carbon fiber bow

Actually I was quite impressed with a Carbon Fiber bow I tried at the MusikMesse in Germany. They aren't cheap, though. The average price seems to be around $700.00, But they compare favorably to Pernambuco bows that cost twice as much.

 

After hunting for a bow during month, I landed on a carbon fiber bow made by Alain Le Gouic (yes, you'll find a link at, all hail!, Bob Gollihur) which is better than any pernambouc bow that I have tried in that price range (about 600 Euros). I have also tried various Carbows designed by Jean Grunberger and did not like them as much as my current ALG. I don't know about any other brand. I advise you to take advantage of a trial period at home or wherever you practice regularly as it is rather difficult to properly evaluate a bow in a store. Good luck.

 

Is there any place in US who sells carbon-fiber bass bows other than Bob Gollihur's site?

 

Lemur and Hammond-Ashley, probably Kolsteins. Check the links from (All Hail) Bob Gollihur's site - there are other retailers who carry them as well.

 

I'll echo what others have said that in the price range composites are better than wood. They're also really durable which is a consideration in taking it out to clubs (or using it as one). The Glasser composite and carbon bows are easily better than wood in the $200-400usd range. So are the Le Gouics for for the most part but there you're getting into the price range of being able to shop for a good used wood bow.

 

Try out as many bows as possible and with your own bass. What bow you decide on will most likely be a compromise between the bow you like best and how much you can afford. ALG bows are priced above 700 USD, so it is good to try pernambucos in the same price range and decide which you like best. Coda Bows may be introducing a carbon fiber bow within the future for the doublebass.