Things 4 Strings Bow Hold Fish

Teaching Aid • Bow Hold Training

A clever, fish-shaped guide that trains the pinky into a naturally rounded bow hold. Designed by master string teachers. Loved by students of all ages.

What It Is A pinky guide that builds the habit you want

The Bow Hold Fish sits on the bow stick and gently guides the pinky into a rounded, relaxed position. The shape isn't decorative. It is precisely designed so the finger settles where it needs to be, encouraging muscle memory through repetition rather than constant correction.

Invented by Ruth Brons and Martha Brons, both master string teachers, the Things 4 Strings range has been helping students from age 3 upwards build a functional bow hold for decades. The patented design is used in Suzuki studios, school orchestras, and private lessons worldwide.

Available in five colours: sunny yellow, bright blue, concert black, frosty clear, and sparkly pink.

Key Specs

Instruments

Violin, viola and cello

Fit

Universal (all bow sizes)

Ages

3 to adult (universal)

Material

Soft flexible plastic

Colours available

5 colours

Origin

USA (patented)

Who It's For From the first bow hold to remedial work Beginners

Reach a functional bow hold faster so lesson time goes to music, not constant corrections. Continuing students

Useful for remedial work when a pinky habit has formed that needs retraining. Special needs

Therapists have found many applications for players with physical challenges in the bow hand.

How to Use Two weeks on, two weeks off

Slide the fish onto the bow stick so it rests just above the winding area. The pinky nest should be facing upward. Place the pinky naturally into the curved hollow.

Use for two weeks, then remove for two weeks. Repeat until the muscle memory is established and the rounded hold holds on its own. Do not use continuously or the player may become reliant on the device rather than developing independent technique.

Your teacher can advise on the right schedule for each student's age and stage.

Care Storage Easy to keep clean

The Bow Hold Fish can be rinsed under warm water and left to air-dry. Do not boil or machine-wash. When not in use, remove it from the bow and store loosely in your case or instrument bag. It does not need to be kept on the bow between practice sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions What age is this suitable for?

It works for players aged 3 and up. The fit is universal across bow sizes, so it suits young beginners on fractional instruments as well as adult learners starting later in life. Does it fit without removing the bow's frog or winding?

Yes. It slides over the stick from the tip end and sits in position without any disassembly of the bow. When should a student stop using it?

Once the student can maintain a relaxed, rounded pinky consistently without the aid, and the teacher is satisfied with the natural bow hold. The two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off method helps judge this readiness gradually. Can it be washed?

Yes. Rinse under warm water and air-dry. It is a shared or classroom setting-friendly accessory because it can be cleaned easily between students. Does it work for cello as well as violin?

Yes. Things 4 Strings makes bow hold accessories for violin, viola, and cello. The same concept applies across all three instruments, adapting to the respective bow size and grip style.

In store

Come in and try it at Symphonia Strings

57-59 Wellington St, Freemans Bay, Auckland 🎹