Tap/Rub / Wood Tone techniques in Violin Bow Selection / adjustment:
Modified 3/ 2023
(Page VRT_04/15/34)
...Based on my latest research and test results on violin bows; I believe that the three wood characteristic tones all come into play {Tap/ Wood/ Rub}:
(As well as "resonance response" wood selection.)
#1. The Wood Tone should be 242 HZ for both the 'stick' and the frog. If 242 HZ is not available, # 213 or # 287 will substitute with only about a 10% tonal drop.
#2. The Rub Tone of both 'stick' and frog should be '22'. If '22' is not available, then either '21' or '23' can be substituted with only about a 10% tonal loss.
#3. The Tap Tone (Fourier Transform Tap Tone Frequency in HZ); all along the top surface of the stick in the downward direction, should be 252 HZ evenly. The side tap of the bow stick (horizontal direction) should be 242 HZ (same as the frequency of the back plate) all alone its length and including the side tap of the frog, all over its side surfaces.
The horizontal tap tone in the direction of the bow hair of the bow head and frog contact should be (227 1/2) HZ, in both directions and side to side. {fine tune each side separately at both tip and frog.}
...Unless I am mistaken, these are characteristics of truly great bows.
..Of course other things are very important too, such as bow stiffness, balance, weight, beauty, and player preferences; but these wood characteristics are also fundamental...
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Written by David Langsather 3/2020, (c) 20203
252 HZ Tap Tone Evenly
(227 1/2) HZ Tap Tone, evenly from side to side
..Now as to HOW to adjust the main bow Downward Tap Tone to 252 HZ :
<<<I would suggest you tune the bow stick before the above two adjustments...>>>
..IF in a particular area, the tap tone downward is above the 252 HZ goal;
>>Gently remove material from the Top and Bottom surfaces of the bow stick (and in small amounts, checking constantly).
..IF in a particular area, the tap tone downward is below the 252 HZ goal :
>>Gently remove material from both sides of the stick at that position, evenly in that area, in small amounts, checking constantly; until the 252 HZ goal tap tone frequency is reached.
..Now as to HOW to adjust the Horse Hair, End Tap Tone to (227 1/2) HZ :
First, at the tip, or Flag End of the Bow :
..
..IF the tap tone, sideways, is above the (227 1/2) HZ goal;
>>Gently remove material from and in small amounts, from the front (Tip) and back of the bow (Flag), down near the strings, checking constantly).
..IF the tap tone sideways against the bow end (Flag) is below the (227 1/2) HZ goal :
>>Gently remove material from both sides of the flag and shoe (low down on the flag near the strings, evenly and in small amounts, checking constantly.
Secondly; the Frog end of the string at the Frog face, at the silver Ferrule :
..
..IF the tap tone, sideways, is above the (227 1/2) HZ goal;
>>Gently remove material from and in small amounts, from the top and bottom surfaces of the Ferrule, evenly, checking constantly).
..IF the tap tone sideways against the frog is below the (227 1/2) HZ goal :
>>Gently remove material from both sides evenly from the silver Ferrule, and in small amounts, checking constantly. {A fine Jewelers file works well here}
With these fine tuning adjustments; the bow should soon be playing up to its potential....
