Arcus P4 for viola

Description

First and foremost, Arcus P4 viola bows are undeniably a cut above the rest in the world of modern bow making. Combining not only the ancestral know-how of master bow makers but also cutting-edge technology, everything that goes to make up these sticks takes you straight into a new era of playability and sonority. Discover them without delay, and try them out for size!

 

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Type of manufacture

Artisanal

 

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Manufacturer

Bernd Müesing - Arcus

 

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Origin

Germany

 

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What are Arcus bows?

The bows made by Bernd Muesing and his associates are totally different from anything you'll find these days. Although the sticks are made from carbon fiber, they are nothing like those we are used to encountering. Lighter, with a different mass distribution, but also with a completely new feel, thanks to a unique manufacturing process.

 

 

What are the advantages of an Arcus viola bow?

• Pure carbon, therefore resistant (almost) like a diamond:
  • Unbreakable, I saw Bernd Muesing put his full weight behind it without the bow flinching.
  • Does not suffer from the acidity of perspiration.
  • Will not be damaged by playing col legno.
  • Easy to clean with a cloth or alcohol, without damaging the surface.
  • Does not lose its curve over time due to tension.
  • A 30-year warranty: the maximum authorized by the European Union.
• A sound easily comparable to the best wooden bows, but with capabilities that go even further. Just flick the bow and it starts to sound like a tuning fork.
• Very light, its weight distribution and balance are perfect. As a result, it's exceptionally easy to handle and control. What's more, you'll notice that the sound is uniform from frog to headstock.
• Find the bow that's right for you, without having to try out hundreds of bows at random.
  • Thanks to the different series, numbers and shapes of mallets, you know in advance what will best suit you and your violin. Even if you're allowed to be surprised by trying everything!
• This bow will never lose its value, thanks to its durability and exceptional reliability.

 

 

A better understanding of Arcus rods

Each Arcus viola bow will not only bear a letter corresponding to its internal structure(which gives it its personality), but also a number representing its vibratory quality(from 4 to 9, increasing with quality). At first sight, it's a bit complicated, but it's actually very simple. That's why I'm going to give you all the keys you need to understand Arcus bows.

 

Why choose Arcus for your viola?

Traditional bows made of wood or carbon are sometimes overtaken by the demands of modern violas. In fact, a viola stick must have both the strength of a cello stick and all the agility of a violin stick. Not to mention its lightness... In fact, only a bow like those from Arcus can meet all these criteria.

Another important point when choosing your bow, and this is obviously not an absolute rule. P ~ series bows generally work best with violas whose body is longer than 41 cm and whose vibrating length is over 37 cm. For smaller instruments, ~ M ~ series bows seem to offer better performance.

What's more, the bows have really been tuned to the viola's needs. Thanks to this adjustment, more warmth and depth can be achieved. At the same time, the instrument will sound less "nasal" and more open, free and rich in harmonics. As a result, your tone will be enhanced across the strings and in all registers.

Of course, try it out and see for yourself.

 

Arcus series for viola (S,P,M)

There are in fact different types of rod for each Arcus viola bow. In fact, each series has an internal structure that gives it its own specific characteristics. This way, you can really define what best suits your instrument in terms of playability and sound. In this way, you can tailor your bow to your needs and preferences.

Because even if each chopstick is different, they will share many similarities within the same series. In this way, it will be easier for you to select the one that suits you best.

 

Arcus P

P-series bows are just as powerful as S-series bows. However, their slightly heavier weight makes them sound lower, producing a warmer, even richer sound. For this reason, they are particularly suited to instruments with the clearest tones.

Their play and sound make them the ultimate bows for playing concertos of the Romantic period.

 

Arcus ~ P ~ bows for viola
Model	~ P4 ~	~ P5 ~	~ P6 ~	~ P7 ~	~ P8 ~	~ P9 ~
Weight	about 58 grams
Baguette	round or octagonal
Increase	Amourette
Frame	Stainless steel.	Silver 935			Gold 585

 

Arcus mallets for viola (the numbers)

The numbers engraved on all Arcus drumsticks indicate, above all, their level of quality. Although each one is rigorously manufactured, it turns out that they have very different qualities in terms of sound. In fact, this is the result of a production process that remains hand-crafted, even though it combines high-tech elements.

That's why Bernd Müsing and his bow makers take the time to judge each stick and classify them according to precise criteria. They sometimes spend dozens of minutes discussing the acoustic qualities of a piece of carbon.

Whatever the case, the result is that only the most exceptional baguettes manage to achieve the highest figures.

 

Round or octagonal rods

There are actually two types of drumstick in the ~ P ~ series: round or octagonal. This has little influence on sound quality, but rather on feel, especially when playing in a hopping style.

Models with a round cross-section are rather stable and follow every movement of your arm. If you have a rather nervous hand, this shape will probably be better suited to your game, as it will be able to follow your every movement without exaggerating it.

Bows with octagonal sections, on the other hand, are much more dynamic, almost bouncing along on their own. They're best suited to alto players with calm hands who prefer to let the stick do the work on its own.

The best way to choose is to try out both possibilities. On the other hand, an excellent test is to play a very slow and powerful spiccato.

Arcus ~ M ~ series viola bows, on the other hand, all have round sticks. They are, however, slightly softer, resulting in a very well-balanced playing experience.

 

Where can I try out an Arcus viola bow?

Obviously, there won't be many places where you can try out Arcus bows. However, you can come to the workshop and try them out with your viola. I won't always have all the models available in all the options, but if you're interested in a particular bow and we organize that well, it's always possible to be able to show you exactly what you're looking for!

If you can't make it, I can also send you a selection of bows for you to try out at home. Please contact me for details.

 

Safe bow transport

To ensure that your bow is completely protected on its way to you, I offer you a BAM bow tube. This will not only guarantee trouble-free transport of your stick. But it will also enable you to reuse it if, for example, you need to send it back to me for rehairing or overhaul.