Is there a law aagainst playing a German bow with a French grip?

[torlind]

Being a relatively new owner of a NS CRM5 EUB I recently purchased a bow. I was initially only interested in a french bow, because it seemed the most natural way to play with a bow. But then I got a pretty good offer on a H. R. PFRETZSCHNER German bow and couldn't resist. Since I am a beginner Bow-wise, I will certainly give it a try. But I also plan to try toplay it with a french grip. Seems to me that it's entirely possible to play a German bow with a frensch grip but not the other way around (since the frog on a French bow is so much narrower). Anybody else have any experiences with this?

[Basschair]

Well, it's not as forbidden as...say...parallel 5ths/8ves. I imagine that you may have a heck of a time trying to control the bow and how the hair contacts the strings.

[jallenbass]

And the benefit being...

[ClassicalBass]

You're best off learning to play German, in my opinion. Or you may consider fitting a French frog on the stick. Edgar himself uses a French frog/German stick hybrid. However, since you're a beginner with the bow, look to learn German: some of the best bassists out there use this style exclusively.

[Vlasco]

Hah, I originally played violin, and when I switched to bass, they gave me a German bow. I didn't really observe the difference and played it like a French one for about 2 weeks. When our orchestra met together, one of the celloists turned around with a funny look on his face, then proceeded to tell me that my tone would much improve if I held it correctly. And it did. I really don't recommend playing a German bow French style, it's far too cumbersome, especially when you need a nice powerful crescendo in a bass driven song.

[torlind]

Well, as a quality bow is rather expensive, I was just anxious to know if there was any point at all trying out the french grip on a German bow.

I guess I'll be trying both but end up with the german grip. And a German bow looks far more sexy also...

[jfv]

Originally Posted by torlind

... And a German bow looks far more sexy also...

LOL, only to that big teutonic opera singer wearing horns

[Eli_Upright12]

I once was between rental basses and need a bow so I borrowed a german bow from the school where I was going, I had originally learned German, but when i got serious I switched to French, but back to the bow, so I played it french style and it was ok, but you can't get nearly as good of a sound out of it and it puts alot of strain on your wrist to play that way, because the point where your applying pressure is much farther from the bow hair and strings. If you can learn to play German affectively thats great, alot of people think that german bow sounds better, it is definitely harder to learn and control at first but if you get proficient its great.

[Silversorcerer]

It can be done, meaning, I've done it. Just messing around you know. It is not the best balance. I'm a serious German bow fiend and I will probably remain so. However, there are some times that I think I might check out a French bow. It might be good to be able to use both.

[Alex Scott]

Paul Ellison has kind of a Hybrid bow he had made that he can hold either way which is kind of a small frog german french thing.

I think you get a good perspective with switching, It is easy to forget that it is just a stick with some hair and that you don't really have to hold it a certain way.

[Johnny L]

There are a few strokes where I prefer holding my German bow overhanded to do them...they simply work better for me that way...but mostly I hold it underhanded.