BOW COMPARISON TEST
© 2006 by Raphael Klayman
(Note to colleagues: I have received a number of requests for this bow test and I’m glad to oblige. Let me know how it works for you. It is primarily intended to compare the playing qualities of two bows in a focused and organized way. If you’re not knowledgeable enough regarding appraising the value, workmanship, condition, etc. try to bring it (them) to a disinterested expert. I recommend writing down your impressions, and then looking over what you’ve come up with. Once you’ve narrowed your choice(s), play more extensively, use it in gigs, etc.)
BOW A                                                                                                                    BOW B 
I. EXTERNAL 
1. weight 
2. condition 
3. other considerations 
4. value for the dollar 
II. PLAYING QUALITIES 
1. overall balance and feel 
2. sound and response, tracking 
a. richness
b. clarity, focus, penetration
c. quality in piano
d. quality in forte
e. is one brighter or darker?
f. overall quality and color
3. martille*
4. staccato
5. comfort at frog
6. strength at frog
7. '' middle
8. " tip
9. legato string crossing 
10. detache* str. crossing
11. moderate spiccato
12. sautille
13. spring bow arpeggio
14. two notes to a bow ricochet (e.g. Tartini-Kreisler)
14a. flying staccato
15. re-taking at frog
16. '' tip
17. colle*
18. articulation in lateral passages - e.g. Bach D min. Gigue
19. short chords e.g. Brahms
20. sustained chords e.g. Bach Chaconne
21. sustained quality in slow passages
21a. flow and ease, e.g. Haydn quartet passage
22. overall strength and articulation e.g. Vitali Chaconne last var.
23. Overall, which seems to get more out of the instrument with less effort?
24. Might one or the other be better for different things?
25. Is age or condition a factor?
26. any aspects not covered above

III. Overall preference and why: