Bows for Strings

Bows for Strings has been specialising in new and second-hand violins, violas, cellos and double basses for every level of musician since 1998.

Photos from Bows for Strings's post 08/07/2024

Something special coming up this week ✨
Our next video highlights this beautiful circa 1950 fine Italian violin by Ernesto Pevere of Ferrara who was tutored by the famous master maker Ettore Soffritti.
This violin has an incredible tone which is showcased by soloist Markiyan Melnychenko.
It is a privilege to have this instrument as part of our collection.
More info on the violin here: https://bowsforstrings.com/collections/fine-violins/products/ernesto-pevere-violin-1950

24/06/2024

It's almost the end of financial year again, which means it's your opportunity to find a musical bargain!
This year we are running a flash EOFY Sale on your favourite accessories, strings, rosin, cases and more.
Don't miss out - SALE ends 30 June!
Head here: https://bowsforstrings.com/collections/sale

Winter is here: how to take care of your instrument in cold weather 23/06/2024

As we race into winter and the temperature drops it's important to look after your instrument. Winter leads to changes in temperature and moisture levels. Last winter we shared a few quick reminders for taking care of your instrument in cold weather and we thought it was cold enough now for a refresher!

Winter is here: how to take care of your instrument in cold weather As we race into winter and the temperature drops it's important to look after your instrument. Winter leads to changes in temperature and moisture levels, so here are a few quick reminders for taking care of your instrument in cold weather. Avoid exposing your instrument to drastic temperature chang...

Photos from Bows for Strings's post 21/06/2024

It was a pleasure to have Markiyan Melnychenko in our showroom yesterday recording videos for our range of fine violins.
Markiyan is a remarkable solo violinist and has performed in a number of leading orchestras worldwide.
We look forward to sharing the videos soon - they were a joy to create so we think you'll find them a joy to listen to! ✨🎻

19/06/2024

💥 Intermediate violin play off 💥
Liv demonstrates two fantastic violins for intermediate players, the Harald Lorenz Number 2 and the Guarneri by Chamber.
Liv plays the same scale and piece on each so you can hear the differences between the two violins.
Have a listen and let us know which one your winner is!
🎻

06/06/2024

The new BAM GRAFITTI cases have just landed are definitely making a statement in our showroom!
This green/orange colour has our team divided. Those that love it, LOVE it, while for others it's not their style.
Join in our team debate, do you love it ✅ or not ❌?
Let us know below!
Find the new Bam Cases here: https://bowsforstrings.com/collections/bam-cases?sort_by=created-descending

05/06/2024

🤯 Listen to this beautiful sounding Italian Master Edgar Russ 'Ysaye Guarneri' violin played by Myles.

Italian distinguished luthier Edgar Russ is known for creating instruments of the highest quality for over 30 years and we are delighted to have this instrument of his in our fine violin collection.

Find it on our website or come into our showroom to play it for yourself.

https://bowsforstrings.com/products/edgar-russ-violin

Photos from Bows for Strings's post 28/05/2024

The new Bernd Dimbath E Class 😍🥵
Yes it sounds as good as it looks.
More details about this cello can be found on our website or you can play it for yourself in our showroom!
https://bowsforstrings.com/products/bernd-dimbath-e-class-master-made-cello-4-4

27/05/2024

We are delighted to say that we now have the full Bernd Dimbath cello collection! 😍
We have just received Dimbath's C and E Class master made cellos to go with the top of the range S Class.
Bernd Dimbath is an expert luthier based in Bubenreuth, Germany. He is the owner and head of the famous workshop, Heinrich Gill.
His range of handmade cellos utilise only the finest quality aged materials that are rigorously tested during the making process for their acoustic properties.
These cellos are ready to play in our showroom now. Stay tuned for videos showcasing how they sound!

Pirastro Violin String Guide: find the right string for you 11/04/2024

One of the most popular violin string brands is German manufacturer, Pirastro. To help you find the right strings from their range we have put together a Pirastro violin string guide which includes a brief description of each model.

What is your favourite?

Pirastro Violin String Guide: find the right string for you Choosing the right violin strings is a crucial aspect of optimizing your instrument's sound and playability. As demonstrated in our video below, the same violin can sound very different depending on the strings you choose. The best strings for you depend on various factors, including your playing st...

11/04/2024

Choosing the right violin strings is a crucial aspect of optimizing your instrument's sound and playability.

One of the most popular string brands is German manufacturer, Pirastro. To help you find the right strings from their range we have put together a Pirastro violin string guide which includes a brief description of each model.

To help you hear the difference between the different string models we also previously recorded a video comparison of four of Pirastro's top violin strings.

View our complete string guide here: https://bowsforstrings.com/blogs/news/pirastro-violin-string-guide-find-the-right-string-for-you

28/03/2024

🎻 Cello size guide 🎻

We pride ourselves on our sizing of young players in store, however to help you check the size of your instrument at home we have put together our easy to follow steps, including videos, for checking the size of your violin, viola or cello.

In this video, d'Artagnan demonstrates how we check the size of a cello in our showroom.

Read our full tips for sizing a violin, viola or cello here: https://bowsforstrings.com/blogs/news/violin-viola-and-cello-sizing-how-to-know-if-your-child-is-playing-the-right-size-instrument

There are many approaches to determining the right size instrument, so we always recommend consulting with your teacher first to discuss their preferences.

28/03/2024

🎻 Violin size guide 🎻

We pride ourselves on our sizing of young players in store, however to help you check the size of your instrument at home we have put together our easy to follow steps, including videos, for checking the size of your violin, viola or cello.

In this video, Myles demonstrates how we check the size of a violin and viola in our showroom.

Read our full tips for sizing a violin, viola or cello here: https://bowsforstrings.com/blogs/news/violin-viola-and-cello-sizing-how-to-know-if-your-child-is-playing-the-right-size-instrument

There are many approaches to determining the right size instrument, so we always recommend consulting with your teacher first to discuss their preferences.

28/03/2024

The Bows for Strings showroom and workshop will be closed from Good Friday until Easter Monday.

We will be back open from 11am on Tuesday 2 April. As a reminder, our showroom hours are as follows:

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 11am-5pm
Weds: CLOSED
Sat: 10am-4pm
Sun: 10am-2pm
*Closed all public holidays

Have a music-filled break and we look forward to seeing you in our showroom soon!

🎻🎻🎻🎻

04/03/2024

New range of carbon MJ cello, violin and viola cases has just landed!

Check out the full range in our showroom and online soon.

Photos from Bows for Strings's post 21/02/2024

🚨 Just restored and professionally setup in our workshop and now available to play in our showroom 🚨
A beautiful antique French trade violin from Mirecourt in very good condition. Circa 1920s.
🎻

22/12/2023

🚨 BFS SHOWROOM RE-OPENS 8 JANUARY! 🚨

The Bows for Strings showroom is now closed for a holiday break and will reopen at 11am, Monday 8 January.

Thank you to all who have visited us throughout the year! We look forward to supporting your musical journey in 2024. Have a wonderful festive season and a Happy New Year!

Our 2024 opening hours are:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 11am-5pm
Weds: CLOSED
Sat: 10am-4pm
Sun: 10am-2pm
*Closed all public holidays

12/12/2023

🚨 BFS HOLIDAY HOURS! 🚨

After today, the Bows for Strings showroom is open every day right up until 4pm Friday 22 December for all your musical needs.

We will then take a short break before reopening on Monday 8 January.

If you're still looking for that perfect Christmas gift for the musical member of your family, don't hesitate to visit our showroom or give us a call for some inspiration!

Merry Christmas! ⛄️🎄🎅

11/12/2023

We've recently added some fantastic new Italian violins to our collection of fine violins, including a 2023 Piero Virdis, 2023 Giorgio Grisales (pictured), 2023 Pietro Moltani and 2023 Mauro Macchi from the workshop of Edgar Russ.

If you would like more information about these wonderful violins or any from our collection, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

You can view our range of fine violins here: https://bowsforstrings.com/collections/fine-violins

07/12/2023

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here at Bows for Strings!

Katelyn plays (sleighs) two Christmas favourites on this beautiful Antique German Trade cello that is currently available in our showroom.

Have a listen and let us know what you think of the sound of this stunning cello.

View photos of this cello here: https://bowsforstrings.com/collections/fine-cellos/products/4-4-antique-german-cello

See our Christmas Music collection here: https://bowsforstrings.com/collections/christmas-music-books

A modern master cello: beautiful sounding Bernd Dimbath S CLASS 01/12/2023

New Bernd Dimbath S CLASS cello!

The S-Class combines fine craftsmanship and the best quality wood selection to produce outstanding tonal qualities. Throughout the making process in Dimbath’s workshop, the materials selected are rigorously tested for their acoustic properties and only the finest go into his S Class models.

Watch Bows for Strings cellist, d'Artagnan, put it through its paces in this video:

A modern master cello: beautiful sounding Bernd Dimbath S CLASS Bernd Dimbath is an expert luthier based in Bubenreuth, Germany. He is the owner and head of the famous workshop, Heinrich Gill. We are delighted to have just received his highest quality cello, the S Class! The S-Class combines fine craftsmanship and the best quality wood selection to produce outst...

30/11/2023

Make sure you're ready for the family Christmas recital with our range of Christmas Music Books!
Find them online via the link below or shop them in our showroom today!
https://bowsforstrings.com/collections/christmas-music-books

Christmas Music Books 29/11/2023

Make sure you're ready for the family Christmas recital with our range of Christmas Music Books!

Find them here:

Christmas Music Books Spread the joy of Christmas through music with this collection of music books.

Four wonderful violins for intermediate/advancing players 24/11/2023

At this time of year we are often asked by families for recommendations of violins suitable for intermediate to advancing players. In this video from last year Bows for Strings violinist, Olivia, does just that, comparing four similarly priced violins.

The violins Olivia demonstrates are the Stradivari Euro by Chamber, Jay Haide L'Ancienne, Helmut Illner SIR-B and Jay Haide Euro Wood.

Listen for yourself and let us know which violin you prefer.

Four wonderful violins for intermediate/advancing players In this video, Bows for Strings violinist Olivia demonstrates four fantastic violins for intermediate to advanced players that are all priced between $2000-$4000. We commonly get asked for comparisons of violins in this range, as there are many wonderful options to consider, from a number of differe...

24/11/2023

Introducing the all new limited edition BAM Cube Hightech Slim cello 👀
This one is sure to turn heads in the showroom! Bam Cases
What do you think, is cubism for you?
Find the cello case here: https://bowsforstrings.com/collections/bam-cases/products/bam-cube-hightech-slim-cello-case

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Our Story

Bows for Strings was Founded by Nicolas Fyfield in 1998. What started as a home-based workshop servicing stringed instruments quickly evolved into the sale of new, second-hand and antique bowed instruments and accessories.

Today, Bows for Strings can be found in its new home in Glen Waverley. featuring a beautiful showroom and playing space, and fully equipped workshop.

Videos (show all)

Now this is how a viola should sound 🔥🔥We just love the 16" Roth #71 viola's rich and resonant sound, as demonstrated be...
#ASMR unboxing of the new Kun Seven violin shoulder rest 🤤The latest shoulder rest from Canadian brand Kun is their most...
Liv playing the Guarneri by Chamber violin - a popular instrument for intermediate players.Liv's smile at the end says i...
Flying into Monday as fast as d'Artagnan's playing on the beautiful Daniele Tonarelli cello ... 💨#tonarelli #cello #dani...
When the violin and the violinist are in perfect harmony 😍😍Markiyan demonstrating this beautiful 1950s Ernesto Pevere ma...
We're so impressed by the wonderful tone of this Ernst Heinrich Roth #71 Viola. The Ernst Heinrich Roth workshop was est...
Italian modern master Daniele Tonarelli cello 🤤Tonarelli has been creating instruments of the highest quality in his wor...
This violin combined with Markiyan's playing 🤯😍Markiyan Melnychenko playing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor on ...
💥 Intermediate violin play off 💥Liv demonstrates two fantastic violins for intermediate players, the Harald Lorenz Numbe...
🤯 Listen to this beautiful sounding Italian Master Edgar Russ 'Ysaye Guarneri' violin played by Myles.Italian distinguis...
Pirastro Violin String Guide
🎻 Cello size guide 🎻We pride ourselves on our sizing of young players in store, however to help you check the size of yo...

Address


5-7 Glenwood Avenue
Melbourne, VIC
3150

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 5pm
Tuesday 11am - 5pm
Thursday 11am - 5pm
Friday 11am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 2pm

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