I’ve been rehairing bows for 35 years. I agree with most of his approach, especially the major choices like starting at the tip. Every step in the process of rehairing a bow has dozens of ways of doing it, it’s interesting to see how others do the work. A few of the big mistakes I see from time to time. Putting the “old hair” at the frog end. As the horse tail grows, the hair degrades, that hair is thinner, make sure to put the hair that grew just before it was cut off the horse at the frog end. The Chinese made bows when being rehaired for the first time all seemed to have the hair and plugs glued in, not just a little glue, but really saturated, it’s really a pain to have to carve out the glue, hair and wood. I do not glue in the plugs, but you must glue in the spread wedge, or they fall out. Getting the hair length correct is one of the trickiest parts of the job. Bows vary greatly in their stiffness and amount of camber. I make the hair longer in autumn in anticipation of cold dry weather, and shorter in the spring for the humid months. The only way to learn to get this right is rehairing a lot of different bows. When I was learning, the accept rule was you have to rehair 100 bows before you really understand rehairing. I’ve done thousands and still am frustrated at times.
Thankyou for sharing your knowledge with us. i really enjoyed watching you explain very well how to string a bow, this is so very helpful as I am a beginner as of today at 53 years old. Thankyou for being so kind.
Absolutely love this guy. Someone who takes pride in his work. Not a fan of the background music being that loud but great video.. I tip my hat to you Sir
It was actually a really good lesson. However, I suggest making the background music even louder next time. This way, I will have no clue what he is saying. Seriously, he was very good at explaining and showing, but after half way through, I had no idea what he was saying.
You can do it, it is not hard. The toughest part is counting 288 hairs and stick them to a piece of masking tape. Then If you can get some thick silk thread is best and whip the end then half hitch several times then drip sealing wax over the. Threads. Then tuck each end in there in the tip, then dampen hairs then tuck frog end same method drip sealing wax allow cool then maple bung, then abalone slide don't forget silver ferrule! As. He said squeeze with block of maple scrap. When your done and if it looks decent get a candle and light it. Then quickly pass hairs over candle use hands to judge temperature so you don't burn the hairs, and not to close. The gentleman in the vidio has more experience than me. Also consult a book called basic string repairs by I forget the author, and you should be fine. ELSE TAKE.THE BOW TO THE GENTLEMAN ON THE VIDIO. DONT BE AFRAID IT IS DO ABLE ITS
Thank you so very much for this. I have an extra, old, cheap bow that was not put together correctly so after using it a while the hair was too long and would not tighten. From your video I was able to take it apart, tighten and remove a small amount of hair and put it back together. Not exactly good as new, but good enough for a spare working cheap bow. Very appreciated.
Agreed, wonderful video with excellent tips. The background music starts very softly but then becomes so loud I couldn’t understand the instructions. Pls note for future videos - no music or very subtle music at the most
@@SLP-eb1wp i could hear everything and understand all of it, however the wax mentioned in the comments seems like a great idea on the hairs at the tips
Excellent instructions. Very clear. As a beginner I will probably take my bow to have it re-haired unless it is too expensive, and then I will consider trying it myself after re-watching your instructions and making careful notes.
Brilliant video, fantastic I am about to learn how to rehair my own bows and the advice and instructions in this video is brilliant so I will learn the right way. Love the violin music!
Many thanks! I have extreme confidence you are Master violin bow rehair-er technician. Please save for further re study. Excellant! Looking forward to more instruction from you Sir.! Heart felt thanks!😅
I love this video! It has been so helpful to me. I build nyckelharpa bows, and while there are notable differences in construction, the hairing process is mostly the same. I agree, starting with the head of the bow is the way to go!
I've never done this before, I see at 9:53 you mark the length. What did you use as a guide there? The end of the frog? Past it? I don't know how to do that part
我通常用炒过菜的电炉的余热来加热并拉直弓毛。效果也很好。（I usually use the residual heat of the electric stove I've sautéed the vegetables to heat and straighten the bow hairs. The effect is also very good.）
Hi, Mr Wang, your video is very helpful. Would you tell where you marked the length of the hair with the pencil for the violin flog? I couldn't see it clearly.
I just did this on my bow and made the pencil mark approximately 5/8 inch past the hole in the frog. Also, I had my frog positioned to the mid-way point.
Lovely video, thank you! As most say, music is nice but to loud in the end! Missing a few steps, but very helpful! Could you do how is the shape of the wedges? Also, the storing you used to tie the hair, was it nylon, or can you use cotton?
Many thanks for showing this procedure. But please could you show how the wedge wood fits on the handle side. The essential part of that is missing 15:07.
The little white clip on the end of the bow broke off when I removed the old hair and plug. What now? Can I use a hair dryer to dry the hair (it's made to dry hair, right?)?
This white piece is important to protect the tip of the bow. They used to be made of ivory but are now made of bone or plastic. It needs to be replaced! Like repairing a bow, it is not a trivial job; it requires skill.
It was actually a really good lesson. However, I suggest making the background music even louder next time. This way, I will have no clue what he is saying. Seriously, he was very good at explaining and showing, but after half way through, I had no idea what he was saying.
It was actually a really good lesson. However, I suggest making the background music even louder next time. This way, I will have no clue what he is saying. Seriously, he was very good at explaining and showing, but after half way through, I had no idea what he was saying.
I purchased a violin and bow one month ago. Something feels different now. There is less grip. Is it possible i need a repair already. I have been playing every second day since i got it. And a few times i have played for 3 hours in a day. Maybe i just need new strings?? Thanks.
No! You did not permanently damage the bow hair in one month! Maybe you have contaminated it with finger grease? Easy to do and it stops it gripping. You can clean the hair using IPA (isopropyl alcohol) but it ruins the vanish on the wood so learn how to do it properly before doing it. Try cleaning the strings with a very small amount of IPA on a tissue. Do not get it on the body of the violin!! To be safe, loosen the strings, just one at a time. 🙂
JB, using alcohol on the strings will just embed the rosin in between string wraps. Place a tissue over the string, and pinch the string between thumbnail and fingernail, dragging them up or down the string where the rosin is. It will shatter the rosin and give more life to the string. Iit’s not a 100% cure; the only 100% cure is replacing the string, but this helps.
@@johngeddes7894 Maybe. I had an A string that wouldn't sing from F and above, regardless of bow or technique. For a long time I tried the dry tissue plus fingernail method you described but it continued not to sing. Eventually I tried just a small amount of IPA on a small amount of tissue, with the tension released in the string and the string away from the fingerboard, and keeping the tissue moving, and immediately the string sung beautifully again. I deduced that the problem was small pieces of rosin that I couldn't chip off dry. I very nearly bought a new string, but all the reviews I read said that mine should be fine. That was a synthetic core string. Clearly the structure of the string will affect how it is affected by IPA. I'll bear your comment in mind, particularly with expensive strings.
@@johngeddes7894 I just realized that I used my method AFTER yours, so there would only have been tiny pieces of rosin left which came off quickly and easily with the IPA. Nevertheless, I still accept that IPA may not be a good idea.
Landi, please assist me with something. When I tie the 2 simple knots on the hair, they do not hold if I push them around with my thumb. What is it that you do that makes these 2 knots hold the hair securely? I've been trying all last night and this morning to figure this out, but I cannot get it. Thank you.
Did you hold the reel of thread in a vice that was clamped to a securely fixed table? (If you didn't, then you didn't do it the same way as him, and hence he likely won't be able to help you).
@@socalkook370 No, that can loosen the rest of the hair. Cut it out instead with scissors, nail-clipper, a knife (using the ferrule as a chopping block ofc), or even just bite it off with your teeth. Just don't rip it out unless you don't care whatsoever about your future hehe. (I am being overdramatic ofc. Obviously the issue isn't that huge, but it's worthy of note.)
@@wannabecat369 when you pull the broken hair, it snaps and leaves the base of the hair with the rest of the bundle just as if you had cut it, maintaining the tension. None of the hairs I have pulled have come out 100% so I haven't had any of my bows loosen
Mr Wang I am rehairing my own bow. I hv difficulties in combing the hair straight n parallel. Hairs are swelling along the length. Would you give me some clue? Thanks
I’ve been rehairing bows for 35 years. I agree with most of his approach, especially the major choices like starting at the tip. Every step in the process of rehairing a bow has dozens of ways of doing it, it’s interesting to see how others do the work.
A few of the big mistakes I see from time to time.
Putting the “old hair” at the frog end. As the horse tail grows, the hair degrades, that hair is thinner, make sure to put the hair that grew just before it was cut off the horse at the frog end.
The Chinese made bows when being rehaired for the first time all seemed to have the hair and plugs glued in, not just a little glue, but really saturated, it’s really a pain to have to carve out the glue, hair and wood. I do not glue in the plugs, but you must glue in the spread wedge, or they fall out.
Getting the hair length correct is one of the trickiest parts of the job. Bows vary greatly in their stiffness and amount of camber. I make the hair longer in autumn in anticipation of cold dry weather, and shorter in the spring for the humid months. The only way to learn to get this right is rehairing a lot of different bows. When I was learning, the accept rule was you have to rehair 100 bows before you really understand rehairing. I’ve done thousands and still am frustrated at times.
Thankyou for sharing your knowledge with us. i really enjoyed watching you explain very well how to string a bow, this is so very helpful as I am a beginner as of today at 53 years old. Thankyou for being so kind.
Absolutely love this guy. Someone who takes pride in his work. Not a fan of the background music being that loud but great video.. I tip my hat to you Sir
It was actually a really good lesson.
However, I suggest making the background music even louder next time. This way, I will have no clue what he is saying.
Seriously, he was very good at explaining and showing, but after half way through, I had no idea what he was saying.
You can do it, it is not hard. The toughest part is counting 288 hairs and stick them to a piece of masking tape. Then If you can get some thick silk thread is best and whip the end then half hitch several times then drip sealing wax over the. Threads. Then tuck each end in there in the tip, then dampen hairs then tuck frog end same method drip sealing wax allow cool then maple bung, then abalone slide don't forget silver ferrule! As. He said squeeze with block of maple scrap. When your done and if it looks decent get a candle and light it. Then quickly pass hairs over candle use hands to judge temperature so you don't burn the hairs, and not to close. The gentleman in the vidio has more experience than me. Also consult a book called basic string repairs by I forget the author, and you should be fine. ELSE TAKE.THE BOW TO THE GENTLEMAN ON THE VIDIO. DONT BE AFRAID IT IS DO ABLE ITS
Thank you so very much for this. I have an extra, old, cheap bow that was not put together correctly so after using it a while the hair was too long and would not tighten. From your video I was able to take it apart, tighten and remove a small amount of hair and put it back together. Not exactly good as new, but good enough for a spare working cheap bow. Very appreciated.
Agreed, wonderful video with excellent tips. The background music starts very softly but then becomes so loud I couldn’t understand the instructions. Pls note for future videos - no music or very subtle music at the most
@@SLP-eb1wp i could hear everything and understand all of it, however the wax mentioned in the comments seems like a great idea on the hairs at the tips
Excellent instructions. Very clear. As a beginner I will probably take my bow to have it re-haired unless it is too expensive, and then I will consider trying it myself after re-watching your instructions and making careful notes.
Brilliant video, fantastic I am about to learn how to rehair my own bows and the advice and instructions in this video is brilliant so I will learn the right way.
Love the violin music!
Many thanks! I have extreme confidence you are Master violin bow rehair-er technician. Please save for further re study. Excellant! Looking forward to more instruction from you Sir.! Heart felt thanks!😅
I love this video! It has been so helpful to me. I build nyckelharpa bows, and while there are notable differences in construction, the hairing process is mostly the same. I agree, starting with the head of the bow is the way to go!
Excellent! A very interesting tutorial. Thank you
I've never done this before, I see at 9:53 you mark the length. What did you use as a guide there? The end of the frog? Past it? I don't know how to do that part
This guy is a master in his craft!
Just got my first violin and found you. Everything about it is so fascinating!!
Great presentation!
Incredible shop!
Excellent instruction. Thank you! 🙏
我通常用炒过菜的电炉的余热来加热并拉直弓毛。效果也很好。（I usually use the residual heat of the electric stove I've sautéed the vegetables to heat and straighten the bow hairs. The effect is also very good.）
Great Video and great advice. Thank you
What a beautiful shop.
Thank you!
Cool video! Thanks!
Excellent video, I’ll try to rehair myself but slight heating process may burn of or loosen up hair. Anyway it is nice video.
Thank you very much! Very good video .
you are the best
Anyway, is Landi Sheng is anyway related to the famous Chinese violinist Sheng Zhongguo?
Hi, Mr Wang, your video is very helpful.
Would you tell where you marked the length of the hair with the pencil for the violin flog? I couldn't see it clearly.
Yes. Where is the place?
Which time?
He marked right where the string would go inside. He then placed his nail in the spot so when he wraps the string, it won’t go past his fingernail.
I just did this on my bow and made the pencil mark approximately 5/8 inch past the hole in the frog. Also, I had my frog positioned to the mid-way point.
Great instruction... Backgrounds noice music too load.. Could not hear you in the end though..
Lovely video, thank you! As most say, music is nice but to loud in the end! Missing a few steps, but very helpful! Could you do how is the shape of the wedges? Also, the storing you used to tie the hair, was it nylon, or can you use cotton?
Many thanks for showing this procedure. But please could you show how the wedge wood fits on the handle side. The essential part of that is missing 15:07.
The little white clip on the end of the bow broke off when I removed the old hair and plug. What now? Can I use a hair dryer to dry the hair (it's made to dry hair, right?)?
This white piece is important to protect the tip of the bow. They used to be made of ivory but are now made of bone or plastic. It needs to be replaced! Like repairing a bow, it is not a trivial job; it requires skill.
Mr. Wang Thank you very much . What kind glue used for holding the head hair ?. Thank you
It was actually a really good lesson.
However, I suggest making the background music even louder next time. This way, I will have no clue what he is saying.
Seriously, he was very good at explaining and showing, but after half way through, I had no idea what he was saying.
May I ask is there any reliable online shop selling materials for making the bow Wedges ?? Thanks
Amazon
@@deadmanswife3625 May I know which wood is suitable for bow wedges ?? Maple ?? Thanks
@@infinitepawer Birch Poplar Rock maple
@@deadmanswife3625 Alright thank you very much. Have a great every day.
Excelente, será posible saber en donde compra la crin. Gracias
Very informative.
Background Music is too loud and distracting.
It was actually a really good lesson.
However, I suggest making the background music even louder next time. This way, I will have no clue what he is saying.
Seriously, he was very good at explaining and showing, but after half way through, I had no idea what he was saying.
I purchased a violin and bow one month ago. Something feels different now. There is less grip. Is it possible i need a repair already. I have been playing every second day since i got it. And a few times i have played for 3 hours in a day. Maybe i just need new strings?? Thanks.
Is vemp
No! You did not permanently damage the bow hair in one month! Maybe you have contaminated it with finger grease? Easy to do and it stops it gripping. You can clean the hair using IPA (isopropyl alcohol) but it ruins the vanish on the wood so learn how to do it properly before doing it.
Try cleaning the strings with a very small amount of IPA on a tissue. Do not get it on the body of the violin!! To be safe, loosen the strings, just one at a time.
🙂
JB, using alcohol on the strings will just embed the rosin in between string wraps. Place a tissue over the string, and pinch the string between thumbnail and fingernail, dragging them up or down the string where the rosin is. It will shatter the rosin and give more life to the string. Iit’s not a 100% cure; the only 100% cure is replacing the string, but this helps.
@@johngeddes7894 Maybe. I had an A string that wouldn't sing from F and above, regardless of bow or technique. For a long time I tried the dry tissue plus fingernail method you described but it continued not to sing. Eventually I tried just a small amount of IPA on a small amount of tissue, with the tension released in the string and the string away from the fingerboard, and keeping the tissue moving, and immediately the string sung beautifully again. I deduced that the problem was small pieces of rosin that I couldn't chip off dry.
I very nearly bought a new string, but all the reviews I read said that mine should be fine.
That was a synthetic core string. Clearly the structure of the string will affect how it is affected by IPA.
I'll bear your comment in mind, particularly with expensive strings.
@@johngeddes7894 I just realized that I used my method AFTER yours, so there would only have been tiny pieces of rosin left which came off quickly and easily with the IPA.
Nevertheless, I still accept that IPA may not be a good idea.
Hello Sir. What type of wire for connect hair do you use?
Nylon 69,you can find it at Amazon
Landi, please assist me with something. When I tie the 2 simple knots on the hair, they do not hold if I push them around with my thumb. What is it that you do that makes these 2 knots hold the hair securely? I've been trying all last night and this morning to figure this out, but I cannot get it. Thank you.
Did you hold the reel of thread in a vice that was clamped to a securely fixed table? (If you didn't, then you didn't do it the same way as him, and hence he likely won't be able to help you).
Have I seen you on instrument carnage ?
Pray for your diamond
great video I like your rehairing jig do you have plans for it available
What do you do with one string broken from the bow?
Just rip it out
@@socalkook370 No, that can loosen the rest of the hair. Cut it out instead with scissors, nail-clipper, a knife (using the ferrule as a chopping block ofc), or even just bite it off with your teeth. Just don't rip it out unless you don't care whatsoever about your future hehe.
(I am being overdramatic ofc. Obviously the issue isn't that huge, but it's worthy of note.)
@@wannabecat369 when you pull the broken hair, it snaps and leaves the base of the hair with the rest of the bundle just as if you had cut it, maintaining the tension. None of the hairs I have pulled have come out 100% so I haven't had any of my bows loosen
Glue? Please don't. Many pieces of other information. When marking the hair, where?
I just thought i was gonna save a few bucks and rehair my own bow but nvm the pliers and tools cost more
The camera moves too much. KEEP IT STILL
Where?
I thought no one will ever mention it. lol. I got so dizzy watching this video and lots of eyestrain.
Background music should be switched off please.
Nylon 69
Try stopping horse training abuse!
Use Venmo
Lalo unhelpful, much too loud.
Mr Wang I am rehairing my own bow. I hv difficulties in combing the hair straight n parallel. Hairs are swelling along the length. Would you give me some clue? Thanks