Even though viola and cello both use a bow to produce music, a cello bow can’t be used to play a viola and vice versa. The bows of these instruments have different characteristics that make them distinct from each other. Here is your definite list of references for the differences between a viola and cello bow.
CHARACTERISTICS
- Frog – Also known as heel, both the cello and viola bow share a square-shape frog. However, the heel of the cello bow is shorter and weighs lighter (around 10 grams) than those of viola bows.
- Height – Comparing to the length of a typical viola bow, the cello has shorter bows.
- Alto Clef – The usage of alto clef for viola makes it different from cello. If you’re already into playing viola for years, you know that it’s easy to read the clef once you’ve familiarized yourself with the knowledge that the middle C is the centerline of the music staff. Cello, on the other hand usestenor clef often which is floating one line higher on the music staff.
- Sound – Of course, the sound produced through playing the bow into an instrument sound different. For viola, since it has thicker strings, the bow strokes should be able to accommodate a clear and loud sound so that it can be heard despite different instruments playing all at once. Moreover, it serves as the intermediary for the cello and bass. The cello, through the help of bow, produce human-like pitch sound which makes it different from therest of the instruments in an orchestra.
SIZES AND AGES
The viola bow usually weighs 70 grams, making it lighter than a cello bow that weighs 80 grams at most. In terms of age, the bow size of viola varies as follows:
- 15” or more – For 11 years old and up
- 14” – For kids whose age range from 9–12 years old
- 13” – Ideal for kids whose age range from 7-9 years old
- 12” – Appropriate for kids whose age range from 6-7 years old
- 11” – Ideal for kids who age range from 5-6 years old
The same also applies for cello bow appropriate to be used at certain age range:
- 4/4 – Best for kids and adult starting from 14 years old and up
- ¾ – For 11-13 years old cello players
- ½ – For kids whose age range from 8-10 years old
- 1/4 – For kids whose age range from 6-7 years old
- 1/8 – Ideal for kids whose age range from 5-6 years old
Another reason for their differences is that both instruments have distinct strings. While both the cello and viola share the same tune in 5ths (A, D, G and C), the strings of the viola produce deeper tone and can play from C3 to E6, while cello plays at C2 to C6.
Also, physically, viola is played through putting it between a musician’s shoulder and chin while the cello is placed down between the musician’s knees with its end pin placed at the floor for balance. Thus, their bows should have different sizes and characteristics to provide efficient and superb sound.
Nonetheless, despite distinctions, both instruments play a great role in making today’s music sound mesmerizing and enthralling. An orchestra would not be complete without these two adding a rich taste to music that developed over time.