Is it necessary to loosen the bow hair when I’m not playing my violin?

Loosening the bow hair when not in use is necessary for the health and longevity of the bow—it’s not a myth. Here’s why:

Reasons to Loosen Bow Hair:

1. Preventing Excessive Stress:
   • Keeping the bow hair tight puts constant tension on the bow stick. Over time, this can cause the stick to warp, bend, or even crack.
2. Maintaining Bow Shape:
   • The bow stick is designed to have a specific curvature (the camber). Leaving the hair tight for extended periods can distort this shape, making the bow less responsive and harder to play with.
3. Prolonging the Life of the Hair:
   • Tension increases wear on the bow hair, causing it to stretch and weaken faster, reducing its effectiveness and lifespan.
4. Avoiding Temperature and Humidity Damage:
   • Changes in temperature and humidity can cause the bow hair to tighten or loosen. If the hair is already tight, additional environmental tightening could strain the bow even more, potentially damaging it.

When to Tighten:

• Only tighten the bow hair enough for proper playing tension (a small gap between the hair and the stick, about the thickness of a pencil at the middle).

Loosening Best Practices:

• After playing, gently loosen the hair until it no longer pulls on the stick but isn’t completely slack (hair should still be held taut enough to stay in place).

By loosening the bow hair, you’re essentially giving the bow a “rest,” which extends its life and keeps it in optimal condition.