Phillip Smith bows (Australia)

I met Philip and tried some of his bows at the BassEurope event in Lucca 2018. Firstly, let me say that they are great bows! After returning from Lucca they where still on my mind, so I contacted Philip who was very helpful and shipped the particular bow that I liked the most when playing in Lucca all the way from Australia to Germany for trial. In the end I decided that it wasn't the right match for me, but undeniably fine workmanship, good sounding bows and great service from Philip.

 

Same for me, I met Philip in Lucca. Despite him being a very nice guy, his work is really remarkable. Even his bows changed my opinion on snakewood entirely. I never had a good sounding bow made from snakewood in my hands before and blamed the wood itself for it. Well, the first bow from Philip I tried was already terribly good and other were too. So, one day I definitly going to buy one.

 

By the name alone, they must be good!

 

It looks like he has sourced very fine quality Snakewood. I’ve owned several bows made out of Snakewood. It is much much denser than Pernambuco so be careful unless the stick is properly cambered. I find Snakewood better for a German bow tbh

 

I purchased a Snakewood Bow from Philip at ISB last week. Really great bow and really great person. The bow is just flatout outstanding.

 

I own a snakewood German bow from Philip Smith that was my teacher’s primary bass bow for years. The bow has made a remarkable difference in focusing my tone, making it easier to pull sound from the bass. My teacher sold me his bow to purchase another bow by Philip Smith. He said the bows should really cost much more than what Philip Smith is charging. Remarkable craftsmanship, aesthetics, and tone from both bows!

 

It feels as good in the hand as it looks.

 

That’s beautiful!