Bow selection

Nohandles · #1 10-28-2007, 07:43 AM

I need to buy a French bow. I have a German bow that cost around a grand "I got for 100 bucks long story. My teacher teaches French bow and would prefer me to change. So my question is what should I expect to pay for a bow that will last me a life time? I have been looking and reading and now I confused. So if you would be so kind in directing me in the right direction I would be most appreciative.
By the way I have no preference to German or Frence since I have very little experience in bowing in a teaching setting.

Dave R · #2 10-28-2007, 06:47 PM

I just bought a used french bow for $100...

I may be outa line, here, but I question a teacher who won't let you use a german bow...

greitzer · #3 10-28-2007, 11:56 PM

Nohandles -- a couple of observations to offer -- first, if you're going to buy a new French bow just because your teacher asked you to, then I wouldn't spend a whole lot of money on it. You may not like the French bow. You may not stick with it. You may not stick with that teacher.

Second, the prices people pay for their favorite "bow of a lifetime" vary all over the place. Some bassists have found 'em for a few hundred, some a few thousand. My first bow was rented, my first purchased bow cost $275, and my second (the one I'm still using) cost around $700 and I have no plans to replace it any time soon. Try a few, and maybe you could take two or three to your teacher and ask his/her advice on which one is best.

Good luck.

ClassicalBass · #4 10-29-2007, 01:23 AM

My teacher recommended that I check out several bows, all varying in price, and play each of them to find my favorite - without looking at the prices. Then, afterward, when you find the one which fits you best, and sounds best,. you might be surprised to find that it isn't the most expensive which is the best.

In other words, don't choose based on price, pick one based on sound and comfort. But keep your German bow handy if you decide French doesn't work out for you.

Personally, I would never ask a student to switch to French for my sake, but I've heard of several teachers who do it.

Nohandles · #5 10-29-2007, 05:48 AM

I had an interesting twist happen this weekend. I got together with a group to play bass. 3 out of the 4 of us play French so I got to use the French bow with some instruction. It felt completely unnatural to me in my hand. Although I felt with practice it would give me more control. The German bow feels completely natural, felt more powerful to me and doesn't give me any aces in my arm. The French left my forearm sore and achy. I know this was just one day so my friend gave me his bow to take home and try it for a while. If I end up like the German better then I will find another teacher.
I'm not looking to upset anyone but merely my first observation after trying a French bow.

Doug

KSB - Ken Smith · #6 10-29-2007, 06:12 AM

Well, as you progress more as a player you will demand more from your Bow. This is where cheaper Bows will fail you, performance. Professional players usually use only the best Bows available and many of them are always searching for new and better ones. These range from 2k on the low end to over 10k on the upper end.

I have owned many bows in this range and after experiencing the best out there, there is no looking back..

dakpluto · #7 10-29-2007, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassicalBass

In other words, don't choose based on price, pick one based on sound and comfort.

Exactly what I was gonna say.

Price means nothing. 95% of the time price only means looks and more exotic materials. Price can never tell you how good it will feel or sound in your hands.

greitzer · #8 10-29-2007, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dakpluto

Exactly what I was gonna say.

Price means nothing...

Especially when Nohandles doesn't yet know if he will even like French or stick with it.

Nohandles, there are good bows out there for a couple hundred bucks (and maybe less) that can get you started.

Nohandles · #9 11-06-2007, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greitzer

Especially when Nohandles doesn't yet know if he will even like French or stick with it.

Nohandles, there are good bows out there for a couple hundred bucks (and maybe less) that can get you started.

Well as luck would have it I can stay with the German bow for now. Other interesting thing I discovered a real old French bow I had been given a long time ago. It had been hanging in my workshop for 20 plus years. Anyway I rehaired last week and will at least give it a try.
With all of the reading I have done on here seems to me it would be to my benifit to see the advantaged and disadvantages of both for myself.
Thanks again for the help- Doug