Bow Problem

[Illfavor]

I have this problem (and have had it often) where my bow either gets stuck and doesn't tighten at all past a certain point, or the tightening rod starts to come away from the frog as it's loosened, creating a gap between the from and the rod. Is there any way to fix it? I think it may be caused by the humid and changing climate I live in.

[bpclark]

Originally Posted by Illfavor

I have this problem (and have had it often) where my bow either gets stuck and doesn't tighten at all past a certain point, .

This sounds to me like there may be some threads stripped on the screw or in the nut.

[Bethelbass1]

I had that exact problem, it was a stripped screw.

[KSB - Ken Smith]

Take your Bow to a Bow Professional (one that makes and repairs Bows for a living) or to a Bass Luthier that also works on Bows. It can be saved with a new screw and 'eye' in the Frog. I don't know what kind of bow you have or its cost. Replacing it and upgrading is also an option to consider. this is a personal decision and totally up to the player and his budget.

[JimGullen]

Originally Posted by Illfavor

I have this problem (and have had it often) where my bow either gets stuck and doesn't tighten at all past a certain point.

I may be reading this incorrectly, but it sounds like you are tightening the screw and after a while you can't tighten the screw any more. If this is the case, your hair is too long, and you've reached the end of the mortise. You have run the frog's eyelet up to the edge of the mortise. Additional attempts...past this point...to tighten the hair will strip the eyelet. If the eyelet has already become stripped, this is a common and very fixable problem.

You are correct that the humid weather effects bow hair. It stretches in the summer and shrinks in the winter. Many players rehair twice a year (spring and fall) for just this reason. Different types of hair are more or less susceptible to humidity. I have had to shorten the stallion hair in my bow 2 times in the past 2 months! Black hair is typically less effected by humidity.

Like Ken said, take the bow to someone who knows bows. They may be able to shorten the current hair and they can check to make sure the eyelet is still in good order.

Best regards!
Jim

[Illfavor]

Thanks guys. Great info and help. I'm off to see the Luthier, the wonderful Luthier of Edmond!