EBow / FAQ
Good questions. Clear answers.
What is an EBow?
A handheld, battery-powered electronic bow for guitar. It supplies a magnetic drive field to one string, opening up sustained notes and bow-like articulation without a conventional pick attack. How EBow works →
How does it work?
A focused magnetic feedback loop keeps the string vibrating. The manufacturer calls this Direct String Synthesis: the action takes place on the string, before the guitar pickup produces the output signal. How EBow works →
Does it give infinite sustain?
It can keep an aligned string vibrating while it remains powered and correctly positioned. “Infinite sustain” describes continued drive, not a guarantee for every fret, string and setup or an unlimited battery life. Techniques →
Will it work on every electric guitar?
The guide describes use with different magnetic pickups, but does not promise identical response on every guitar. String spacing, alignment, pickup selection and distance all matter. Begin with the neck pickup and a middle string. Getting started →
Does it work with humbuckers?
Yes. The guide describes a passive humbucker as offering the largest playing area. It has two HotSpots with a weaker position between them, so explore both coils rather than assuming the centre is best. How EBow works →
Does it work with single coils?
Yes. A single coil provides a smaller playing area and may sound thinner or brighter. The manufacturer suggests rolling off some highs when needed. Getting started →
What about active pickups?
The guide discusses active pickups too. They can benefit from reduced highs and a guitar volume around half. Treat these as starting adjustments, then listen to the response of your instrument. Getting started →
Can I use it on an acoustic guitar?
An acoustic with a magnetic soundhole pickup responds more like an electric. A piezo, bridge transducer or microphone gives a quieter result without the same magnetic HotSpot for bowing strokes and spiccato. It is not the same technique on every acoustic. How EBow works →
Can I use it on bass?
The device was designed for guitar string spacing. Bass use requires adapted alignment because the support strings are farther apart. The official guide describes tilting and alternative support methods; it is more demanding than the basic guitar position. Techniques →
Does it touch the string?
In ordinary sustain playing, the guide grooves rest on neighbouring strings, while the central driven string remains free in the DriveChannel. Contact with the channel can buzz or stop vibration. Getting started →
Do I need guitar effects?
No effect pedal is needed to supply the string drive. The guide describes clean playing and optional distortion or tone adjustments for different textures. Learn the basic response with a clear sound first. Getting started →
Does it replace a sustain pedal?
It acts directly on one string instead of processing the guitar output as a pedal does. Choose it for hands-on string drive and articulation; it is not a drop-in substitute for every function of a sustain effect. How EBow works →
How long does it take to learn?
The official FAQ says useful sounds can come early, while subtle control takes practice. There is no fixed learning time. Begin with one stable note, then add movement and string changes. Getting started →
What is the HotSpot?
The strongest response near the selected magnetic pickup. Its location is important for dynamic control and cross-string playing; a humbucker has two HotSpots. Techniques →
What is harmonic mode?
One of the two PlusEBow modes. It encourages upper harmonics, while standard mode favours the fundamental. Position, fretted notes, bends and vibrato also influence the result. Harmonic mode →
Which battery does it use?
The official Player’s Guide specifies a 9-volt battery. Follow the manufacturer’s handling and installation instructions. Getting started →
Can I play chords?
The drive focuses on one string at a time. You can hold a chord shape and sound its notes successively as an arpeggio; that differs from sustaining every chord string at once. Techniques →
How do I change strings?
Relax pressure and let the guide grooves settle into the next position. A steady wrist and arm movement help maintain alignment. Start between middle strings before tackling the outside E strings. Getting started →
Can I use delay and reverb?
The device drives the string before the guitar’s output signal, so delay and reverb are separate processing choices. The official learning material does not prescribe settings for those effects; learn the direct response first and judge your effect balance by listening. Sounds →
Why is it too loud?
The guide warns that the signal increases near the pickup. Lower guitar volume and treble when learning, or move away from the HotSpot for a gentler sustain. Getting started →
Why does the string not vibrate?
Check alignment, the useful pickup area and whether the driven string touches the channel. With correct alignment, a little more pressure on the support strings or a left-hand hammer-on can help. Outside strings need extra care. Getting started →
Do I need a loud amplifier?
No. The manufacturer describes controlled sustain at any listening volume, including through headphones. The drive field comes from the handheld device, not acoustic feedback from a loudspeaker. How EBow works →
What is the difference between EBow and PlusEBow?
EBow is the product name; PlusEBow refers to the generation introducing harmonic mode. The guide also describes the later PlusEBow Fire, which retains the fundamental in harmonic mode. Check the retailer’s model details rather than identifying a version from an older demonstration. Harmonic mode →
Where can I buy it, and who distributes it in Poland?
Retail purchases are handled by authorized retailer Strunygitarowe.pl. Firma Muzyczna is the Official EBow Distributor in Poland; wholesale cooperation is for Polish music retailers. Where to buy →