Several options

[PRUNEFACE]

I'm still sick but should be ordering my bass soon. I've narrowed the bow choices down to about five options. I need to order sight unseen, so I need your advice. My teacher plays french, so that's what I'll be getting. I'd like to keep it under $550, but if there is something fantastic for a bit more I might splurge, I just need your help.
Thanks

Upton

Ophelia or Lion Carbon Fiber Bows (you have to click inventory then on french bows)

Lemur Sunrise Pernambuco

Carbon Fiber Finale Bow


EDIT: Also, if you have any of your reccomendations I'd like to hear.

[thewhale]

Why must you order sight unseen? Have them send you a group of bows, see which you like best, send the rest back. It's more pricey this way, but it's worth it.

[Andrew McGregor]

Finale carbon, to stay within your budget. You can't go wrong with one of those.

If you want a really fantastic bow, the Metropolitan, but that is probably overkill at your stage. I have a German Metropolitan, love it, it played better than a pernambuco bow four times the price. If $750 on a bow doesn't make you squirm, though, it's excellent value. The Codabow Revelation (on the Upton site) is almost the same, and quite a bit cheaper; I decided the (slight) difference in character was worth the difference in price, but it's so small opinions will vary.

Really, it depends how much you see yourself using the bow; if you're going to be playing Jazz or some other pizz style mostly, then don't bother with the high-end bows, but if you are going to be doing much classical, you will probably never need a better bow than a Metro or Revelation (what you might like is a different question).

[bejoyous]

I've got a mid-range German bow from Ken Smith Basses. It's about $400 and it's great. I use it professionally. I've compared it with a $3000 Reid Hudson and it holds its own very well.

[PRUNEFACE]

Nick Lloyd has two bows that I am also looking at here (click on Samuel Shen Basses, then SB180, then Bass Accessories) the Mathias Thoma Brazilwood and D. Muniz Pernambuco bow, anybody use either of those before?

[Bass Barrister]

I own a Ken Smith C. Loveri french bow, about $400, which is very decent although on the heavy side (146g). He does have other weights available.

I just helped a friend pick out a new german frog bow last week and we found a great bow made by one of the Arcos Brazil makers - Muniz. Very good stick at about $650.

The best advice though is to try a bunch of bows with YOUR bass ( I guess you eed to have a bass to do this). It's no big secret around here that some bows work better with some basses.

Good luck. Focus on feeling better. I'm dealing with a couple of major health issues right now and know what a PITA that can be. Take care.

[PRUNEFACE]

Okay, well I'm going to be trying out the no-name composite bow and the Mathias Thoma Brazilwood that Nick Lloyd offers.
Thanks