DIY wrap and grip replacement?

[Jim Mass]

Hi,

Is it reasonable to do this repair DIY, or is there truly luthier expertise required to replace a wrap and winding on a bass bow? If reasonable to DIY, are there any step-by-step instructions/advice available?

I see that the these parts can be had for cheap, app $4 for leather grip and imitation whalebone lining parts.

Thanks,
Jim

[Jim Mass]

Originally Posted by Jim Mass

Hi,

...parts can be had for cheap, app $4 for leather grip and imitation whalebone lining parts.

Thanks,
Jim

Sorry, actually meant '...for leather grip and imitation whalebone wrap parts.'

- Jim

[Eric Swanson]

I know that different grip materials (silver wire of various gauges, silk thread with various alloying metals, imitation whalebone, etc.) have varying weights and affect the stick's balance point. When I recently had my bow regripped, I talked for a good long while with the bowmaker (actually, it was more like I listened to him talk, because he actually knew something) about wrap options, their weights, overall bow weight, hair quantity/weight, and tip weighting to compensate for various options.

All to say that if you are changing grip materials/weights you may affect the bow's balance point/feel. If you are replacing something with the exact same stuff, disregard the above...

[Bob Branstetter]

It's not as easy as you might think. The leather pieces you buy are seldom ready to be put on a bow. There have been several threads on the subject which you can find if you use the search facility. Here is one that I participated in that explains the technique for a leather grip. IMO, whalebone or silver wire bow grip wrappings are jobs that are best left to the professionals.

[Silversorcerer]

If it is a nice bow, you probably want a professional to do any work that is done on it. D-I-Y really depends on the "self" having a high degree of skill. If you think you can do it, first make a list of all the tools and materials you need to do it. If you already have most of that, then you might be a good D-I-Y candidate. Even then, don't expect to perform perfect work the first time. Often times even the simplest jobs require skill and practice to get right.

[tornadobass]

I did a DYI on an inexpensive bow that had lost its silver wire.

To start off, I recalled my fly tying lessons from years ago and worked from there. To replace the wire, then, I chose a black waxed string. I wound it around the stick like tying a giant fly and secured the wrapping by slipping a loop under the last few windings and pulling the tail through. I think I put a drop of nail polish or superglue to secure the tail after it was trimmed.

It's been on a couple of years and feels comfortable. I haven't done much bowing lately, though, so it's hard to judge the long-term durability.