Double Bass Ivory tips and alternatives

[Blaine]

Just heard about this with good reviews on other sites
Tip Armour
http://www.guitarpartsandmore.com/?nav=products&cat=27
David knows his stuff and is a great source for Mammoth, bone, and legal ivory. Looking foward to trying this.

 

[SplitNick]

I was at Mr. Warther's place in June. It is an amazing survey of his scrimshaw work.

Curious though. What is the difference between this and some of the other imitation ivories available?

 

[bejoyous]

What about getting old ivory piano keys from a piano shop. They would have a certificate showing the age of the piano. I'm not sure if the tip is carved with curve or if it is bent to fit, though. I'm not sure if the layer of ivory on the key would be thick enough either.

 

[MikeCanada]

Brian, even if the ivory is clearly identified as pre-ban, it cannot be sold or traded to another musician/repair person as of this legislation. Likewise, we cannot use it in repairs if the musician intends to travel to/from the US with the bow.

In regards to your other questions, the tip starts flat with either a 90º or 83º angle at the front to wrap around the beak of the bow. This is cut from a single piece, in order to avoid a seam. A seam would be unavoidable if piano ivories were used which is one of the reasons why there is an overhang on the front of piano keys, it means you would have to look at the keys from below in order to see it. Piano keys tend to be thinner than bass bow tips, but might be thick enough for violins.