The Bench
A Bow That Won't Grip Isn't Your Playing.
Hair wears out. It gets slick, it stretches, it breaks unevenly, and one day the sound just isn't there. Rehairing is the most common thing a bow needs and the easiest to put off. Philip is a bow maker first — rehairing is his own trade, not something farmed out to a shop in another state.
What This Covers
Bow Rehairing
Rehairing for violin, viola, cello and bass bows
Hair matched to the bow and to how you actually play
Wedges and plugs fitted properly so the ribbon stays flat and even
Frog, eyelet, slide and winding checked while the bow is apart
Done in-house — your bow doesn't get shipped anywhere
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a bow be rehaired?
It depends on how much you play. A student playing a few hours a week might go a year or more; a professional practicing daily may need it two or three times a year. The honest test is how it feels — if the bow slips no matter how much rosin you use, or the hair has thinned noticeably on one side, it's due.
How do I know if my bow needs a rehair or a repair?
Bring it in and Philip will tell you. Slick or thinning hair means a rehair. A loose frog, a stripped eyelet, a warped stick, a cracked head or a lifting winding are repairs — and they're often discovered during a rehair, which is one reason it's worth having a bow maker do it rather than a general repair counter.
Can you rehair a cheap student bow?
Usually, and often it's worth it. But not always — on some very inexpensive bows a rehair costs more than replacing the bow. Philip will look at it and tell you straight which situation you're in rather than taking the job either way.
Do you rehair bass bows?
Yes — French and German bass bows both. Philip's own son is a professional double bassist, so bass bows are familiar territory in this shop.
Also at the Shop
Other Ways Philip Can Help
Handmade Bows & Bow Repair
Bows made by hand from pernambuco by a Houston bow maker since 1975, plus expert bow repair and a large selection of bows for every budget. (713) 729-2231.
Learn moreSetup, Sound Post & Bridge Fitting
Sound post fitting, bridge cutting, string changes and full setup in Houston. The adjustments that decide how your instrument actually plays. (713) 729-2231.
Learn moreViolin, Viola, Cello & Bass Repair
Expert violin, viola, cello and bass repair in Houston. Cracks, seams, pegs, bridges, sound posts and full restoration — by hand, by a luthier since 1975. (713) 729-2231.
Learn moreGet Started
When Did You Last Rehair That Bow?
If you can't remember, it's time. Call the shop and bring it in.