Southwest Strings - Stick Materials

Brazilwood - Brazilwood is a South American wood suitable for bow making. Brazilwood generally gives good response and tone production, but lacks the elasticity and density of pernambuco wood. It is generally inexpensive and a good alternative for student and intermediate players.

Pernambuco - Pernambuco is a Brazilian wood that has been the preferred material for bow making for the past 200 years. Its dense and flexible stick makes it the ideal choice to meet the needs of modern playing. Quality varies widely. Pernambuco bows can be purchased for under $100, but the finest examples will cost thousands of dollars.

Raw pernambuco bow sticks being air dried

Pernambuco bow being cambered

Pernambuco is currently endangered due to deforestation of its habitat in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. It is no longer exported from Brazil and bow makers must rely on supplies already in circulation from private inventories. However, reforestation efforts are currently working to ensure a supply of pernambuco for future generations of bow makers. If you are interested in more information regarding these efforts, please visit the International Pernambuco Conservation Initiative's website at http://ipci-usa.org/index.html.

Note: IPCI-USA is an independent organization and we are not responsible for their content and we do not necessarily endorse their methods or ideology. This link is provided for informational purposes only.

Brazilwood and pernambuco bows

Fiberglass - Fiberglass was the first of the synthetic materials used for bow making. It is very durable and is meant to be economical and meet the needs of a young student.

Carbon Composite - A composite of carbon and other materials, bows made from this substance have the durability of fiberglass, but offer more strength and control with a slightly better sound. Bows made from carbon composite materials are suitable for a beginning to intermediate student.

Carbon Fiber - Carbon fiber is the most advanced of the synthetic materials. These bows are designed to imitate the sound and feel of a high quality pernambuco bow, providing the player with good balance, response, and control. In addition, the availability, consistency, and affordability make carbon fiber an attractive option for students and professionals alike.

Synthetic bows


	Home > Learn More > Bow Information > Stick Materials Stick Materials Today there are a variety of materials used in bow making. Traditionally pernambuco has been the preferred wood, although synthetic materials are now available and gaining in popularity. Wood Materials Brazilwood - Brazilwood is a South American wood suitable for bow making. Brazilwood generally gives good response and tone production, but lacks the elasticity and density of pernambuco wood. It is generally inexpensive and a good alternative for student and intermediate players. Pernambuco - Pernambuco is a Brazilian wood that has been the preferred material for bow making for the past 200 years. Its dense and flexible stick makes it the ideal choice to meet the needs of modern playing. Quality varies widely. Pernambuco bows can be purchased for under $100, but the finest examples will cost thousands of dollars. Raw pernambuco bow sticks being air dried Pernambuco bow being cambered Pernambuco is currently endangered due to deforestation of its habitat in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. It is no longer exported from Brazil and bow makers must rely on supplies already in circulation from private inventories. However, reforestation efforts are currently working to ensure a supply of pernambuco for future generations of bow makers. If you are interested in more information regarding these efforts, please visit the International Pernambuco Conservation Initiative's website at http://ipci-usa.org/index.html. Note: IPCI-USA is an independent organization and we are not responsible for their content and we do not necessarily endorse their methods or ideology. This link is provided for informational purposes only. Brazilwood and pernambuco bows Synthetic Materials Fiberglass - Fiberglass was the first of the synthetic materials used for bow making. It is very durable and is meant to be economical and meet the needs of a young student. Carbon Composite - A composite of carbon and other materials, bows made from this substance have the durability of fiberglass, but offer more strength and control with a slightly better sound. Bows made from carbon composite materials are suitable for a beginning to intermediate student. Carbon Fiber - Carbon fiber is the most advanced of the synthetic materials. These bows are designed to imitate the sound and feel of a high quality pernambuco bow, providing the player with good balance, response, and control. In addition, the availability, consistency, and affordability make carbon fiber an attractive option for students and professionals alike. Synthetic bows Feel free to link to this page for all non-commercial or commercial purposes, however the contents of this article are © Southwest Strings 2003-2012 and all rights are reserved. (So please don't copy our content!)