Double Bass NBD question

[lucas vigor]

New bow day question!


Here is my situation: I am not a professional arco player, yet I am in a premier "junior" orchestra. I also take serious lessons with a professional symphony bassist.

I am working through the second simandl, hrabe, bille and just for fun am playing pretty much all Mozart, Bach, etc..

I am getting better every day, but no way am I at the point where I deserve (Or can afford) an expensive bow.

However, I am very serious about bass playing, and need something better then the glasser piece of crap I have been using.

I need a workhorse bow, under 400 bucks. Something with substantially improved tone, volume and grip then what I have been using up to this point.

I have narrowed it down to two choices: The sunrise pernambuco, or the Finale carbon fiber. Both are in the 300-400 dollar range. French style, if that makes a difference.

Which would you get? Bass is one of the better Czech Strunals, all bel cantos.

 

[LouisF]

I'd get the one that made the bass sound better. I'm sure you can audition both bows.

Louis

 

[lucas vigor]

No, I can't. One of them would have to be mail order.

 

[CT DB]

I would say that if you are at the level that you are in a premier orchestra and play all of Mozart and Bach just for fun, you would need something at a much higher quality, approaching professional, custom-made models. I would talk to your teacher and see if they can recommend something for your level.

 

[lucas vigor]

A premier "junior" orchestra. A "training" orchestra, if you will (albeit a very, very good one).


But in regards to a truly professional bow,
I just can't afford it. Not now. But I am in dire need for something better then what I have been using (which cost $89 dollars, I believe!)

Does anyone on this forum have any experience with the finale carbon fiber bow? That's what I am leaning towards, at this point.

 

[quenoil]

Any reputable shop will send them both (and others) to you to audition.

 

[LouisF]

I can't believe that Lemur or String Emporium wouldn't let you try the bow first. You might have to give them a credit card etc for a deposit, but also I would second the opinion about looking at more bows. Where are you located?

louis