First bow

[denhamlee1]

I've been playing bass for 40 years. I've played pizzicato the whole time. however, Old dog wants to learn new tricks. I'm interested in taking a stab at using a bow. What are your recommendations for a good 'starter bow? Also any good recommendations for 'YouTube' lessons? I'm self taught so I'm sure the technical aspect of how I play is hosed up. I do my best and for the most part play pretty good. I play everyday. Any advice?

 

[bassmastan]

I've been playing bass for 40 years. I've played pizzicato the whole time. however, Old dog wants to learn new tricks. I'm interested in taking a stab at using a bow. What are your recommendations for a good 'starter bow? Also any good recommendations for 'YouTube' lessons? I'm self taught so I'm sure the technical aspect of how I play is hosed up. I do my best and for the most part play pretty good. I play everyday. Any advice?

A good carbon fiber bow is the best way to go... Plenty of options floating around the boards all over. I do not recommend youtube lessons (Specially stay away from expert village)... I think the only way to learn the bow is with a teacher, there are too many things that can go wrong when learning that can hurt you big time. Ed Mikenas is a great teacher in VA and I am sure there are plenty more... Do you know what kind of bow you want to play (German or French)... A teacher can answer these questions and more better than anyone on the boards can. Your other friend with the bow is going to be a drone/tuner... You'll realize how much you do and dont play out of tune with it.

 

[denhamlee1]

A good carbon fiber bow is the best way to go... Plenty of options floating around the boards all over. I do not recommend youtube lessons (Specially stay away from expert village)... I think the only way to learn the bow is with a teacher, there are too many things that can go wrong when learning that can hurt you big time. Ed Mikenas is a great teacher in VA and I am sure there are plenty more... Do you know what kind of bow you want to play (German or French)... A teacher can answer these questions and more better than anyone on the boards can. Your other friend with the bow is going to be a drone/tuner... You'll realize how much you do and dont play out of tune with it.

Thanks so much for your help.

 

[Reiska]

I have a very decent carbon Metropolitan german bow but bought a starter carbon french one just couple of weeks ago, price in 200 - 300$ range, since I`m trying to go back to french one but not exactly sure about it yet. I`ve played the DB only for a couple of years now, but I`ve been messing around with the bow all that time. However, I`ve had my first real arco lessons in the last half year perioid and I have to strongly agree with bassmastan up there. The hurting issue is very real ( got hurt with the french bow and switched to german some year ago ) and I feel that I for first time really understood the main concepts of completely relaxed arm weight and tone after my lessons with a great arco-oriented teacher. Go for it, it`s a pain but great fun and a whole new world of sound and colour! Looks good too

 

[PNeher]

There are plenty of "good" carbon fiber bows and "good" wood bows. Generally, you get what you pay for. When you are ready, you will buy a Pernambuco wood bow, if makers are still able to get a hold of this very rare wood. Or you will buy a previously played bow. Again, look for Pernambuco which is the best wood for bows - flexes, is strong, and vibrates much like a good instrument.
PN