Double Bass Bow Weight

[bassist1962]

Just curious, as I am not finding anything in my search, but is there a bow weight scale?

E.G.

Between weight A and weight F is considered light
Between weight D and weight I is considered medium
Between weight G and weight L is considered heavy

 

[reedo35]

Depends on whether you are talking French or German, as they have different Characteristics.

Ballpark for French is:
A. 125- 135g = Light
B. 135-143g = medium
C. 144-152 = heavy
Anything > 152g = War Club

 

[CPike]

I'm a German player, and I would agree with those ballpark ranges. There's no "official" cutoff for any description, however.
.cdp

 

[bassist1962]

I'm a German player, and I would agree with those ballpark ranges. There's no "official" cutoff for any description, however.
.cdp

If I understand correctly, you are saying that the ballpark is the same for German as Reedo has for French?

Ballpark is all I am really needing at this point. I haven't had my bow weighed, but was told by someone holding it that it is on the light side. I currently have a French bow, and am looking at getting a German. may be a feel difference once I start trying them out, but at least this gives me some clue where to start as far as weight. Thanks guys.

 

[reedo35]

Just FYI, Bow Weight is not nearly as important as Balance.

 

[PaulCannon]

The physical weight of the bow can be difficult to feel depending upon its balance. I have a 142 g Fuchs bow that feels light and a 132 g Fritsch that feels heavy. It's not an irrelevant piece of information to have, but I think the balance will have a bigger impact on the sound and your perception of its playability.

 

[CPike]

+1 on balance. I would also throw in stiffness as third component. All three work together to reveal the character and quality of a bow. Regarding my agreement with the German range vis a vis French, neither is universal or agreed upon - I was just stating that my arbitrary division was similar to the range suggested for French. Nothing more to be inferred.
.cdp

 

[bassist1962]

Weight, Balance and Stiffness. I remember someone saying to think of playing arco as a series of suspension systems all working together. The string is one spring, the hair, and the stick are two more, and the hand is another whole series that need to work together.

When I start my search is stiffness/springiness of the stick a matter of preference, or is there a standard to look for?

 

[Gatortail1]

I"ve got an old one that's 108 grams.
Are there any lighter ones than that?