German and French: What's the difference?

[Steve Killingsworth]

I am thinking about buying a bow to experiment with. I read about Germans and French--what is the difference?

Steve

[scott reed]

Steve,
The difference is primarily in the shape of the frog.
French bow frogs are similar in shape to violin/viola/
cello ones with their rectangular shape. German or
Butler frogs are wider with a reverse C-shape to them. The bow stick is usually carved differently;
the bow tip seems to be larger on many French
bows I've seen compared with the more slender tip
style on German bows I've owned. The playing
grip is usually hand over the stick on French and under the stick on German although I've seen some players do the opposite on both style bows.
There are advantages and disadvantages in using either style bow. All can be addressed with a good
teacher, a good bow and practice. I guess the bow
that feels best to you is the best bow - especially
if it makes you want to use it more often!

[LM Bass]

Just a suggestion,

You'd benefit from a teacher. Here's one way to hook yourself up: Call up the Musician's Association in your town, or close by, and get the number of some of the bassists in the Orchestra from them. Ask specifically about who in the bass section teaches. Interview a couple of them on the phone if you can, and set up some lessons.

Whichever bow your teacher plays is the one for you. Then later you can experiment with the other style at some point. If you want to bow the bass, you really want some good lessons right off the bat.

One man's opinion. . .
LM Bass