Just to add in: while the "German" bow looks like a device perfect for pllying arm weight down to the strings, there's nothing that prevents you from applying the same weight with a french bow. In fact, it would be a wrong assumption to say that the french bow doesen't utilize the arm weight in the same manner, because you do.
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Double Bass what is better french or german bows?
- Thread starter jamiecbass
- Start date
I started on a French bow and used it exclusively for around 3 years. I then switched to German and havent looked back. My first instrument was Viola, so the French seemed more natural at first. My teacher at the time let me try her German bow and I never looked back. The ergonomics are just more natural with a German bow to me.
To me, both have minus and plusses.
I first learned the French bow and I had a very hard time with it, my hand got lock or I put to much strenght holding it so after a while my hand hurt. But it is easier to play faster passage ( when you are a student it is a plus ) and all the string aren't hard to reach. And your back will stay straight most of the time.
Personnaly I prefer the Greman bow because it is easier to hold, really, it sit in the hand and so I don't tense up. But the E or B strings is really a pain the reach in that position and also you have to bend your back more while playing in higher position because of way you hold the bow.
I first learned the French bow and I had a very hard time with it, my hand got lock or I put to much strenght holding it so after a while my hand hurt. But it is easier to play faster passage ( when you are a student it is a plus ) and all the string aren't hard to reach. And your back will stay straight most of the time.
Personnaly I prefer the Greman bow because it is easier to hold, really, it sit in the hand and so I don't tense up. But the E or B strings is really a pain the reach in that position and also you have to bend your back more while playing in higher position because of way you hold the bow.
for me its the eternal battle..
I've started on french, and always loved how fine I can get my tone and articulation with it.. then years later I switched to German as it was real easy to warm it up and get decent tone right away.. I switched back to french about 8 months ago as I've been longing for the fine touch I used to have with it (not that you can't get that with German)... now I am leaning to German.. as french requires much more work to maintain and warm up etc... Now I play both equally well, and often switch from one to the other in my practice...
Thing is,, I do this alternate bass stance where I am practically behind the bass and the bass is almost vertical. I use my right leg against its side and that balances is so I don't have to employ the left hand to do it at all - this makes for one stable and comfortable way to play German bow, I can tell you.. however, since I picked up french again, I am having issues and keep getting back into traditional stance - it just gives my bow arm more power and stamina... ahh.. don't know what to do in the end.. I really need to settle for one or the other,, can't be the master of both. just don't have that much time on my hands.
I've started on french, and always loved how fine I can get my tone and articulation with it.. then years later I switched to German as it was real easy to warm it up and get decent tone right away.. I switched back to french about 8 months ago as I've been longing for the fine touch I used to have with it (not that you can't get that with German)... now I am leaning to German.. as french requires much more work to maintain and warm up etc... Now I play both equally well, and often switch from one to the other in my practice...
Thing is,, I do this alternate bass stance where I am practically behind the bass and the bass is almost vertical. I use my right leg against its side and that balances is so I don't have to employ the left hand to do it at all - this makes for one stable and comfortable way to play German bow, I can tell you.. however, since I picked up french again, I am having issues and keep getting back into traditional stance - it just gives my bow arm more power and stamina... ahh.. don't know what to do in the end.. I really need to settle for one or the other,, can't be the master of both. just don't have that much time on my hands.
I bought a French bow first, and my teacher spent the better part of an hour showing me how to hold it correctly. It felt unnatural to me, and it was something I struggled with everytime I picked up the bow. I couldn't practice very long without it becoming painful to hold. After a couple of weeks, he gave me a German bow to try, and it felt completely natural to me. I could just pick it up and start playing without thinking about holding it correctly.
As a result, I would say you should try both and see which one feels more natural to you.
As a result, I would say you should try both and see which one feels more natural to you.
Whichever works best for you is better. What works for me may not work for you, which is why both bows still exist.
Like others said it all comes down to personal preference. Some say French is better while other say German is better. Try both types of bows and see which kind you like best.
I learned on German. I have tried French, but it feels unnatural and I strain my hand trying to compensate. The ones i have seen be successful with French came from the cello.
Try both, and although I do believe German was created for bass alone there are enough great players using French bows. Go with what feels most comfortable and most natural. Pain and discomfort will make you strain and not play well and you won't enjoy it. No need for pain when playing! Have fun and make some great music.
Try both, and although I do believe German was created for bass alone there are enough great players using French bows. Go with what feels most comfortable and most natural. Pain and discomfort will make you strain and not play well and you won't enjoy it. No need for pain when playing! Have fun and make some great music.
