Here's why playing a mandolin with a violin bow isn't practical:
Bowing action: The curvature and tension of a violin bow are designed to draw long, sustained sounds from the violin's strings. The mandolin, however, has shorter and thinner strings and produces a brighter and more percussive sound when plucked. Using a violin bow on the mandolin would result in an awkward and unnatural bowing action.
Intonation and string gauge: The spacing of the strings on a mandolin is different from that on a violin, and the gauges (thicknesses) of the strings are also different. Using a violin bow on the mandolin would make it challenging to achieve proper intonation (correct pitch) and would put excessive pressure on the mandolin's delicate strings, potentially causing them to break.
Playing technique: The technique for playing the mandolin involves picking the strings with a plectrum, which allows for a wide range of articulation and dynamics. Using a violin bow would restrict the player's ability to produce the characteristic plucking sounds and tremolo techniques associated with the mandolin.
Sound quality: The tone and timbre produced by a mandolin are distinct from those of a violin. The mandolin has a bright, twangy sound, while the violin has a warm, rich tone. Using a violin bow on the mandolin would not produce the same kind of sound as if it were being bowed properly on a violin.
Therefore, while it is theoretically possible to draw sound from a mandolin using a violin bow, it is not practical or recommended due to the differences in design, playing techniques, and tonal characteristics between the two instruments.