Dolling, Grunberger Workshop, or other?

Mr. Jiggy Fly · #1 01-06-2008, 02:25 PM

Hello everyone. Recently I drove up to Lemur Music to try out a range of bows. I ended up liking only two bows, a H. Schicker Snakewood and a M. Dolling Pernambuco Sartory copy (both French). I definitely liked the Dolling more, but at $3200 I am sure that there are other choices available. I know all about Grunberger's reputation, but (from what I have heard) his bows are in the 4-5 K range, much higher than I can afford. Does anyone know about his Atelier JG bows? From what I understand they are his "workshop" bows.

Also, if anyone could suggest any other makers in the less than $3000 range I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

JayR · #2 01-12-2008, 12:13 PM

Unfortunately, I think with the weakness of the dollar currently, it looks like bows in general have just gone way up in price. I'm currently beating myself over the head over this, as I almost purchased a Dolling from Lemur back in 2005 when they were somewhere around $1500-2000, but got last-minute sticker shock and backed out. Now, of course, the same bows are $3000+, and I'm sure regretting the extra $1000 my lack of foresight is about to cost me.

Mr. Jiggy Fly · #3 01-12-2008, 09:38 PM

Yeah, it really is quite depressing. I too remember "back in the day" when these same bows cost much less. I believe that the US dollar is now worth less that the Canadian dollar now. Crazy, huh?

However, you said that you nearly purchased a Dolling. How did you like it, and if you can, would you say that it was worth the now $3200 price?

JAKBOUND · #4 01-12-2008, 11:46 PM

You may want to look at the Duhaut bows and the Prochownick bows that George Vance has. They are both around the 1.5KUSD range and are influenced by Grunberger.

JayR · #5 01-13-2008, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Jiggy Fly

However, you said that you nearly purchased a Dolling. How did you like it, and if you can, would you say that it was worth the now $3200 price?

If you were asking me, the one I'm working on getting together the money for is an older one on consignment in the $2000s. Personally I liked it a lot better than any of the new ones, the quality of the stick is just freaking astounding. The damn thing makes me sound about twice as good at bass as I really am.

Mr. Jiggy Fly · #6 01-13-2008, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAKBOUND

You may want to look at the Duhaut bows and the Prochownick bows that George Vance has. They are both around the 1.5KUSD range and are influenced by Grunberger.

I have never heard of Duhaut and I will check those out right now.

Funny you should mention Prochownick. I just e-mailed him about 3 minutes ago. I have heard outstanding things about his bows, and they are much more affordable.

I also e-mailed Tom Owen recently. His bows are only around $800. Has any one played one of his? It almost seems to good to be true that a handmade stick made of amazing pernambuco would be so affordable.

Thanks again everyone!

anonymous12251111 · #7 02-18-2008, 10:58 AM

Bernard Walke, he made me an incredible snakewood french bow for 3.5k, he also made joel quarrington's bow.

walkebows.com i believe....i also posted photos of my bow in this forum.

LouisF · #8 02-19-2008, 04:28 PM

Both Prochownik and Tom Owen bows are great value for the money, but not to everyone's taste. Marco {Pasquino is currently under valued in this country (@$2500) and also Stefan Kuhnla - in my opinion.

Louis

Mr. Jiggy Fly · #9 03-05-2008, 08:40 PM

Hey there everyone!

I haven't been online in a while, so here's the update. I purchased a bow from Tom Owen, a very attractive cherry-colored stick with a medium-deep camber. The bow is amazing for the price, and although it doesn't out perform Reid Hudson or Dolling's bows, I am very very happy with it. I just mailed it back to Tom to have a lizardskin wrap put on it. I might post pics when I get it back.