Bow options

Sippy · #1 03-02-2007, 08:39 PM

Hey guys I'm not really shopping persey, just being "aware" of bows that are out there. Right now I'm using an Upton workshop French bow. I'm looking to see what kind of upgrades are out there. Right now I have two in mine a Tom Owen French bow, and a Prochownik French bow. I've noticed Owen's bows are <$1,000. The Prochownik bows are $1,200+. My instructor , who is very knowledgable and helpful recommended the Prochownik, but I've noticed the reviews and comments for the Prochownik have been "Great practice bow, great Student bow" yet the same reviews have been given for the Owen's bow.
Is the Prochownik really that much better then the Tom Owens that it is worth spending an extra $700-$1,100. Or is the Tom Owen bow just as good, just a much better deal.

Sippy · #2 03-03-2007, 07:59 PM

Actually with some more exploring through the wonderful world wide web, I didn't realize how many bows are in my price range. So let me rephrase this question... You are given $500-$1,200... what french bow do you buy? and why?

Steinar · #3 03-04-2007, 03:58 AM

I'm very happy with my Prochownik. Sounded better than several bows priced 2x or more.

Silversorcerer · #4 03-04-2007, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sippy

Actually with some more exploring through the wonderful world wide web, I didn't realize how many bows are in my price range. So let me rephrase this question... You are given $500-$1,200... what french bow do you buy? and why?

We all wish it was that easy! I have been bow shopping lately, and it really doesn't seem too different than when I was less experienced and went bow shopping. I was looking for a little lower in that range and what I found was no two bows from the same maker are alike. I have two of the bows from Gollihur now and am trying out bows up to $600-$700, I must have tried 50+ bows and I have so far found only one that I sort of like better than the best of my two cheap bows. And it was only a $400 bow. So I guess I got lucky with that one cheap bow, but I begin to wonder if at any price point there is a sudden increase in consistency and what that price point would be. Add in personal preference and feel and it becomes very hard to say, "Buy this bow from this maker at this price." If you asked for a good bow (not excellent) under $200, it is a much easier question. Beyond that, you sort of just have to do a lot of bow shopping.

DaveAceofBass · #5 03-10-2007, 08:03 AM

I love my Prochownik bow. Be advised it has a deep camber, great for Rabbath-like playing. Not great for a heavy handed person. Amazing balance and tone, and Mr. Prochownik is a great guy. I got mine from George Vance. (www.slavapub.net) I tried out like 7 or 8 and picked my favorite one. You might also ask George if he has any Duhaut bows in stock. He didn't when I bought my Prochownik, but my old teacher suggested the Prochownik anyway.

Sippy · #6 03-10-2007, 09:56 AM

Yea I just tried a prochownik and I really really liked it. But I have recently been looking into Brazil bowmakers. Horst John (aka John Brasil) bows are on the way for me to try out.

jfv · #7 03-10-2007, 02:31 PM

The ONLY way to shop for a bow is by playing
them. Well, if you are a beginner, or some jazz
player who is buying a bow that will probably
sit unused 99% of the time, then maybe you can
just go buy a bow from some web site

But, if
you are going to actually use the thing then there's
no substitute for holding and feeling and playing it.

For instance, my bow cost me only $800, but I have
played a friend's bow that cost over 2K and I'd take
mine any day.

If you are a beginner then try to find someone who
plays that type bow to help play and test them.

Oh yes, one last comment, play on your own bass if
at all possible. Bow + bass makes the sound and each
one effects the other, a bow that sounds great on one
bass may be less so on a different bass.

The bass is the canvas, the bow is the brush, which is
more important? Think about it.

Sippy · #8 03-13-2007, 08:00 PM

Well guys I had a couple of Horst John bows delivered yesterday to try out, what amazingly quality!!!! You can se pics on my bass blog.

Silversorcerer · #9 03-13-2007, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sippy

Well guys I had a couple of Horst John bows delivered yesterday to try out, what amazingly quality!!!! You can se pics on my bass blog.

I see you decided to let the Fender go for the new bow.

A noble sacrifice, I hope. Great looking bows for sure!

Sippy · #10 03-14-2007, 06:57 AM

i actually still have the Fender. I've been saving for a while for a new bow. The fender is kinda for sale. I'm not advertising it, but if somebody offers me something I'd sell it.
And yea the bows are great, I can't' decide which one I like more.