Double Bass Any good pernambuco bows on Aliexpress or elsewhere?

[krfoss]

I'm thinking of getting a bow upgrade. I recently discovered that french bow feels a little more natural in standing positions so have been using the $50 carbon bow it came with. So, I'm looking at other options. I know the Gollihur bows exist, which are options, but I also know there are some hidden gems on places like Aliexpress and Temu.

My budget is around 300-400. I dont expect world class, but looking for something that punches above its weight.

Any suggestions?

 

[porkynuggets]

I like things that punch above their weight, watching this

 

[bass player 53]

You can try Lemur Music. They have been in business a long time and are very reputable.

Double Bass Music Studio in San Clemente, CA | lemur music

 

[LouisF]

The String Emporium Finale bow is an excellent choice in the $300-400 range: Finale Upright Bass Bows

also DZSrad: D Z Strad- Model 500- Carbon Fiber French Style Double Bass Bow (3/4)

Mellor: Black Hair Carbon Fiber Double Bass Bow Loud and Wild Tone MELLOR A2F | eBay

and VIngo:4/4 Carbon Fiber Double Bass Bow Natural Black Horsehair WILD OPEN Tone | eBay

are both dependable Chinese makers.

 

[LouisF]

There are both Lemur and Gollihur pernambucco bows for sale in the classifieds. fyi

 

[krfoss]

There are both Lemur and Gollihur pernambucco bows for sale in the classifieds. fyi

I was trying to find reviews for the lemur one, but can't. Can you think of any significant differences or advantages between them?

 

[LouisF]

I play German bow so can't help you, but years ago I had an Ary (France) German bow from Lemur which was a good intermediate bow (my level of playing at the time!). But the Gollihur bows have always been well regarded. That's about all I can tell you.

 

[bass player 53]

I was trying to find reviews for the lemur one, but can't. Can you think of any significant differences or advantages between them?

It looks to me like you and Lemur Music
are in the same county.
It's not a great time of the year, but
maybe you can go over there and try
a few bows?
You can buy the one in the classified.

 

[Mark_T]

If there are used pernambuco options, try those before you buy a new cheap pernambuco bow. I say this for several reasons. First, at this price point, pernambuco is not necessarily a huge advantage over similarly priced CF or synthetic bows - the bows @LouisF linked to are good choices, reliable, replaceable, etc. Second, pernambuco is a precious resource and not being managed well, and this end of the market puts pressure on more questionable exports. Buying an alternative material or used is more likey to connect you with a better bow and one that's not straining the supply of pernambuco.

 

[Koshchei]

I'm thinking of getting a bow upgrade. I recently discovered that french bow feels a little more natural in standing positions so have been using the $50 carbon bow it came with. So, I'm looking at other options. I know the Gollihur bows exist, which are options, but I also know there are some hidden gems on places like Aliexpress and Temu.

My budget is around 300-400. I dont expect world class, but looking for something that punches above its weight.

Any suggestions?

Eastman. They consistently punch above their weight in the beginner through advanced category.

Pernambuco is critically endangered now and is already becoming hard to find good examples of. I'd move quickly, as there are some very tight restrictions coming in March. Might also become hard to travel with it too, if you play internationally - maybe explore dark swartzia or snakewood as alternatives? (Personally, I prefer dark swartzia - the tone is more even, and spiccato and ricochet techniques are more controllable).

 

[John Chambliss]

I suggest buying a better carbon fiber bow as suggested in some of the recommendations above.

 

[Stuart.C]

I found finding a good bow to be very difficult and time consuming.

even ~$2000 Pernambuco bows were not noticeably better than the David Gage Carbon bow I had. and in some cases they were worse.

At your price range you'll likely end up with a bow not much different or maybe worse then what you have, but you'll be down a couple hundred bucks.

I would suggest a rehair for your existing bow maybe a new cake of rosin, auditioning as many bows as you can, and saving your money for when something really great comes along.

But if you absolutely needed to get one sight unseen, I would get whatever Arcus you can afford.
A player in my section bought one (S4) and it plays and sounds way above it's weight class.

 

[stanford ekholm]

Pernambuco and Brazilwood (or Pau Brasil) are the same species of tree, Paubrasilia echinata, native to Brazil, but the terms often distinguish between different qualities of wood from that tree, with Pernambuco referring to the premium, denser, core wood prized for violin bows, while "Brazilwood" can refer to less dense, outer parts or even other species, though the name Brazil comes from this wood's red dye.

 

[brutuscheezcake]

I used to use a Carbow carbon fiber French bow (LNM) that I got from Lemur years ago as my backup. It wasn't cheap but it was loud and well balanced. Not all carbon fiber bows are the same. The value is certainly there. Consider it. You would not be disappointed . Loud and balanced.

That Carbow was fantastic. I of course wish I hadn't sold it.