New bow may be warped? Should I return it?

didj · #1 08-21-2006, 03:00 PM

I just bought a bow from Upton and I'm thinking of sending it back. The stick is strait and centered over the hair when there is no tension, but as I tighten the hair the stick curves to the right. The curve doesn't exceed the width of the hair but is pretty obvious. Could this be that the hair is tighter on one side than the other? Will it settle in eventually and be strait, or is this a flaw that warrants returning the bow?

I've read elsewhere on the board that a slight curve to the right is ok. Is that true? Seems like it should be strait to me.

Any pointers will be greatly appreciated; I have 7 days to decide weather or not to return the bow.

JimGullen · #2 08-21-2006, 07:37 PM

Greetings!

I could be that the hair is shorter on the right side than the other. When a bow is haired, the hair is bent around a "turning stick" to simulate the wrap around the plug in the frog. It is very easy to get that "bend" not quite right which could have the effect you're describing. When you unscrew the frog to release tension on the hair, is it evenly "loose" or is the right side still tighter than the left?

If the stick really is warped and needs straightening, that is fairly easy to do, in most cases, as well.

Either way, talking to the shop that sold you the bow is probably a good idea.

Best regards!
Jim

didj · #3 08-21-2006, 08:02 PM

Thanks for the info Jim. The hair does seem to be tighter on the right side. Since the stick is strait before tightening, maybe the hair is to blame. I'll call Upton, and I'm sure they'll take it back if I don't like it. But I need to do some research before I make that decision, because I'm not really sure that it's a bad thing.

Thanks again,
Daniel

Jake · #4 08-21-2006, 08:20 PM

Well, it would be good to talk to the guys at Upton about it. You want the hair to be as even as possible, not tight on one side and loose on the other. This could damage the bow and also affect the sound.

JimGullen · #5 08-22-2006, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake

Well, it would be good to talk to the guys at Upton about it. You want the hair to be as even as possible, not tight on one side and loose on the other. This could damage the bow and also affect the sound.

This is true. If the stick is straight, using hair that pulls it out of alignment will make sure it doesn't stay that way.

Most bows can be straightened, but that is something that needs to be done by a trained person. It also takes an hour or two (after the required rehair) and typically isn't all that inexpensive.

Having a bow that is not straight and/or doesn't have consistent camber can lead to some funky qualities in the sound from the instrument.

Best regards!
Jim

drurb · #6 08-22-2006, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by didj

I just bought a bow from Upton and I'm thinking of sending it back. The stick is strait and centered over the hair when there is no tension, but as I tighten the hair the stick curves to the right. The curve doesn't exceed the width of the hair but is pretty obvious. Could this be that the hair is tighter on one side than the other? Will it settle in eventually and be strait, or is this a flaw that warrants returning the bow?

I've read elsewhere on the board that a slight curve to the right is ok. Is that true? Seems like it should be strait to me.

Any pointers will be greatly appreciated; I have 7 days to decide weather or not to return the bow.

I suggest you simply call the good folks at Upton. You can trust what they tell you and I'm confident they will work to make you happy.

uptonbass · #7 08-22-2006, 04:40 PM

This post brings up my point in another regarding an issue with a Shen Bass:

Ack! My bass is coming apart at the seams!

Daniel, return the bow we will get you another, if thats what you decide on.

Considering the other things that happend to the package during delivery I wouldn't leave anything to chance.

didj · #8 08-22-2006, 07:42 PM

Upton just said to return the bow and they'll evaluate it. The shipping carton was messed up and two other items I'd ordered were not in it. So now there's an investigation because whatever bad thing happened to the shipping carton may have affected the bow. Delicate little flowers.

didj · #9 08-22-2006, 07:45 PM

Oops, posted that before I saw your reply UptonBass. Thanks Upton, and thanks all for the replys.

drurb · #10 08-22-2006, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by didj

Upton just said to return the bow and they'll evaluate it. The shipping carton was messed up and two other items I'd ordered were not in it. So now there's an investigation because whatever bad thing happened to the shipping carton may have affected the bow. Delicate little flowers.

...and they all lived happily ever after.