Double Bass Joseph Kun bows

[LouisF]

I know he wrote a standard text on bow making, but does anyone use his bows? Thanks
Louis

 

[chris1125]

I use one of his bows that I bought here last year, I love it. It's light, well balanced with a big sound. I've never seen another one of his bows so I couldn't speak for them but from what I've gathered, my bow is a Joseph Kun stick with a german made frog, he imported some of his frog's when he was getting started up in Canada in the early 70's. Origonally from Czechlosovakia, he moved to Canada in 1968 but didn't start making bows untill 1972-73 which he made with the stamp "J. Kun". My bow came from this period. Once he got started up he was making about 50 bows a year into the late 80's. His bows from the mid 70's to the late 80's were stamped "Jos. Kun Ottawa". He died in 1996 but focused on violin making late in his career. He made about 200 bass bows which started at $500 (with imported frogs) and up. Now his bows are worth 2-5k. He also trained Reid Hudson whos is now an in demand canadian bow maker, Reid was nice enough to pass on much of this information. Very nice bows indeed.

 

[LouisF]

Thanks!

Louis

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

It appears one of his earlier bows (French frog, pernambuco stick) is on eBay starting at just over $1K.

 

[chris1125]

Wow that's a heavy one, could've a great deal for someone.

 

[LouisF]

About a third the price of the German bows I've seen -- and about 30% heavier!
Louis