Who is this for? You really need a special bow and special sound.

If you are looking for a different sound than a conventional bow on traditional musical instruments. You need to bow Gong or percussion, material that has attached contact mic or electronics, guitar, toys, kitchen sink or truck bumper or something with a hard surface… probably Kobo will give you a good answer.

You need to explore, step out of normal bow sound.

You must step out of the idea of the traditional bow to use Kobo. The sound, length, weight, touch, feel, and type of energy are all different. Kobo stands alone as an experimental tool that can take you away from hundreds of years of traditional sound.

Process making Kobo

Each Kobo Bow is handmade in my workshop, it takes about twenty working hours to complete each bow. I use some power tools but mostly hand tools to carve the wood. It takes a lot of time and learning.  I don’t use computerized cutting machines and never do cookie cutter type of factory process towards my bows. I put my love into each bow, they are all so unique and different. I identify myself as an artist that makes sculpture, not a bow maker. 

What kind of bow?

The most popular models are my original Percussion Bow (percussion-medium) and Bass Bow (German grip, or hybrid, rare making French). I have many more styles I have developed, and can work with you on further customization. Kobo has a synthetic hair which is extremely durable and makes a very powerful sound. There is no tensioner and no need to release hair tension after playing- Kobo retains it’s tension until it is re-haired. The strength of the synthetic hair means it is very rare to need to re-hair the bow. I have had many experiences with Kobo on contra Bass. The sound is very different than a traditional horsehair bow…thick, louder and lighter weight. If you are a classical percussionist Kobo is excellent on Vibraphone, Xylophone and Marimba. There is great clear space between the hair and the body when you press hard on the edge of keys. Kobo is just the right tool for these instruments.

Variety of Kobo-Bows

1. Percussion Short length (good for accessory use, all purpose)

2. Percussion Medium length (suitable bowing under 30” wind gong and all type of percussion)

3. Percussion Large (able to bow over 35” wind gongs, big and heavy bow)

4. Bass German Grip (single wood construction or laminated)

5. Bass French Grip  (single wood construction or laminated)

6. Bass Hybrid (laminated construction)

7. Cello (laminated construction)

8. Guitar (single wood construction or laminate)

9. any other specific purpose, one of a kind art bows and beyond

Variety of Hard wood use

1. Brazilian Cherry

2. Mexican Rosewood

3. European Beech

4. Oak wood

5. Blood wood

6. Sepele

7. Lace wood

8. Rock Maple

9. Bubinga

10. Walnut

11. Hickory

12. USA domestic Cherry

13. Lyptus

14. Chechen

15. Pine wood

How can I purchase it? How much does a Kobo Bow cost?

Please contact to discuss your needs and initiate an order. The price of each Kobo Bow depends on the type of wood, size, and customization. We will come to a price during our discussion. Generally, Kobo bow is $380-$500. Simple basic construction model starts at $250, special art bow is $1000 or more,

Shipping Cost?

Shipping+handling vary each bows. We usually charge domestic in the USA for $30 (as of March 2024, USPS Priority mail with tracking, arrives in 2-3 days). International shipping is depends on country but around $60 for central Europe (Priority International 6-10 days) . Wrapping paper and bubble wrap in the box, we never have experienced damage during shipment.

Repair?

Re-hair is generally around $50 (+s&h). I can also repair minor or major damage, contact me about your specific problem. I want Kobo to last many generations.

Payment

I accept through cash, USA personal check/money order, PayPal, and Venmo. We are artist: Friends and Family.

How long will it take to get my Kobo?

Currently, the waiting list is about two year (March, 2023). Please contact me and I will put your name on the waiting list. I will contact you again when I am ready to make one for you. No need for deposit when putting your name on the waitlist,  but keep it in mind and save up some money so you are ready when it’s time to bring a Kobo Bow into your life. 

Buy it again?

My policy is that returning customer has some advantage over new customer. So if you have previously purchased a Kobo Bow, but want to have second one or would like to gift to someone. Then you will get a higher position on the list. This is how I respect my returning customer relationships. So make sure you should tell me if you are a returning customer when you contact me.

Return or Exchange?

A Kobo Bow is a work of art, no returns and no complaining. I make each custom Kobo Bow for the each order. Once I ship out the bow I don’t accept returns. But please ask me If you have any problem. I am a living human being as you are and not corporate rules and policy... I will try help as much as I can.

Put your name on the waiting list now?

yes, hit the button below. Talk to you soon!