LaMay German bow

[AlcalaBass]

I just bought a LaMay German bow from a friend. It's stamped with a number #219. I've never heard of this maker, but the bow is amazing.
Any info would be great!

[Dave Hosking]

Googled L Lamay:

An ad from 2011: $1,950 obo:
"Description: Double Bass Bow - Double Bass bow maker american L. Lamay # 572
Retired Juilliard grad and Symphony Bassist, must give this up
need money
Bought it directly from Lawrence Lamay maybe around late 70's or so.
French Style Bow
# 572 marked on the stick and of course has his stamp on the side right after the grip L Lamay

Fantastic bow you can't find these anywhere that I can tell
round stick, nice and straight, w/nice arch,
weight not sure around 140 grams,
large tip , smallish frog ( i have a small hand)very comfortable to hold and control
measures 27 1/2 inches.
The very tiny tip of the Ivory that wraps around to the front of the tip is missing.
This bow makes the bass boom and speak very articulately. I had an old Italian bass, the combination was fantastic
Balance point just a little more than 1/3 of the way down the stick from the frog end
needs a rehair I have not used it in a long time."

Robertson and Sons has a French Bow available in the $1.1k to $2.5k category.

The Bassment offers #119, for $2.5k:

[AlcalaBass]

Wow I got really lucky then!
Thanks for the info!

[LouisF]

Lamay also made basses:

http://www.zaretandsonsviolins.com/s...amay_Bass.html

I "trialed" two of his bows a few years back. They were very well made but a bit heavy.

Louis

[nikijack]

Hi Alcala: I bought a a Lawrence LaMay bow, french, back in '66. Gary Karr was pushing them. It seemed a bit long, more like a German bow with a French frog. One day I was applying rosin, and the tip broke off. I wrote Mr. LaMay and he immediately sent me a new one. I was a beginner in those days, but I did enjoy the bow(s).I eventually sold it to a young woman, a friend and maybe student, of James Vandemark.

cheers,

Jack

[AlcalaBass]

Thanks Jack!

[Jim Carr]

Bought a LaMay French bow in '76 from L. Lamay himself when he was visiting Kalamazoo, MI where I was a student. Heavy orchestral style bow, but good sounding. Paid $250, IIRC. Still have it.

[AlcalaBass]

I've noticed most people had heavier bows of his. The one I have is slightly shorter and lighter. 128grams.

[LouisF]

If the ones I tried had been that light, I would have grabbed it. Congrats

Louis