This is a brand new carbon fiber violin bow. It's hard to tell from the photos, but the color is not black, but rather a greige (it looks almost black, but upon closer inspection, it has a slight brown tint). How about this as a spare bow during this time of year, or while your main bow is being rehaired? For beginners, there's the added benefit that it won't break easily, unlike wooden bows, even if handled a bit roughly.