Wonky2 Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 (edited) Guys, perhaps a silly question for which the answer may seem logical i guess..... Im after trying some arco playing and in the middle of trying to find a decent yet cheap bow. I have an offer from another member for which i need to quickly deliberate and make decision but i need to ask my silly question first.... My bass is 3/4 size. The bow offered in the deal is 3/4 size. Is that the obvious and right match, or are there some obvious advantages in using a 4/4 size bow such as the longer stroke length. (Focus people, its sunday morning, resist from Any long length stroking jokes)! Any advice is welcomed. Edited February 28, 2016 by Wonky2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hubrad Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 3/4 is very much nominal, and encompasses a range of lengths. Add to that the weight - serious shops will tell you down to the gram - and choice of grip, type of wood, hair etc, and there are so many variables! If the price seems reasonable, and especially if you can get a little go on this bow first, I'd say go for it if you're looking for a bow to get you started. My first one was about 30 plus a rear, but it got me to the point where I knew I was up for spending a few hundred. Then I changed from French to German grip and so it goes.. The main thing to me is that you feel comfortable enough holding it, so there's a good chance you'll actually play with it. The rest should follow, the amount of work depending on where you're thinking of taking it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wonky2 Posted February 28, 2016 Author Share Posted February 28, 2016 Thanks thats a great help... Can you/ anyone explain the basic difference between french and german bows ? I wont get chance to try it as its a post job but even if i did id have no point of reference as ive never used one ! Out of my comfort zone and loving it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 [quote name='Wonky2' timestamp='1456668791' post='2991178']... Can you/ anyone explain the basic difference between french and german bows ?... [/quote] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrj2Xhznv20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SubsonicSimpleton Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 When I bought my bow, rather than buying a Yita direct from china, I found a UK (Stockport) based retailer who imports bows from China to the UK and then sells them on ebay & amazon, I contacted him by email and he was happy to weigh his stock, and send me a selection of carbon fibre french bows to try at the weights I requested, the quality of the hair on the bows was good, and my classical teacher didn't flag up anything about any of them that indicated that they would be a bad purchase. http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dmi&field-keywords=Violins4you+double+bass+bow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wonky2 Posted February 28, 2016 Author Share Posted February 28, 2016 Thanks for the info.... Im waiting for bc'er to get back to me to go through with the deal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hubrad Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1456669571' post='2991185'] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrj2Xhznv20[/media] [/quote] Useful video. . There is no definite right or wrong, although some will tell you there is! My own limited experience is that French allows a bit more light finesse with the flexibility of the fingers, where the German allows a bit more power due to the angle of grip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 [quote name='hubrad' timestamp='1456702529' post='2991649']...There is no definite right or wrong... [/quote] I believe that the general rule is to go with whatever grip your tutor teaches, but that's only useful (if, indeed, true..!) if one has a tutor, of course..! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philparker Posted February 29, 2016 Share Posted February 29, 2016 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1456702926' post='2991656'] I believe that the general rule is to go with whatever grip your tutor teaches, but that's only useful (if, indeed, true..!) if one has a tutor, of course..! [/quote] I think the German bow was designed so that the bow stroke wouldn't catch the corners/body of some of the different shaped DBs (violin/Gamba?). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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