Double Bass Bow length

[Andy Mopley]

Not sure if this topic belongs here, but in any case...When it comes to bow length, there are seemingly 3 sizes, a full, 3/4 and 1/2 size, with the difference coming down to a few inches here and there. Someone has already mentioned Gary Karr's thoughts on how he favours a shorter bow (correct me if I am wrong here) so question is what difference does it make, from a technique / sound view point? I must admit I do have a shorter bow, which I found to work better for me, but then again the longer bow is carbon fibre, against a pernambucco version, so this may be the key factor..?

Regards to all

 

[David Potts]

Hmmmm.... Size counts, unless you are the lucky possessor of a fine old French bow , eg Sartory. Over the years I have had three sizes, 3/4 (old French master) full and extra long. The latter seemed to be favoured by Swedish players but that extra 2 inches of length made it too unbalanced and weak in the stick so I soon passed it on. I was lucky enough to own the shorter bow that made up for length by working beautifully. My emergency/ lend out bow is a slightly shorter fibreglass Finale that is nicely balanced and works well but is a little too light for Bel Canto strings. My two working bows are full length pernambuco and made by an excellent local guy, Jeffery Ellis. I prefer their length, weight and balance but one produces a heavier sound than the other. I think I need their length for both sustained notes and slurred passages. I have tried another maker's shorter pernambuco bows but immediately noticed the difference, a bit like running out of breath while swimming under water.

The main thing IMO is that the bow works regardless of its length. With French bow I look for weight, balance and length then hair width - wide and parallel from frog to tip. Next I test the strength and flexibility of the stick after adjusting the hair tension until it touches the middle of the stick when pressed down to just play three strings at once. This is the maximum weight I will use. A weak stick will never give enough tension and a stiff stick will not allow the hair to bend over the string and grip it for note starts. Finally I test every inch of the hair for the ability to catch the strings into life (start notes) in either direction.

All said and done I look for a balance between the three systems of springs. These are the strings, the bow flexibility and hair tension, and my arm weight/bow hold. When all are working well together then bowing is easy (???)