Bow for electric bass

[parker_mysterio]

Just wondering what bow would be best for an electric bass? Violin, Cello or Double Bass? I have tried getting a bow like effect with the micro synth but it just doesn't hold up and I can't afford/store a double bass as much as I would love to

[JoeWPgh]

For a Bass guitar? I doubt any of them. You would need a significant radius to avoid playing all the strings at once.

[Fergie Fulton]

Ebow is the way forward, no fuss no mess, no rosin needed so clean strings, no need for radius necks and bridges to allow the bow freedom to engage the strings. Its not the real thing, but with practice it can be used to good effect.

[parker_mysterio]

Mainly only going to be using it for the top string so it will be angled to avoid playing other strings.

I have considered the ebow but have had issues with controlling the change in volume while playing

[Clef_de_fa]

well ... it will only work with flatwound.
I don't know if a violin bow will work, I only tried a DB bow.
Rosin will stick to the string and rosin powder will be on the body of the bass which isn't fun to remove if you don't do it right after playing.
Your string will be a mess where you used the bow.
As you already know only the outer strings will be playable.

[Phinn]

I used to be a cello player. I'd say the electric bass is more comparable to the cello than to the upright double bass, physically if not musically.

But cellos have cutaways that make bowing possible.

Have you tried an electric cello? Maybe one of those might be a better option than bowing a bass.

[Schmorgy]

Originally Posted by Phinn

I used to be a cello player. I'd say the electric bass is more comparable to the cello than to the upright double bass, physically if not musically.

But cellos have cutaways that make bowing possible.

Have you tried an electric cello? Maybe one of those might be a better option than bowing a bass.

Play it on a hofner

[jeffbonny]

Originally Posted by parker_mysterio

I have tried getting a bow like effect with the micro synth

Have you tried a Pigtronix Philosopher King? In terms of tracking and/or threshold adjustability nothing I've tried (EHX Bass Synth, Eventide TimeFactor, Boss Slowgear clone) even comes close.