Double Bass New Sue Lipkins Bow

[Jon Stefaniak]

More than 7 and a half years ago I sent an email to Sue Lipkins to put my name on her list. In the meantime I have learned quite a lot about bows and bow making, and bought 4 or 5 different bows. I've even learned to rehair bows myself and have much more appreciation for the bow than when I started.
After the long wait, it is finally bought and paid for. Living outside of the States, Sue's policy is that I pay for the bow before it is shipped. So, it is on its way right now. I thought I would share some of the pics of the bow in progress and let people know how it turned out when it comes.
She has made two buttons for me to choose between to find a balance that suits be better. It is a pretty heavy bow for orchestra playing. I will weigh it when it arrives.

Enjoy-

 

[SAlcott]

That's a tortie-they tend to be a bit loony.

 

[Jon Stefaniak]

That's a tortie-they tend to be a bit loony.

What an appropriate name for a type of cat for a bow maker!

 

[geoffbassist]

Congratulations. This is going to be an incredible bow! I love the photos and please let us know how you get on.

 

[Mark_T]

I love watching stuff like this come together. Thanks for sharing and may you have many many hours of joy playing your new bow!

 

[Jon Stefaniak]

Well, I've had the bow for a few days, and I am still becoming aquainted with it. It is very strong with a slight nasal edge to the tone. The two buttons are very different in both balance and the tone of the bow.

The solid button is around 4 grams heavier than the divided one. Putting the bow up to a wopping 147 grams. It makes for a slightly fatter sound and is more stable. Although it is super heavy, the balance is more in line with Rabbath's ideal (a wave of the wrist doesn't disturb the head). So it has greater stability and the bow changes are smoother.

With the divided button, it becomes a different bow. Dispite being around 142 or 143 grams, the sound takes on a brighter, more aggressive edge that forces and drives the bass a little more. It is a bit like cranking the upper mids and gain on a guitar amp. The lighter mass in the frog livens up the sound. The bow attacks the string more actively but because of the balance, it is a little harder for me to control. Still getting used to it.

As for the playing qualities of the bow, I have been playing it along side with my Richaume and Fritsch bows. Although I love the beautiful sound and controllability of Fritsch's stick, it doesn't make much sense to compare them much - just too different. Sue's is so much sturdier and heavier and the volume of sound it produces is so much greater that it seems too strange to switch back and forth.

Playing back and forth between my Richaume bow really reveals the difference in philosophy between using dense wood and softer wood. Although it has plenty of bright sound, the older bow allows more warm sound through as well and reacts under the fingers with a little more cushion. Because of this it can be easier to find the beautiful sound I want to make.

Sue's bow is a little less forgiving so far. It is almost like it wants to play the bass for me, and if I get in the way, it can sound a little harsh in comparison. It is very active, clear and efficient in what I can get from a small amount of bow. The bow bounces well. It makes such a strong, focused effect on the bass, that I don't really need to worry about clarity, but I must focus more effort trying to warm and control the sound. Obviously, this will change as I become more accustomed to using the bow. It is very powerful. Should be fun going forward. I think I will be buying both buttons to make it a little customizable depending on repertoire.

 

[LouisF]

I don't know if anyone has seen this before. I just caught the rerun on PBS

https://www.craftinamerica.org/artist/susan-lipkins

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

When I had the kind of money it takes to hire her, we spoke on the phone once. Aces.

 

[Bassman415]

Jon - how are you enjoying the bow two years later ? I am 2 bows away from Sue starting my bow. I got on her list around 2012/2013 !! Super stoked !!

 

[Paps]

Sounds like a great Orchestral bow, with the power, clarity, ability to articulate and bounce.
The Richaume sounds like your ideal solo bow. It can be difficult for one bow to suite all needs.

 

[marcox]

Jon - how are you enjoying the bow two years later ? I am 2 bows away from Sue starting my bow. I got on her list around 2012/2013 !! Super stoked !!

Ten years have passed and you're still two bows away? She's one in-demand archetier!

 

[Bassman415]

Ten years have passed and you're still two bows away? She's one in-demand archetier!

10 years is par for the course to be on her list. Worth the wait !!

 

[Jon Stefaniak]

Jon - how are you enjoying the bow two years later ? I am 2 bows away from Sue starting my bow. I got on her list around 2012/2013 !! Super stoked !!

It is my main orchestra bow- basically the only bow I use at work, so roughly 90 percent of my playing and practice. I never take it home, so if I play something solo, or practice at home etc., I use another. It is still a great bow 2 years later. I am not looking at other bows now, I have what I need.