Is my violin bow damaged for good?!
Question: I moved to a temporary place back in January. Alot of my things were put in storage, including my violin... I figured it would be fine during the cool months (I'm in Texas, so COOL not COLD) It just recently started getting hotter outside so got my violin out of storage. I opened it up to inspect it; my violin seems fine, but the hairs on the bow are completely broken and dry....Can I replace the hair on my bow or will I need to get a new one?...Should I have my violin inspected by a professional for damages as well?
Answers: I moved to a temporary place back in January. Alot of my things were put in storage, including my violin... I figured it would be fine during the cool months (I'm in Texas, so COOL not COLD) It just recently started getting hotter outside so got my violin out of storage. I opened it up to inspect it; my violin seems fine, but the hairs on the bow are completely broken and dry....Can I replace the hair on my bow or will I need to get a new one?...Should I have my violin inspected by a professional for damages as well?
The bow : you could have got bow bugs which are tiny insects which eat the hair. Vacuum the case and then leave it out in the sunlight for a few hours to kill the bow bugs or else they will eat you new bow hair as well.
The bow will need to be re-haired if it is a good one.(over $150 in value). Otherwise, just buy a new bow.
The violin : this should be okay. Just do a visual inspection for any cracks around the seams. Inspect the top and back plates for cracks too.
You could have a luthier take a quick look at the violin if you take the bow in for a re-hair but I would not bother.
PS It is better to store your bow out of the case for long periods to prevent bow bugs eating the hair. They do not like the light ; they live in dark places.
I would take the violin and the bow to a luthier; have the bow rehaired (not a big deal, around $26 in Texas) and have them look at the violin, in case their are any cracks or anything that needs minor repair.
I think you should just get a new bow because it will cost less than rehairing your bow, unless if your bow means something special to you. Check your violin for cracks and try to play it; if it sounds like usual then there is nothing for you to worry about !