• 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.

Double Bass Bow weight

Paul Warburton

Paul Warburton

In Memoriam
Aug 17, 2003
9,424
663
84
Denver, Co.
#1
I have a question on bow weight. I have two good bows I may be selling. Both are German.
One is a Keith Beardon that weighs 125 grams. The other is an H.R. Phretzsner (spell) @ 135. Both have octagonal sticks.
Both bows seem a little on the heavy side to me.
What do you think? I just don't know anything about bow weight.
Thanks in advance!
 
#5
Donosaur roars:
...weight is less a factor than balance, feel, and performance.
Click to expand...
I can't claim weight is less or more of a factor than balance, feel, or performance in a bow, but Don makes a good point.

I personally think issues of balance are way overrated in German bows, but it's my bow of choice and I don't blame that bow for my weaknesses. A French bow, on the other hand, provides me with many reasons why I can't use it worth a darn without looking to myself. To each his own, I suppose.
 
#11
I just got my Sue Lipkins bow about ten days ago. It weighs in at about 141-2.

It's utterly amazing. My bass sounds so much better when I'm playing the Lipkins bow than with any other bow I've used (and I've tried some great ones) that I would recommend that anyone -- at any skill level -- give one a try.

Assuming that our equipment is already optimized (the right strings, the right setup, good hair, the right rosin, etc.), we have two major areas where we can improve our sound via equipment changes: bass upgrades and bow upgrades.

Bass upgrades can be incredibly expensive. Bow upgrades are much less expensive. If you're not happy with your gear, consider upgrading to a really fine bow like the bow Sue makes. It could pay immense dividends for you.
 
#12
Originally posted by Pete G
I just got my Sue Lipkins bow about ten days ago. It weighs in at about 141-2.

It's utterly amazing. My bass sounds so much better when I'm playing the Lipkins bow than with any other bow I've used (and I've tried some great ones) that I would recommend that anyone -- at any skill level -- give one a try.
Click to expand...
Finally, recognition of one of the finest bowmakers in the country.
As a moderator, I've felt obliged to remain circumspect. Now that the door has been opened, I'll say that Sue Lipkins is an extraordinary talent, and I do not understand how so few people can know about someone so gifted. Her bows just soar in value.
My Lipkins bow has been tried by members of the Met and other major NY orchestras and schools. In every case, just before giving the bow back to me, they look at the bow and smile.
 
#13
Paul Warburton said:
I have a question on bow weight. I have two good bows I may be selling. Both are German.
One is a Keith Beardon that weighs 125 grams. The other is an H.R. Phretzsner (spell) @ 135. Both have octagonal sticks.
Both bows seem a little on the heavy side to me.
What do you think? I just don't know anything about bow weight.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...


Its all about balance! You could get a bow weighing 160 grams but if its almost all frog it will feel very light , get it?
 
#15
A heavier bow can make starting a note much easier, increase volume, and help note stability. While it may fatigue you slightly at first you can eventually get used to the extra weight. I agree that balance is ultimately more important than weight. Of course every bow sounds different, as does every bass and its' player. Although I haven't tried any especially light or heavy bows I'm sure that you can find a bow that sounds good whether it's light, medium or heavy. I haven't yet weighed my bow. I started on German and switched to French years ago at the recommendation of an instructor. I understand that the German bows are generally heavier due to the increased size of the frog. Interesting thread.
 
#16
My horse hair bow is very heavy but its's well balanced I feel and my teacher says so too. It's weighted towards the pointed end, opposite to frog (sorry-not too good at bow parts), and I really like it. My nylon bow is very light and I don't like it as much but I like it inother ways. Personally I prefer heavier bows.
 
#18
My 2 main French Bows are 146g and 152g. I use the 152g Bow (which is also stiffer) on tighter Basses and Concerts that I have to dig in more. I use the 146g Bow (which is whipper and sweet sounding) on easier playing music and Basses. I have used 5 different Basses in the last 2 years so it's good to have a choice in Bows to make the music more pleasant. Both my Bows mentioned here were made by Peter Eibert,NY.
 
#20
Don Higdon said:
Finally, recognition of one of the finest bowmakers in the country.
As a moderator, I've felt obliged to remain circumspect. Now that the door has been opened, I'll say that Sue Lipkins is an extraordinary talent, and I do not understand how so few people can know about someone so gifted. Her bows just soar in value.
My Lipkins bow has been tried by members of the Met and other major NY orchestras and schools. In every case, just before giving the bow back to me, they look at the bow and smile.
Click to expand...
Don,
Do you have contact information for Susan Lipkins?
Thanks.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back