I would recommend any serious string student, particularly someone who travels, to have a second bow, even a less expensive one. You may not have the luck to find a professor or friendly student to lend you a bow; it’s also better to have a second bow that you’re familiar with. You can get a modern Brazilian bow that will do as a placeholder during emergencies, rehairs, and even international travel if you’re concerned about ivory on the other bow. I don’t think you need to invest the same energy nor nearly as much money in a second bow as you would for your primary bow.
Our d uses a good quality carbon-fiber bow as a backup. It isn’t as susceptible to the vicissitudes of weather (the “wood” part; the hair is always). Coda makes a decent CF bow for WAY less than the cost of a good pernambucco. It rarely gets used, but has been good “cheap insurance.” And big stress relief, which is worth a lot.
Son is testing a few local inexpensive bows today after school. Wish we had time to order a carbon bow. We leave today for Indiana for his next audition.
@cellomom6 do any of the places you’re auditioning have music shops nearby? I recall, for example, that Eastman has one right down the street. They should all carry decent carbon bows as a matter of course. Bloomington’s a big town, and I’d think there would be someplace to buy a bow… IF, of course, you have the time. Always the kicker, time…
I don’t think we have time. Yeah the most expensive bow he’s testing is only a 180 Brazil wood bow. I’m guessing it wont be amazing. I will research. Perhaps if we get up at 5 am we’ll get there soon enough to bow shop.
Bloomington is actually not a big place so don’t count on them having cello bows available at local stores. DS is a freshman and he actually orders all of his music online through Shar and brought his bows home at Christmas to be rehaired. Son is a violinist otherwise I would have put him on standby for you this weekend in case you need a spare bow. However, there are lots of students around during the audition weekend and given the size of the school I am sure all you would have to do is ask someone if they know a cellist. If you actually do run into trouble just PM me and I will get in touch with my son.
BTW, if you are there for the weekend there is an opera playing on Friday and Saturday evenings - Alcina (Handel). Son is in chamber orchestra and they are in the pit for this one. Should be good and would be a great way for you and your son to see the MAC (theater).
Good luck to your son!
@BCVIOLINMOM how is your son liking IU? I remember when he was deciding last year!
@glassharmonica, thanks for asking. He loves it there. Everything has worked out exactly as we had hoped. He likes his teacher, the orchestra he plays in is going to Seoul over March break (I am jealous), he played in a student/faculty concert in the fall and a couple of weeks ago played in a masterclass for Midori. He has made some great friends and couldn’t wait to go back after the Christmas break. He is VERY happy with his decision and ultimately that is the most important thing.
I remember all you experience posters last year telling us newbies that everything would work out for the best and, of course, you were exactly right!!! They thrive wherever they land.
I hope all your kids are having a great year too.
My daughter wanted me in the building, specifically in the same hallway, but NOT within earshot of her audition and I readily agreed. There was no way I was going sit right outside her room but often ended up down the hall, outside someone else’s audition. Once I looked down towards my daughter’s audition room to see an anxious mom staring back at the room I was sitting near. We were both doing the same thing! Audition day is a good day to commiserate with other parents.
Great story, @jb1966!
Thanks bcviolinmom. That is comforting to know we have help if needed. We will be in Columbus, Ohio Tuesday and will look up a Luther there for a different bow. We are in Indiana today and my son is at his sample lesson. He auditions at 4 tomorrow and will have plenty of time to practice and relax before he plays.
Good luck tomorrow and I hope he enjoyed his lesson today.
Thanks bcviolinmom! He liked his lesson. He is now practicing and warming up for his 4pm audition. I think he prefers the 9 am audition time.
He isn’t happy about his playing right now and has all day to think about it. I just told him to focus on his strengths and not worry about the other stuff.
I can see why your son loves it here. There’s a lot of flexibility with how they structured their music degrees. And the teachers are great.
Good luck to your son today, @cellomom6!!
Looking forward to hearing how his audition went. 
He was very stressed and things weren’t working in the practice room. He really had me worried. He came out very happy. Said his concerto went well and the Bach not as clean and was just happy he did his best. He is now practicing for tomorrow while I’m at the concert at university of illinois.
Btw. I got ahold of a music shop in Columbus, Ohio and he is taken care for bow, fixing his straps on his case. The salesperson said it was cello heaven there.
Sweet, so glad you found a cello heaven!
I’m now sitting on the 3rd floor ledge of the recital hall listening to piano and violin auditions waft up here. It’s beautiful and relaxing.
Back away from that ledge, Cellomom6! 
Hope the audition went well today cellomom6. Where are you headed now for the audition on Monday?