Double Bass Thoughts on Victor Fetique?

[Calvin Marks]

I want to state up front that this is NOT the case with the OP's bow, but has anyone heard about a flood of fake Raffin certificates on the market "certifying" some very bogus bows (mostly violin and cello bows).

yep, quite common, especially on eBay (a place where I would never buy a bow)

 

[LouisF]

PS: Calvin, congrats on the bow!

 

[Calvin Marks]

PS: Calvin, congrats on the bow!

Thank you. I got it from Tom Martin's shop. It is a wonderful bow - very light and very well balanced. Feels effortless in my hand but doesn't have the same rich dark tone as the huge Vincenzo DeLuccia I have.

 

[LouisF]

Again, just for info. I don't know the dealer; just an example:

A very fine, rare French certified bass bow by Marie Louis Piernot, ca. 1925. | eBay

 

[Calvin Marks]

Again, just for info. I don't know the dealer; just an example:

A very fine, rare French certified bass bow by Marie Louis Piernot, ca. 1925. | eBay

hard to tell but without really knowing who the merchant is it would be a strong pass for me - I also think the price is quite high considering the market we are in. I negotiated my Fetique down to USD 9k

 

[LouisF]

Totally agree but since I don't know him, didn't want to presume. He does his own certificates, however !!

 

[sstamatakis-stam]

Hi to everyone here.
I never had have a good bow And I would like to ask, where is the different between a chip and an expensive bow?
Thank you

 

[LouisF]

SSTAM: to answer your question - think of them like cars:

If all you have to do is get from point A to B every now and then, then you can be very happy with a Yugo! It gets you there, mostly, carries groceries and keeps you out of the rain.

If you want to be a little more comfortable, drive/commute more often, have a little more fun while you're driving - and have the money - you shop around: VW, Peugot, maybe an entry level BMW - it becomes a matter of preference and style as much as anything else - as well as becoming a better driver.

If you are a professional you get a Ferrari - optimized for performance, return on investment as to the jobs it gets you etc etc

I know it's a crazy analogy, but maybe it helps.

Also, along with there being a difference between "cheap and expensive" there is also a difference between "cheap and inexpensive" - there are a lot of decent brazilwood and carbon fiber bows in the US$200-400 range that will take you quite a long way; and there are A LOT of bows in that same price range that are junk.

 

[sstamatakis-stam]

LouisF Thank you for your guidance. It was a good example with the cars... but I did know if it happens the same with the bows. So i bough a carbon bow with 200€ some years ago and I think it's for junk, thats why I'm asking. If you have something to suggest me I'll be grateful. Thank you again.

 

[LouisF]

Well, I -like most people on TB - am happy to help. Can you give us an idea of your budget and what kind of music you play. Since you are in Europe, there's obviously a lot of option. From the US, (without knowing any specifics) the "safest" bet would be to order a Finale bow from the String Emporium. But let me know.

 

[LouisF]

Some European options at different prices:

Bassbogen Fernambuk *bassico* von Bassico

New Double Bass Bows

KNOLL Streichbogen : Our Bows

 

[sstamatakis-stam]

Well, I -like most people on TB - am happy to help. Can you give us an idea of your budget and what kind of music you play. Since you are in Europe, there's obviously a lot of option. From the US, (without knowing any specifics) the "safest" bet would be to order a Finale bow from the String Emporium. But let me know.

First of all THANK you LouisF for your time and for the suggest options . My budge is about 1000, 1200€. Ι'm in Europe but I have no idea about bows... I'm trying to graduate for a diploma so my repertoire is Bottesini, Drogonetti, Simandl, Bach and classical tunes in general. I use french bow.

 

[LouisF]

Then I would talk to Tom and George Martin in London about their Claude Marchand bows. (Double Bass Bows)

Also both the Lucchi workshop in Italy Our Story
and Milan Oubrecht's shop in Prague About Us
might have "shop" bows made by their staff.

Also Tony at the Contrabass-shoppe in UK has some in that range:The Contrabass Shoppe – Bows

But I would start with Tom & George. I'm sure others here will have other opinions
Good luck
Louis

 

[LouisF]

One other thought : [Invalid or Expired Link Removed], but I would get it directly from Paulus: Index

My Paulus bow was one of my main orchestra bows for many years. I think they make great sticks, usually two or three thousand more than this, so this is clearly their "conservatory" model - but worth looking into
Louis

 

[sstamatakis-stam]

Now I have an apt list to choice. May the force be with you
Thank you Louis.

 

[Bisounourse]

First of all THANK you LouisF for your time and for the suggest options . My budge is about 1000, 1200€. Ι'm in Europe but I have no idea about bows... I'm trying to graduate for a diploma so my repertoire is Bottesini, Drogonetti, Simandl, Bach and classical tunes in general. I use french bow.
View attachment 4157531

Since you're trying to graduate, can't you get any pointers from your teacher?
Need to check my archive, but I have a list of bassluthiers/shops in the France/Belgium/Netherlands area.

 

[sstamatakis-stam]

Since you're trying to graduate, can't you get any pointers from your teacher?
Need to check my archive, but I have a list of bassluthiers/shops in the France/Belgium/Netherlands area.

Hey.
It's a long story... but for the moment I must tech my self - I have to be prepared, before I'll knock the door for the last path.
I'm appreciate that you want to suggest a good list.
Thank u.