I am wanting to learn how to bow. I am wondering which bow length is more common, 3/4 or full. I play a 3/4 size bass, and I'm a 5'2'' woman. Any other bow purchasing trips are welcome!
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Bow length
- Thread starter Hilary Dirlam
- Start date
Hi Hilary,
I believe 3/4 sized bows are reserved for younger students (middle school age and below). My bow measures 28 inches, but this can vary by a few inches either way. The bow length doesn't necessarily depend on the size of the bass you're using - it's more of a preference.
Are you looking at a bow in particular? I'd be happy to help you in your bow shopping.
I believe 3/4 sized bows are reserved for younger students (middle school age and below). My bow measures 28 inches, but this can vary by a few inches either way. The bow length doesn't necessarily depend on the size of the bass you're using - it's more of a preference.
Are you looking at a bow in particular? I'd be happy to help you in your bow shopping.
Hilary,
Lauren Pierce is correct. You should play a full size professional bow. There are variations in length and weight of various bows.
Here is a nice buying guide about bows from Gollihur music.
Invalid Link Removed
He also has a link on that page to a FAQ page about the two main styles of bows:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Lauren is very kind to offer help with a bow purchase. You also could consult with a local professional in your area. I have a nice wood bow that I got from Francois Rabbath in the 1980's, but I mostly use carbon fiber bows from David Gage. He calls them the "Metropolitan".
David Gage String Instruments
Good Luck in your search.
Lauren Pierce is correct. You should play a full size professional bow. There are variations in length and weight of various bows.
Here is a nice buying guide about bows from Gollihur music.
Invalid Link Removed
He also has a link on that page to a FAQ page about the two main styles of bows:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Lauren is very kind to offer help with a bow purchase. You also could consult with a local professional in your area. I have a nice wood bow that I got from Francois Rabbath in the 1980's, but I mostly use carbon fiber bows from David Gage. He calls them the "Metropolitan".
David Gage String Instruments
Good Luck in your search.
I've been back & forth with this for years - long vs short, German vs French
I think it's a choice thing. I've ended up with a medium length French bow after fighting with longer German bows for a while.
For what it's worth Edgar Meyer plays a relatively short bow with some pretty good results. haha
I think it's a choice thing. I've ended up with a medium length French bow after fighting with longer German bows for a while.
For what it's worth Edgar Meyer plays a relatively short bow with some pretty good results. haha
