Bow advice?

fcleffer · #1 08-11-2009, 09:06 PM

I'm wondering, as I begin bow technique studies, if there is significant difference in sound quality when comparing the different quality of bows. I'm using both French and German, as I have not yet settled into a real comfort zone with either, and mine are the $70 variety strung with horse hair. Since I am serious about developing arco technique, it seems reasonable to spend a few dollars if it will support better results.

Also, I am using an old Kay five-string, strung with Spirocore Weichs with a high C. I play a lot of pizz, and love the strings for that. I might guess that these are not the very best strings for arco, but wonder if there is significant handicap regarding their use.

Thanks.

Andrew McGregor · #2 08-11-2009, 09:18 PM

Weichs are bowable fine. They're somewhat more difficult than some strings, but, for example, I played them in the orchestra for about 15 years.

As for bow quality: up to a point, you get what you pay for. Anything up to about $1000 there's an appreciable improvement in quality; above that, it's more about matching a high-end bow to player and instrument, and the quality is all pretty similar, except if you get a perfect match and then the results are spectacular.

I'd suggest you try to find a roughly $300 carbon fibre bow, as that's probably the best compromise for where you're at.

fcleffer · #3 08-11-2009, 11:02 PM

thanks. Pretty much what I wanted to hear. A bout rosin: I was urged to get Pops, which I did. It seems pretty hard, and I wonder if anyone can describe to me what the texture/consistency should feel like. Should it dent with fingernail, shape-change with slight squeeze, cut glass like a diamond, etc.?

zeytoun · #4 08-12-2009, 01:35 AM

Pops Rosin

Andrew McGregor · #5 08-12-2009, 02:48 AM

Totally depends on the temperature and humidity. Pops should be fairly soft, as in dents with a fingernail, in warm weather, but hard in cool. Don't leave it in a car in the sun, it runs and makes a mess.

When you rosin the bow with it, you should be able to smell the pine scent of the rosin, and see the powder on the hair, especially if it is black hair. If you run a fingernail crossways over the back of the hair, you should get a bit of rosin on your finger. Don't do this on the front because you don't want finger grease on the hair.