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Double Bass Shen Ophelia VS. Finale bow

Joel B

Joel B

Apr 7, 2006
176
2
Brentwood California
#1
I am new to the upright bass community, and am looking to get a bow to begin with.

From the information that I have gleaned from the bow specific threads, the Shen Ophelia or the Finale are probably the two I am most interested in.

I would greatly appreciate help in deciding which I should go with. Any help would be appreciated.
 
#3
Hi,
I've owned both. When all was said and done I preferred and kept my Ophelia. The Finale was good, mind you.
I was actually able to audition 3 Ophelias, and there was significant difference between them. So maybe find an opportunity to try first?
Hope this helps.
- Jim
 
#5
I've been playing DB for 6 years now, the only thing I play on is a Glasser cheap carbon fibre $40 bow, they're some of the best bows I've played, it holds up to my brazilwood bow. They all had to be re-haired but that's not the point, a great bow can come from anywhere, try before you buy

-Nick
 
#6
Hey Joel,

There were differences in weight (+/- maybe 3g), and I remember there was a definite difference in the frog fit to the stick on one of them. When I told the luthier about it, he said this could probably be adjusted. There are always other intangible differences in bows which either suit you or not. Some bows just seem to have more mojo or whatever.

So, I should mention how I auditioned the bows. I contacted Zachary Martin...

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...and he mailed me 3 Ophelias in a strong tube to try. He was great to deal with, as most luthiers are. After about a week of hands-on, I mailed him back 2 of them in the same tube and a check for the one I decided to keep.

Good luck!

- Jim
 

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