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Upton Bass $259 brazillwood bow?

Discussion in 'Bows and Rosin [DB]' started by elliot_the_bassist, Jan 1, 2015.

Upton bows?

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  1. Jan 1, 2015 #1
    elliot_the_bassist

    elliot_the_bassist

    Jan 1, 2015
    Yay first thread!
    Ok so, Im new to talk bass, but not at all new to the double bass itself and its about time I got a proper bow. I'll be getting one soon and I was researching a few possibilties and the most reasonable so far was uptons bass' brazilwood bow.
    I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with these bows (specifically the french style with dark hair, as this is my playing preference) and if their quality is up to par with the models in the same price range. I have faith in the company, considering they are quite popular on the east coast.
    Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
     
  2. Jan 1, 2015 #2
    DC Bass

    DC Bass Supporting Member

    Mar 28, 2010
    Laurel, Maryland, USA
    Welcome to Talkbass!

    Upton enjoys a great reputation in general, and especially so here on TB. They earned this reputation by offering superior quality products and customer service. I cannot imagine that they would knowingly squander that reputation.

    So, despite never having used said bows, I feel completely safe in offering my speculation that their bows in that price point will meet or exceed the quality levels of similar bows in that price point offered by other sellers.

    Buy with confidence.

    Joe
     
  3. Jan 2, 2015 #3
    elliot_the_bassist

    elliot_the_bassist

    Jan 1, 2015
    Great! Thanks for the help. I honestly knew they were awesome when I first heard of Upton, but I'm always cautious when it comes to spending this much money.
     
  4. Jan 2, 2015 #4
    DC Bass

    DC Bass Supporting Member

    Mar 28, 2010
    Laurel, Maryland, USA
  5. Jan 2, 2015 #5
    Eric Swanson

    Eric Swanson

    Oct 8, 2007
    Boston, MA
    I would respectfully suggest that you check out several bows in your price range, audition them on your bass, and return the ones that don't seem best. Many people selling bows will let you "try before you buy;" a week's trial period seems to be pretty commonly offered.

    I would ask, in advance, what the trial/audition period is before committing to any bow. My bow is as important to my sound and my playing experience as is my bass, in my limited experience.

    In other words, bows aren't commodity items; they vary a lot, from stick to stick. The only way I know to get a good wood bow, from any vendor, at any price, is to try a bunch of them.
     
    Last edited: Jan 2, 2015
    DC Bass likes this.
  6. Jan 3, 2015 #6
    elliot_the_bassist

    elliot_the_bassist

    Jan 1, 2015
    I looked at those gollihur bows now it seems you may have changed my mind about buying an upton bow. The have a pernambuco bow for $10 less than the upton brazilwood bow! Have you used a golliher bow? I'd like some insight on those now that I've seen the price. Thanks
     
  7. Jan 3, 2015 #7
    DC Bass

    DC Bass Supporting Member

    Mar 28, 2010
    Laurel, Maryland, USA
    Yes, I have owned a Gollihur pernambuco bow which I purchased it here on Talkbass. I thought it was a great bow, especially for the money. I ended up passing it on to one of my students who absolutely loves it.

    I think Eric's recommendation to audition as many bows as possible is very good advice.

    I'm sure the bows offered by Upton are a great value, but over the years I have built a great relationship with Bob and Mark Gollihur, and I usually make my internet purchases from them.

    Joe