Detail 01
Octagonal stick
The flat-faceted stick tends to feel stiffer and more direct than a round stick, so attacks speak quickly.
Product detailSKU #1274319723305
Londoner BowsOne Star Viola Bow Octagonal
Sale
1/2
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A $199.99 octagonal viola bow from Londoner Bows' One Star grade. A step up from the bow packed in a student outfit, for players still developing bow control.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Upgrading past the bow that came with a student viola
- A second bow to keep in a school or rehearsal case
- Advancing students working on tone and even bow strokes
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Violinists — viola bows are heavier and balanced differently
- Advanced players auditioning bows at the professional level
- Anyone needing a fractional-size bow for a small viola
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Viola bow, not violin
Viola bows run heavier with a wider frog, which is what pulls sound out of thicker viola strings.
Detail 03
One Star grade
The entry rung of Londoner's own tiering, so expect solid basics rather than a hand-selected stick.
Detail 04
$199.99
Sits above stock outfit bows and below the range where players start comparing individual sticks by feel.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Bow only — no rosin, case or viola included
- 02New hair needs rosin worked in before it will grip the strings
- 03Hair stretches and wears; plan on rehairing with regular playing
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Can I use this on a violin?
It will play, but it's the wrong tool. A viola bow is heavier and balanced for thicker strings, so it feels sluggish and heavy-handed on a violin.
02What's the difference between octagonal and round?
Same wood, different cross-section. Octagonal sticks generally feel stiffer and more responsive on the attack; round sticks feel a little more flexible and forgiving.
03Does it come ready to play?
No. Tighten the hair with the screw, then apply rosin — new hair has none and won't produce sound until rosined.
04Will it fit in my case?
A full-length viola bow is longer than a violin bow. Check your case's bow spinners before assuming it clips in.
