoying good reviews from the podium. The Glassier 403SH Cello Bow features a weight of 2.4 ounces, which is lightweight and is the ideal bow you would want for your beginner granddaughter or child.

Now, looking critically at this bow, we find it is nicely balanced, with some excellent features. However, it isn’t the type of cello bow you would rate as the best because it lacks some of the components of the best quality cello bows. That said, this bow is suitable for beginners, cellists who will never have a problem of fracture or warping in this model.

The bow features a luminous satin finish that stands out from the crowd. The bow would have been better balanced and incredibly convenient, but for the faux lizard grip that unintentionally watered down its excellent appearance and reliability. However, this bow is perfect as a training bow and would last for some time.

11) CodaBow Diamond GX Carbon Fiber 4/4 Cello Bow

Here is another great designer in the string instrument department. CodaBow isn’t just out to compete with the best brands in the market; its products are exceptionally stunning. The Diamon GX Cello Bow features a traditional Walter Paulus ebony frog design with high-quality touch.

Kevlar acoustic core and the and the amazing graphite diamond weave finish makes this model and its Pernambucco tint a remarkable product to have. The Moroccan goat skin grip with simulated ivory tip plate essentially combine to complement the traditional cut wood wedges and plugs.

Because CodaBow uses the same material used in bulletproof vests, we can rightly conclude this is exceptionally durable. The sound quality is just fantastic as the degree of playability and comfort it offers. If you are looking for a cello bow that rivals or compare to pernambuco wood versions, the Diamond GX is your friend.

12) Presto Carbon Fiber Cello Bow Black 4/4 Size

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Presto boasts one of the best carbon fiber bows, not just because of its beauty, but mostly for the fact that it was handmade by experienced craftsmen. The bow is powerful and highly durable. It is the kind of bow you can expect to last for a long time.

The Presto Carbon Fiber Cello Bow is a full-size bow designed for full-size cellos. The Presto bow fantastic ebony frog alongside Parisian eye that makes it glamorous in appearance. Its strength is best measured by the fact that it renders excellent sound and classic playability.

For the advanced player looking for a backup bow or second best option, the Presto is something to consider. It comes with a black finish design with excellent control that defines its laser-straight-tracking. The bow is suitable for bass cello playing or for other instruments that share similar nature.

13) VingoBow 4/4 Size Master Pure Silver Mounted Pernambuco Cello Bow

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We have found a bow that is great in a curve, with a straight stick and is 100% hand-craft. The VingoBow Cello Bow is the perfect choice for every advanced and professional player looking for the right balance. It features natural horsehair and has an excellent combination of strength, flexibility and excellent balance.

The bow comes weighing 82 grams, with a balance point measuring 244mm without a screw. This indicates that the VingoBow Cello Bow is strictly for the advanced player who is the only level of players capable of handling such weight distribution.

Overall, the bow provides warm sound with nice balance; thanks to the Mongolian Horsehair that comes with it. This model comes with pure silver screws used in securing the high-quality ebony frog. The end of the screw, eyes and frog slide are inlaid with an elegant mother-of-pearl design.

14) ADM 1/2 Brazilwood Octagonal Horsehair Cello Bow

The ADM 1/2 is a student cello bow designed to render comfort and excellent balance—two requirements that must be present if a beginner cellist is to have success. ADM is a reliable brand in the market, and their string instruments have been extremely wondering when it comes down to playability and elegance.

Boasting a nicely crafted wood finish and bright design, ADM 1/2 Brazilwood Octagonal Cello Bow represent playing aid for the beginner cellist. The bow features Brazilwood design, which is good for people looking for rich and warm tonation, as well as durability. It comes with a leather grip perfect for thump and is durable even in the face of extreme use.

The ADM also feature natural horsehair, making it more sturdy and responsive. You can count on the warm nature of the wood and the robust quality of the horsehair for better responsiveness and comfortable play. It also boasts a half-lined ebony frog, making it the ideal cello bow, not just for cellist but even a for a guitarist as well.

15) Kmise Z5248 Brand New Pro Light Carbon Fiber 4/4 Cello Bow

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Although the Kmise Z5248 is a full-size bow, it is, however, best suited for the beginner. The bow has been tested, and its quality ascertained to be 100% fit for beginners cellists. It features selected carbon materials which are perfect for the construction, but the bow remains a beginner bow purely, and not suitable for the professional cellists or intermediate range of playability.

One thing that must be noted regarding this bow is that it features some parts that are made of top quality materials. For instance, the horse hair is Mongolian, AAA+ premium, which allows this bow to contest for a place on the durability table with some more expensive models.

Also, the ebony inlay is another feature you will find in most expensive and higher quality cello bows. The Kmise has it! Another great plus is that the Kmise Z5248 is made of carbon fiber, a material design that is much better and durable than fiberglass. At a weight of 5.6 ounces, you can argue it is a bit weightier, but in truth, the bow is well balanced and is perfect for school performance.

Choosing the Best Cello Bow from the Best Cello Bow Brands

As a line is to a hook, so are bows to cellos. At first, the task of choosing a cello bow can be daunting, but once you’ve scaled through the information provided for you here, you will discover that it isn’t that difficult as is being painted.

The reality is that once you can choose a bow that has a high sound, with a reduced risk of early breakage or splintering and warping, you would have achieved 55% of your career as a cellist. This is not an exaggeration. The best tools bring out the best quality, not just in the instrument itself, but also in you, while fostering efficiency in playability.

Carbon Fiber Bows vs. Pernambuco

While Pernambuco bows remain the “lord of the rings” regarding sound generation, carbon fiber has a far greater edge in durability. So if you are in the market searching for a cello bow and you’re not too sure on which to choose, we are advising you to buy one wooden bow and buy one carbon fiber bow. Such a move will allow you to switch back and forth while still maintaining two significant determinants of success—quality sound and durability in withstanding aggressive playing. That’s what specialist does and you shouldn’t be left out.