Can I substitute a Cello bow for a Bass bow?

ps6000 · #1 06-04-2008, 06:03 PM

I know nothing about bows. I have a cello bow (I use it to play the saw), and I was wondering if I could use it to play upright bass? What sort of limitations or issues will I run into?

mjt0229 · #2 06-04-2008, 06:46 PM

A cello bow isn't likely to have enough weight to properly drive a bass string. I think you'll find the volume is limited, and probably also that the frog isn't big enough to give you the grip you need.

JayR · #3 06-04-2008, 06:48 PM

In an absolute emergency you can, but I wouldn't suggest it for everyday use. You can't really get much sound with a cello bow, and it's very hard to do any sort of articulated stroke with one. I did, once, use a cello bow for a concert when my bow had its hair pop out right before the show started, but it was very taxing trying to be audible with the damn thing.

ps6000 · #4 06-04-2008, 07:16 PM

Ok, and what is the main difference between the two? Its my understanding that its bigger (in length and width).

Does it make a difference that I will be playing an Electric Upright?

toman · #5 06-04-2008, 07:18 PM

A cello bow is something like half the weight, with a much smaller frog. Trust me, it won't work well.

ps6000 · #6 06-04-2008, 07:31 PM

I am just trying to understand why. As I stated earlier I do not understand much about bows and basses and am just trying to understand them. I do thank everyone for their input.

JimGullen · #7 06-05-2008, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ps6000

Ok, and what is the main difference between the two? Its my understanding that its bigger (in length and width).

Does it make a difference that I will be playing an Electric Upright?

Greetings!

The diameter of the stick of a cello bow is quite a bit smaller than a bass bow.

The bigger issues are the amount of hair and camber (bend in the stick). As mentioned above you won't be able to "drive" the bass strings well due to the lesser amount of hair.

Secondly, a bass bow will have much more camber to it. You would have to apply a lot of pressure using a cello bow which would cause the hair to "bottom out" into the stick. You'd need to tighten the hair on the bow to alleviate this which could damage the stick.

The result of all this would be a soft, thin, scratchy, and difficult-to control tone. Since it's an EUB you can counteract the lack of volume from the instrument with more wattage at the amp, but the tone might not be pleasing.

Now, bows aren't all standardized, so you might find a 'large' cello bow that could work acceptably well, but in general you're better off playing a bass with a bass bow.

Hope this helps a little and good luck!

Best regards!
Jim

ps6000 · #8 06-05-2008, 07:29 AM

That makes sense.

Thanks again for the advice.

hamata · #9 06-05-2008, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ps6000

I know nothing about bows. I have a cello bow (I use it to play the saw), and I was wondering if I could use it to play upright bass? What sort of limitations or issues will I run into?

probably sounds better than using it on a cello....

adbass · #10 06-05-2008, 09:42 PM

No. Don't even think about it.

anonymous12251111 · #11 06-06-2008, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ps6000

I know nothing about bows. I have a cello bow (I use it to play the saw), and I was wondering if I could use it to play upright bass? What sort of limitations or issues will I run into?

no, just no. that's as bad as playing french bow german and visa versa

NickyBass · #12 06-06-2008, 08:36 AM

The main issue that I see is that you would be instilling bad bowing technique into your daily practise routine. I'm sure that, in a pinch, you could use the cello bow, but if you adjust your technique to accomodate the longer, lighter (etc) bow, you might be counter productive when it's time to upgrade to a nice bass bow. If you play with a cello bow for a year or two, it might take 5 or even 10 years to break those habits.

Breaking bad habits is tough.

ps6000 · #13 06-06-2008, 01:56 PM

What would you recommend as a good beginner bow? French or German?

bassike · #14 06-06-2008, 02:17 PM

I do not think one or the other would be for beginners; I would recommend French cause that is what I play.
But I remember when I started it was really weird, but now it feels natural

I think that all depends of the teacher you get.

Eric Rene Roy · #15 06-06-2008, 04:58 PM

I was just playing a bass here in the shop with a violin bow!

I wouldn't reccomend it...but I was surprised that I was pulling a decent note out of it. I couldn't keep the stick off the strings though...

toman · #16 06-06-2008, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ps6000

What would you recommend as a good beginner bow? French or German?

What does your teacher play? How about your section mates and others you might play with? That will tell you.

ps6000 · #17 06-06-2008, 06:34 PM

I don't have a teacher, and I don't play with anyone else who plays with a bow. I am going to do use this for backing up guitar/piano on recordings, and learning(!). The only experience I have is playing a modded electric bass with a violin bow. That was quite a disaster. It took a lot of pressure to get a sound, the magnetic pickups sucked for arco and well it was an electric bass modified to have a rounded bridge.

Is one bow more common with bass players? Are there differences in sound quality or is it just playing style?

toman · #18 06-06-2008, 06:49 PM

Where do I begin... Try the search function, and start reading. There's enough info on this forum to answer all your questions many times over. Also, check out all the stuff listed in the "Read this before you post" sticky.

And get a teacher before you hurt yourself. Seriously.

Andrew McGregor · #19 06-07-2008, 01:58 AM

Yep. Unfortunately, bow hold is not something you can teach yourself. It's too dynamic; even watching video doesn't explain how to do it. You need expert critique to get there.

There is a slight difference in sound between the two bows, but it's a matter of style not quality (in other words, one is not better than the other).

The bigger difference lies in how the bow interacts with your hand; some people can't play one or other bow without hurting themselves, some can switch but sound better on one no matter how much they practice, and some can get the same quality of sound with either. So, start with one, but be prepared to switch if it starts hurting (it will a bit to start with, but if that doesn't improve after a couple of months practice and lessons, think about switching).

If you absolutely insist on trying to teach yourself, you're less likely to get in trouble with a German bow, but don't do that, get a teacher.

Ludwig · #20 06-07-2008, 05:59 AM

If you try to teach yourself, get a german bow. The chances of doing harm to your health with a frensh grip are greater.
If you intend to use one bow only for cello and bass, select the bass bow. I play both instruments and can live with a bass bow on cello but not with a cello bow on bass.