I just returned from the violin shop (and a quick stop at the coin store) after buying a new bow. Having never spent this much on one, I wasn’t sure what to expect when played on my own instrument. Although, if I were smart, I would have taken mine to “test drive” bows before purchasing one.
With a bit more rosin applied and after a minute or so of playing, I am (almost) speechless at the difference in sound. It feels like a completely different instrument.