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Double Bass German bow frog sizes?

D

Danko

Mar 24, 2005
95
1
52
Zagreb, Croatia, Europe
#1
Hi all,

I borrowed a german bow from a friend who is willing to sell it to me if I like it. Since I'm new to arco (total beginner) - I don't know if I should take that offer or pass.

The only thing I don't like about that bow of his is that I hardly squeeze my index and middle finger into the frog. (my hands are large and fingers are long).

So the logical question pops up: is there difference in sizes of the german frogs or they are all the same?

Danko

PS: If they are same on each German bow, I guess I'll buy his old battered bow. If not, I guess I'll buy a new GEWA bow straight from a locel music store.
 
#3
I've had a similar problem. My first german bow had a big frog that I could fit my index and middle fingers side by side pretty well. Not the biggest german bow frog that I've seen but a good size that I think is fairly common. Two summers ago I found a bow that I fell in love with. The only problem I had with it was the same kind of problem you are talking about that my index and middle fingers don't fit side by side. I ended up straightening my middle finger a little bit more and fitting my middle finger in slightly in front. It was a prett painless solution that has worked well for me.

I'm not completely sure how common certain german bow frog sizes are but there is definitely a wide range. But I find it easier to adapt to a frog that is a little on the small size rather than too big.
 
#4
Danko said:
I hardly squeeze my index and middle finger into the frog. (my hands are large and fingers are long).
Click to expand...

I realized I might not have understood what you meant by this. Do you actually mean fitting your index and middle fingers in the space in the middle of the frog or do you mean putting your fingers along the side of the frog with the index finger on the wood and the middle finger on the frog?
 
#5
Danko said:
So the logical question pops up: is there difference in sizes of the german frogs or they are all the same?
Click to expand...

In my experience, there is an "average" size for frogs on both German and French bows...but yes there are differences.

I like the average to larger sized frogs. I've tried at least one German bow with what seemed a very small frog and didn't like the feel at all.

For most bows, though, the difference is minimal. You should go to a violin shop that deals bass bows. Even if you don't want to play them just hold them and see for yourself.
 
#6
Johnny L said:
In my experience, there is an "average" size for frogs on both German and French bows...but yes there are differences.

I like the average to larger sized frogs. I've tried at least one German bow with what seemed a very small frog and didn't like the feel at all.

For most bows, though, the difference is minimal. You should go to a violin shop that deals bass bows. Even if you don't want to play them just hold them and see for yourself.
Click to expand...

Thanks all for the info.

I feel I need to see some other bows first in order to get a better feel what I like and what I dislike.

Danko
 
#7
I have only ever played on german bows and a variety at that. I have noticed that when german bows are cheaper the frogs tend to be much bigger. (Fiberglass Glasser Bows come to mind) As the price goes higher the frog becomes much smaller and more curved instead of squarish. Just what I have seen. Not true in all cases

----
Just a quick thought to add: I like a much smaller frog that is also smooth and not very square like. I found that when I moved up into the $1000 and above range this level of craftsmanship gave me extra control that I was looking for.
 
#8
I tend to like larger, more rounded frogs. Smaller ones seem to give less control and also seem to tire the hand and arm more quickly and the more square shapes tend to bite into the hand after a while. I think this issue tends to be overlooked for the most part; a less than ideal size could at the very least hamper your technique, and could even cause lasting injury.
 

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