The most frequently asked question:

Can't I just bow my regular guitar?
Well, yes, you can (a little). You may be able to bow the high E or low E strings (the way Jimmy Page did). That's pretty much it. A traditional acoustic or electric guitar has serious limitations when it comes to bowing. First of all, in order to bow individual strings, it is essential that the plane of the strings is arched (not flat like a typical guitar). It is possible to raise bridge saddles on the middle strings of an electric guitar and chain-saw the sides for bow clearance. This works well for bowing individual open strings. The problem is that the raised action on the middle four strings is high off the fingerboard to the point where play-ability (action) and intonation are seriously affected. It is essential that the fingerboard is rounded (deep compound radius) in a consistent plane with the strings (like a cello or violin).

The other problem is with pickups and amplification. Magnetic (electric guitar) and under-saddle (acoustic) pickups do not work well when strings are bowed. (in fact, they sound like crap-to be blunt). The sound is thin, scratchy, weak, and "AM radio" like when compared to plucked sound. This is due to the fact that bowed strings vibrate in a horizontal motion (direction of bow) as opposed to a round (all directions) motion. (I learned this the hard way!!) The proprietary bridge/pickup systems on my GuitarViols (US Patent # 7,230,174) addresses this. It is fun to A/B the difference between this and conventional pickups.

Can't I just modify my guitar for bowing?
You can; with very limited results. It can be fun for some weird "haunting and groovy" noises (with effects) on the occasional track. That's pretty much it. The limitations and drawbacks that I have outlined in the previous paragraph pretty much sum it up: Limitations suck, don't they? To achieve musical results, you really need the right instrument (not a modified one). Consider the following tool analogy: you could (sometimes) turn a Phillips screw with a tipped flat-head screwdriver, but, wouldn't it be better to use a Phillips screwdriver to turn a Phillips screw? Using a flat-head screw-driver to turn a Phillips screw is a drag isn't it? You get my point.

Why not just use an E-Bow?
E-Bows generate a sustain that is more similar to feedback in timbre. They excite the strings by means of an electric magnetic pulse. (Very cool product, by the way. Go buy one! They are still less than $100.00 US.) They are good for contrast because they are different. A very usable device but definitely not a bowed sound.

Do you sell your pickups/bridge so I can modify my [popular electric guitar]?
Okay, one more time: Even if I did sell my BOWD HORIZON bridge (I don't) , it would be a lot of hacking and trouble just to modify the body to make it work. The other problem is still going to be the neck. Might as well replace the fingerboard, indeed the neck. What a freaking mess!! At the end of the day, it still would not be easy to balance and play. It is much easier, less trouble, less expensive (believe it or not), and far better to have me build you a proper instrument. I am pretty good at this. (really! Just read the testimonials!)

Imagine, if you will, a guitar that is designed to be bowed as well as plucked. Imagine a Viola with frets that is tuned, held, and played like a guitar. It is a wonderful secondary instrument for guitar players. My latest GuitarViol (US Patent # 7,230,174) design is the result of almost three decades of research, trials, and development. Yes, there is a learning curve to bowing (I am still learning!). The rewards are worth it.

Please feel free to contact me if you have more questions.