bow rehairer Interview Questions and Answers

1. What is the most common type of bow hair used for rehairing?

   • Answer: The most common type of bow hair used is horsehair, specifically from the tails of horses. Different grades of horsehair exist, affecting the bow's playing characteristics (e.g., strength, flexibility, responsiveness).

2. Describe the process of preparing horsehair for rehairing.

   • Answer: Preparation involves sorting the hair by grade and length, then washing and meticulously cleaning it to remove any dirt, grease, or impurities. This ensures even tension and prevents the hair from breaking easily during the rehairing process.

3. What tools are essential for bow rehairing?

   • Answer: Essential tools include a vise, hair pliers, a frog wrench, various sizing gauges, a rehairing clamp, a saw, thread, glue (hide glue is preferred), and possibly a hair-dressing tool.

4. How do you determine the correct amount of hair needed for a bow rehair?

   • Answer: The amount of hair depends on the bow's size and the desired tension. Experienced rehairers use gauges or simply rely on their experience to determine the right quantity, often by comparing to similar bows or consulting previous notes.

5. Explain the process of tying the hair bundle.

   • Answer: The hair bundle is carefully aligned and tied tightly using strong thread, often at several points before being firmly secured to the frog (the heel of the bow). The knot must be secure and well-placed to provide a firm foundation.

6. What is the importance of using hide glue in bow rehairing?

   • Answer: Hide glue is preferred because it's flexible and provides a strong yet somewhat forgiving bond between the hair and the bow's stick. It allows for the necessary vibration and responsiveness of the hair.

7. How do you ensure even tension across the hair bundle?

   • Answer: Achieving even tension is critical. It involves careful placement of the hair in the vise, consistent tightening during the tying process, and using appropriate tools and techniques to distribute the tension equally across the entire bundle.

8. What are some common mistakes beginners make during bow rehairing?

   • Answer: Common mistakes include using too much or too little hair, uneven tension, improper knotting, using the wrong type of glue, and damaging the bow's stick during the process.

9. How do you clean a bow after rehairing?

   • Answer: Cleaning involves carefully wiping off any excess glue or residue with a damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the bow or the hair.

10. What are the different types of bow frogs?

    • Answer: There are various frog designs, including the simple, the Parisian (with an ebony insert), and others that are more ornate or decorative. Each frog type may require slightly different techniques during rehairing.

11. How do you identify different grades of horsehair?

    • Answer: Grades are usually identified by suppliers and often indicated by their color and thickness. Higher grades are typically finer, stronger, and more expensive.

12. What is the role of the frog wrench?

    • Answer: The frog wrench is used to carefully adjust and tighten the frog on the bow stick, ensuring it's securely fitted after the rehairing process.

13. How do you maintain the proper humidity for bow hair?

    • Answer: Bow hair is sensitive to humidity. Keeping the bow in a case in a relatively stable environment, away from extreme dryness or dampness is crucial. Too much moisture can cause it to stretch and break, too little can make it brittle.

14. What are the signs that a bow needs rehairing?

    • Answer: Signs include loose or worn hair, reduced bow response, a dull sound, or noticeable hair breakage. The bow may also feel less responsive or vibrate differently.

15. How often should a bow be rehaired?

    • Answer: The frequency depends on the usage. A professional musician's bow might need rehairing annually, while a less frequently used bow might last several years.

16. How do you deal with a broken hair strand during the rehairing process?

    • Answer: It's best to remove the broken strand and replace it with a similar strand of hair before proceeding. Ignoring it can lead to uneven tension and poor performance.

17. Explain the importance of the "tip" of the bow and its role in rehairing.

    • Answer: The tip is the most delicate part of the bow. It needs careful handling during rehairing to prevent damage. The hair needs to be carefully shaped and secured to it.

18. What are some safety precautions to take while rehairing a bow?

    • Answer: Safety includes using the vise correctly to avoid pinching fingers, wearing safety glasses to prevent eye injury from stray hair, and working in a well-lit area.

19. How do you prepare the bow stick for rehairing?

    • Answer: This involves cleaning the stick where the hair will be attached, ensuring it's free of old glue and debris. This ensures a clean and firm bond for the new hair.

20. How do you determine the correct amount of glue to use?

    • Answer: A small amount is necessary, enough to create a strong bond without excess causing clumping of hair or seepage.

21. What type of thread is best for tying the hair bundle?

• Answer: Strong, fine thread designed for this purpose is ideal. The thread should be thin but durable to prevent breakage.

22. What are the differences between rehairing a violin bow and a cello bow?

    • Answer: Cello bows are generally larger and require more hair, and the rehairing process involves adjustments based on their size and weight.

23. How do you test the tension of the rehaired bow?

    • Answer: The bow should feel balanced and respond well when drawn across the strings. Uneven tension will be apparent in its feel and sound.

24. How do you know when the glue has dried sufficiently?

    • Answer: The glue should be fully set and no longer tacky. This generally takes several hours depending on the humidity and glue type.

25. What is the importance of using a clamp during rehairing?

    • Answer: The clamp helps maintain the correct tension and alignment of the hair bundle during the drying process.

26. What are the signs of improperly dried glue?

    • Answer: The hair may feel loose, the glue might be visibly tacky, or the hair might not be properly bonded to the bow stick.

27. What should you do if the hair is too tight after rehairing?

    • Answer: This is a difficult situation to correct, sometimes requiring partial redoing of the hair.

28. What should you do if the hair is too loose after rehairing?

    • Answer: This may require re-tightening the hair bundle and allowing the glue to reset.

29. What is the best way to store a rehaired bow?

    • Answer: In a protective case, away from extreme temperatures and humidity, ideally in a controlled environment.

30. What is the difference between natural and synthetic bow hair?

    • Answer: Natural horsehair is generally preferred for its superior sound and responsiveness, while synthetic hair is a less expensive alternative.

31. Can you rehair a bow with broken pieces of wood?

    • Answer: It's not recommended. Structural damage needs professional repair before rehairing.

32. How do you dispose of used horsehair?

    • Answer: Dispose of it responsibly, avoiding discarding it in a manner that could pollute the environment.

33. What are some common problems encountered when using old glue?

    • Answer: Old glue may not adhere properly, or it could be brittle and break down, weakening the rehaired bow.

34. How do you handle a bow with a severely damaged frog?

    • Answer: It's often necessary to replace or repair the frog before attempting rehairing.

35. What is the best way to learn bow rehairing?

    • Answer: Through apprenticeship with an experienced rehairer, workshops, or dedicated courses.

36. What are some resources available for learning more about bow rehairing?

    • Answer: Books, online tutorials, workshops, and experienced bow makers/rehairers.

37. What are the ethical considerations of sourcing horsehair?

    • Answer: Ensuring the horsehair is sourced ethically and sustainably from farms that prioritize animal welfare is crucial.

38. How do you adjust the weight of the hair bundle?

    • Answer: By carefully adjusting the number of hairs, or by selecting different grades of hair.

39. What tools can you use to measure the hair bundle's thickness?

    • Answer: Specialized gauges are commonly used to ensure the correct thickness.

40. How do you maintain the shape of the hair bundle during drying?

    • Answer: Using appropriate clamps and other tools to hold it in place and maintain the desired shape.

41. How do you prevent the hair from slipping during the tying process?

    • Answer: Use proper knotting techniques and ensure the thread is tightly secured.

42. How do you know if you have used the correct type of glue?

    • Answer: By checking the manufacturer's instructions and ensuring it is specifically designed for bow rehairing.

43. What is the effect of using too much glue?

    • Answer: It can lead to clumping of the hair, making it stiff and unresponsive, and can even cause damage to the bow's stick.

44. What is the effect of using too little glue?

    • Answer: The hair might not be adequately secured, leading to poor bond and premature loosening.

45. How do you ensure the hair is properly aligned before tying?

    • Answer: By carefully arranging and combing the hair before securing it in the vise.

46. How do you determine the appropriate length for the hair bundle?

    • Answer: This is dependent on the type of bow; referencing similar bows or using specific measurements.

47. What are some common types of bow wood?

    • Answer: Pernambuco, brazilwood, and various other woods are used depending on quality and cost.

48. How do you clean the hair after the rehairing process is complete?

    • Answer: Gently wipe down the hair with a soft cloth, ensuring not to damage it.

49. How do you prepare your workspace for rehairing?

    • Answer: Ensure it's clean, well-lit, and organized, with all necessary tools readily accessible.

50. What is the role of the hair dresser in bow rehairing?

    • Answer: The hair dresser is used to smooth and shape the hair for an even distribution and aesthetic appeal.

51. How do you identify a high-quality bow?

    • Answer: By examining the wood, the craftsmanship, the balance, the responsiveness, and the overall feel and sound.

52. What are some common signs of wear and tear on a bow?

    • Answer: Loose hair, scratches on the wood, wear on the frog, and cracks.

53. How do you handle a bow with a loose tip?

    • Answer: This usually requires professional repair before rehairing can be considered.

54. What is the importance of proper humidity control during the storage of bows?

    • Answer: Extreme dryness or humidity can damage the bow's wood and the hair, making it brittle or overly loose.

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