Graphite

D. Funkalicious · #1 09-26-2002, 09:53 PM

Out of plain curiousity, is anyone using a graphite, or other composite bow? I was in a string shop the other day and asked to see what they had in bows. The owner pulls out a Glasser composite. Normally, I'm not a big fan of the Glasser line, but this was a magnificent bow. Completely black with mother of pearl inlays. It also had a nice weight and balance. However, I didn't get a chance to use it on a bass-the $600 price tag kinda brought me back into reality in a hurry. I'm interested in hearing how a composite bow sounds on a bass from people who have used them.

**Pacman** · #2 09-27-2002, 05:29 AM

I use a carbon fiber Grunberger. Very nice bow, great, consistant tone.

Christopher · #3 09-27-2002, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by D. Funkalicious
Out of plain curiousity, is anyone using a graphite, or other composite bow? I was in a string shop the other day and asked to see what they had in bows. The owner pulls out a Glasser composite. Normally, I'm not a big fan of the Glasser line, but this was a magnificent bow. Completely black with mother of pearl inlays. It also had a nice weight and balance. However, I didn't get a chance to use it on a bass-the $600 price tag kinda brought me back into reality in a hurry. I'm interested in hearing how a composite bow sounds on a bass from people who have used them.

There's a difference between the Glasser composite and the graphite; the former is a mix of graphite and fiberglass, while the latter is all carbon. I don't think the street price for an all-graphite should be $600, though. I seem to recall prices in the low $400s.

The consistency and strength of the stuff (as well as the cost) are attractive. Graphite and composite bows would be the only bows I'd consider buying sight unseen.

D. Funkalicious · #4 09-27-2002, 05:44 PM

Thanks for replying. I thought the concept of a composite/graphite bow was really appealing. Unfortunately, I have to make a few other purchases first (an adjustable bridge springs to mind quickly), but Christmas is coming....

**Pacman** · #5 09-27-2002, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Christopher

I don't think the street price for an all-graphite should be $600, though. I seem to recall prices in the low $400s.

Mine was in the $900 range.

Christopher · #6 09-27-2002, 07:12 PM

An Arcus or similar bow will be up there. A Glasser, on the other hand...

D. Funkalicious · #7 09-29-2002, 04:31 PM

Pray for my soul. I had to stoop to new depths yesterday. As much as I convinced myself that I never had to use a Glasser again, I had to buy one yesterday out of absolute necessity. I feel so very cheap....

Dave Irwin · #8 11-05-2002, 06:21 PM

Any opinions on whether a composite or carbon fiber bow is better for the money than wood?

I would guess that these bows should be more consistent quality wise.

Is it the case that a better wood bow can be found at the same price if I look long enough?

Thanks,
Dave

sean p · #9 11-05-2002, 09:22 PM

dave,

i know some guys like carbon bows cuz they're more durable - not as likely to break in gigs where this could be an issue, like a bar. or maybe they're better off after getting beer spilled on them.

this must add something to the 'value' of them monetarily, but i can't tell you how they stack up in terms of bang for the buck.

sean p

Baron von Basso · #10 11-11-2002, 02:51 PM

I was trying a few $1700 wood bows when somebody walked in that happened to have a carbon fiber bow by CF Durro. Although it was a little harder to get to bounce and do some of the tricks, it sounded better than the $1700 bows and it was only $420. I think that they are a wonderful compromise for those of us that can't scrape together the cash for some of these wooded ones.

I have sort of outgrown it though. I am looking for a good wooden bow that responds better than this Durro bow. That may just be a problem with this maker though.

Speaking of...I am trying to figure out how I have a big crack in this "virtually indestructable" bow. Has anybody else had a carbon fiber bow crack? If so, any nifty tricks for repairing it?

Dave Irwin · #11 11-11-2002, 03:24 PM

A bit off topic but i ended up trying 10 different bows at the local shop ranging from 400 to 1000.00.
(including a couple of composite-graphite composites)
After the "blind" tests, I ended up prefering my own bow and in 2nd place came a lovely brazil wood bow
(pretty much like mine.....)
Go figure...
Thank goodness I can at least discern between the quality of basses.....

Gabe · #12 01-27-2003, 12:52 PM

I use a composite bow on the cello. I like it's durability ( you could park a car on it with only minimal damage ), but for tone I prefer a good pernambuco bow. I would however choose composite of a say, a Brazilwood bow. This is just my opinion established on a cello. For bass I've only ever used fiberglass and pernambuco.

simandlhandle · #13 02-02-2003, 07:46 PM

I also use a Carbow "Grunberger" model bow. I think it is great. It's nice and even, good weight and balance. It doesn't give you anything,but it does'nt take anything away. I have another pernambuco bow which I got for £100 which is better, but I have had bows for over £1000 which were not as good as either. And the one I use for practise is always the Carbow, as I know that if there is a problem, then its me not the bow.

Dave Irwin · #14 02-02-2003, 08:12 PM

You always use it practice... Do you perform with a different bow?

Thanks,
Dave

simandlhandle · #15 02-03-2003, 07:35 PM

To be honest Dave, I play mainly jazz, and 95% at least, is plucking. I did a big band gig yesterday, and , yes , I used my graphite bow for the 24 bars of long notes that was the only arco passage on the gig. Last summer I did a show for a week as part of a string section and used my pernambuco bow. I am sure the graphite one would have done the job just as well, but I had only had it a week ,and originally bought it as a backup. Maybe a straight classical guy who bows 95% of the time could give you a different slant on it, but thats the best gig advice I can give.

MerryPrankster · #16 01-30-2004, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christopher

An Arcus or similar bow will be up there. A Glasser, on the other hand...

the basic arcus model i saw at a little over a grand if i remember correctly...

Bassius · #17 02-01-2004, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pacman

I use a carbon fiber Grunberger. Very nice bow, great, consistant tone.

The Grungerger is a great bow ( I actually know him...and he's french

so it's pronounced grunberzhay) He lives in Salt Lake city now. He also designed the other carbows for bass; including gary karr's model.

They are very nice indeed. a great backup bow.

MerryPrankster · #18 02-08-2004, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pacman

Mine was in the $900 range.

Yours was a Carbow , those are much nicer than the Glasser's.

MerryPrankster · #19 02-08-2004, 09:12 AM

By the way , the Grunberger is the french model right?