BAHCO 296 Stradivarius Musical Saw

I really like this musical saw. Most of the time, I play on regular 26" hardware store (i.e., not exclusively musical) saws. While those regular saws are perfectly playable, this Bahco Stradivarius is worlds apart in terms of range and especially sustain. I like that this saw has teeth (so it still looks like a real saw) but they are not pointed or sharpened. The blade appears to be coated with a layer of clear varnish or polyurethane to protect the steel from oxidation, which is a smart feature. This is a nice looking saw as much as it is a nice playing one.Responding to the earlier reviewer's claim that this saw is too stiff to make the s-bend, that is really not true in my experience of this saw. The problem experienced by the earlier reviewer was probably the newbie mistake of trying to make way too much s-bend (it only takes a very little bit to make the saw play).Perhaps the only drawbacks to this saw are that it does not include any accessories, especially a case (the comparable Wentworth baritone musical saw is available in a package deal that includes the saw, case, bow, bow case, rosin, and cheat) and there is not a nail hole in the narrow end, making it tough to attach a standard cheat to this saw.

The saw came fast. The box came crushed but the saw was fine. I ordered a cello 4/4 bow and am waiting for it to come, so I can try and play it. The price was good. I have seen them sell for $140 dollars, so this is a good idea.

Buyers beware there is a naked person pictured on the instrument lol I will be covering with Jesus stickers haha I get my cello bow on Tuesday and will update this with how it sounds then, I'm excited to try it. There are jaws but they're not sharp so you really have to try to cut yourself with it, so that's good, much safer than a normal saw. Someone recommended to me that I should start off with a cheap saw from the Home Depot or something but knowing myself I bought this instead knowing that if I followed their advice I'd likely cut my arm open and be very sad. I wanted one because when played well it's the best instrument I've ever heard and my new favorite. It's the only instrument where after hearing it I thought I could and would love to play this. So we'll see how it goes on Tuesday lol

Great instrument. It has a very rich sound. I started off playing a 26" Great Neck. It did we'll, but the sound, and the range of the Stradivarius is far superior. I can see how this was made as an instrument versus a tool. You won't go wrong with this saw. On another "note", this is a Snap-On product. The BAHCO brand was purchased by Snap-On in 1999 as a sub-brand of Sandvik Saws and Tools. But the original creation process is in place, and the product is the same as the original distribution.

I had several issues with this saw. When I opened the box I noticed some scratches all over the blade, not just light scratches that could be possibly buffed out with some metal polish but deep grooves that you can feel with your fingernail. I tried to take some pictures of some of the issues but with the lighting I had it doesn't show up as well through a camera. There is a plastic guard that covers the non-sharpened teeth during shipping and when you remove it you will see small scratches up and down the teeth area where this "protector" has been. Also, it did not have brass hardware attaching the handle as it states in the description. It was just cheap screws that weren't even installed properly. I would expect this kind of quality from a regular saw from a hardware/home improvement store but after looking at a few in person at several hardware stores before ordering this one I was severely disappointed. This was to be a nicer musical saw and it is by far the worst condition of even the cheapest ones I looked at. Combine all those complaints with the other negatives about this saw (no bag or case, no pre-drilled hole to install a cheat, no bow) and it makes for a pretty disappointing experience in ordering this saw.

This is a really good and beautiful musical saw. The sound is really spectacular.The only thing is that it is really hard to play.Apart from that: I am living in China now, and Amazon is allowed to send the saw... but not the bow and the rosin!!! OK, I can find them here, but... quite strange.Also, I miss that we could find the cheat and the box in Amazon too.

Unless you already know how, saws are extremely difficult to play. This one is so long it is especially stiff and hard to make the "s" curve with. I'm sure it would be super if I were not a beginner. I'm going to find a saw playing friend to help me.

She's a beauty, and the sound is great. I have lots to learn. Using a violin bow, kinda wished i ordered a cello, violin is a bit long, but not a big deal. Also, Can you guys start selling the handle/cheats? Couldn't find any on amazon. I bet you'd sell a lot of those here.Thanks for the quick shipping.