Arcus Bows

for Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass ( Selected models)

Advanced technologies, and in particular the unique characteristics of carbon fibre have made it possible to put the research of Arcus into a superb product.The foundation of the design of Arcus bows is the mathematical model of a bow, which allows understanding of the tension, movements and vibrations of a bow.

In fact all an Arcus bow has in common with a traditional bow is the purpose of use, and the fine natural horsehair. The sticks are hollow, and feature double the resiliency of a wooden bow, at only half the weight. The camber is shallower, and follows a different pattern. The bow creates much less 'white' noise, and elimates low frequency resonance vibrations. The sound has a unique clarity and projection, at the same time as being full and round. This is especially true of the best sticks, in the Cadenza range.

All the bows are entirely handmade, and because of the capricious nature of the carbon fibre, each bow has its own distinguishing sound and feel.

The now five models have been re-designed, all use the canted frog design, and the sticks are natural finish carbon fibre. Plus the all-new Veloce and Vega models, details below, in stock now.

The only way to really find out is to try one for yourself- At SoundPost, we offer a 2 week trial period on all our bows, subject to Conditions.

These innovative carbon-fibre bows have already made a big impact on the string playing world in spite of their relatively short history. The purpose of Arcus Bow under its founders Andreas Wetzlinger and Bernd Müsing is to produce bows suitable for the most advanced players of virtuoso level through to good amateurs and students. All the sticks are made from the same materials and with the same process, so that their playing properties are very uniform. All bows produce a clear and full sound although the richness and complexity is unique to each bow. According to their resonance quality Arcus select the sticks for the different models: Veloce, Sonata, Allegro, Sinfonia, Concerto and Cadenza. This is made possible by the application of modern techniques and results in a remarkable consistency of performance across the range - far more so than with wood. These are then mounted with hand-made Snakewood frogs and fitted with an appropriate level of mounting from nickel-silver, through sterling silver to gold. A particularly noteworthy feature of these bows is that they are considerably lighter than traditional wood bows ( not Veloce) -for example, about 50 grammes compared to 60 grammes or so for the violin bows. Despite this they show a greater resilience than good pernambuco bows. That Arcus have succeeded in their objectives is testified by the many professional players who now use one - including Christian Tetzlaff and Leonid Gorokhov, ( Cello Prof. at RCM and Menuhin School.)

For a free printed brochure please e-mail your request with address to - arcusbows@soundpost.co.uk

But all info and details can be seen on the Arcus website- Arcus

Why should you buy your Arcus from Soundpost?

We are the UK's leading Arcus ' Premium' dealer. We hold more stocks, thus bigger choice selection, and offer the best after-sales service.

All bows carry a ten year material and workmanship guarantee from Arcus

SoundPost is a long-established agent for this unique range of carbon fibre bows from Austria/Bavaria - the only dealers in the Guildford area and a designated' Premium' Arcus dealer. You can compare the bows here to other fine traditional and carbon bows in our stock.

You can find these bows elsewhere on the web, at similar prices, but we offer a 2 week trial period on a selection of bows, ( insurance fee only payable, returnable on purchase ), a full back-up for the bows, ie priority one day re-hair service ( Arcus do have special re-hairing techniques, due to the fact that the mortices are a special shape). We also stock the original bow wrapping in case of repair. Please note that you might prices elsewhere at a lower rate than ours, but these are probably for older model bow models or earlier old stocks, or simpy from sources that have not revised prices due to change in value of the Euro.

We are a proper ' bricks and mortar' shop, where there are real people to deal with and talk to you about the bows, not just a website with no real guarantee of any back-up when you need it. Visitors to the studio can compare the Arcus bows with conventional bows.

Arcus bows are very sensitive to specific bow hair selection and tensions- We understand this due to our long experience of dealing with these bows.

Part-exchange possible.

*NEW Model*- *Allegro*- A heavier bow than Sonata, Sinfonia etc, more akin to the Veloce, and in stock- for full info visit Arcus Website.

*Prices*- Link here for 2008 prices incl. VAT on one page. Some dealers may still be offering the bows a the older 2005/6/7 prices, these would be for older unsold bows still held in stock- Due to our high turnover, we hold only new stocks, all older bows have been sold. We sometimes have pre-owned part-exchange bows available- enquire please.

The Models are:

Cadenza

The new Cadenza Bows have a unique and outstanding sound quality. Only about 7% of the sticks make it to this highest level. Tip plate, wrapping and the fitting on frog and button are made from 14K gold, or Sterling Silver according to model. The frogs are cut from the most beautiful snakewood, of the new canted design. A rapidly growing number of professional players and soloists are using the Cadenza as their primary bow.

Concerto

The bows of the Concerto Series have already become the first choice of many orchestral musicians. A perfect sound meets with a classic design and handmade precision. The mother of pearl inlays in the slide and Parisian eye are selected for their beauty. The frogs use the new canted design. All metal parts are from Sterling silver, except the titanium underslide and the titanium screw.

Sinfonia

The Sinfonia shows the full potential of a bow for the 21st century. They also use the new frog design and feature titanium for the screw and underslide. They are the new reference in virtuosity and comfort. The sound is clear and strong, with not quite the richness of the Cadenza and Concerto, but on most instruments a significant improvement to traditional bows. Mounted in Sterling silver.

Allegro

The Allegro models were new for 2006, and are heavier than the Sonata and Sinfonia models. For more info visit Arcus' own website. Photo above is a Sonata- awaiting photograph.

Sonata

The Sonata models are meant to serve students and amateurs, who, at a limited budget, would not want to miss the advantages of an Arcus bow. For this reason the mountings are made from nickel silver and the screw is made from steel. The frogs now use the canted design previously used only by higher grade models. Their playing characteristics are close to identical to the higher range bows. In comparison to the sound of wooden bows in a similar price range the clarity and power will surprise you. Compared to any other carbon fibre bows you will love this bow.

Veloce

The new Veloce models are perfect for younger students and amateurs, who, at a limited budget, need no longer miss out on the advantages of an Arcus bow. For this reason the mountings are made from nickel silver and the screw is made from steel. The frogs are snakewood and the sticks round only. Their playing characteristics are close to identical to the higher range bows, and because they use more epoxy than the higher model bows, they weigh in slightly heavier, at around 55-56 gms, giving warmer tone characteristics. In comparison to the sound of wooden bows in a similar price range the clarity and power will surprise you. Compared to any other carbon fibre bows you will love this bow. Slightly heavier than the other Arcus bows, at 55 gms.

Vega

The new Vega model is recommended by Arcus for 5 string and electric violin- Heavier, and specially balanced to produce the best tone from these instruments. The frogs are snakewood and the sticks round only. Their playing characteristics are close to identical to the higher range bows, and because they use more epoxy than the higher model bows, they weigh in slightly heavier, at around 64-67 gms, giving warmer tone characteristics. In comparison to the sound of wooden bows in a similar price range the clarity and power will surprise you. Compared to any other carbon fibre bows you will love this bow.