Difference in fiddle bows?

Subject: RE: Difference in fiddle bows?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 Mar 06 - 03:05 PM

I have a pernambuco bow but I did a "blind" test of about 8 bows of made of varying materials and weights. This particular bow just felt the most comfortable to me. The luthier was interested in trying to sell me a bow with more fancy doodads (wrapping and I believe it was a solid silver tip?) but I couldn't tell enough of a difference in my playing and comfort level to justify the cost.

I recently tried a friend's bow. I know it was not a pernambuco bow but beyond that, I can't tell you anything except he paid under $100.00 for it and it was a little heavier than my bow. Sometimes I like the extra weight and have thought about purchasing one for those occassions.

I wish I had a more exact answer for you. If you are shopping for a bow, take several home and try them out. You'll know which one is for you fairly quickly.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Difference in fiddle bows?
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 06 Mar 06 - 02:57 PM

I use a plectrum. Mind you, what a selection to choose from. Plus all of the different colours. You lot think you've got problems...........................

Subject: RE: Difference in fiddle bows?
From: Sorcha
Date: 06 Mar 06 - 02:50 PM

Called carbon fiber, Bert.....I just don't personally care for them. Prefer the action of a good wood bow.

Subject: RE: Difference in fiddle bows?
From: Bert
Date: 06 Mar 06 - 02:35 PM

Well I'm not a fiddler but I am an engineer and when I come across something that nobody can define then I've found that there's an awful lot of bullshit around.

If there is really a difference between bows then there must be some definable parameters that create the difference.

With modern technology and materials is should be simple to make a bow of a given weight and put the balance point pretty much where you want to.

Subject: RE: Difference in fiddle bows?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 06 Mar 06 - 01:42 PM

Pernambuco is a resource that, according to a Smithsonian Magazine article back ca. April 2004 has been subject to a very aggressive conservation program, instigated and pushed mainly by bow makers.

While some pernambuco has been available, the "very good pernambuco" needed for the best bows was virtually impossible to find not too long ago, and it's still not plentiful. Some very fine bow makers were able to keep working using stock on hand "being cured," but replenishment was a problem reaching a critical state.

Better quality new stock is available now than could be obtained a few years ago although it's still a limited supply. Opinion is divided on whether what's available now is as good as what bow makers could get fairly easily a hundred years ago, but it's at least close, and improving.

I had hoped to link to the article, but although Google finds multiple links to it, they all get redirected to the magazine home page (for the current issue) and the link to back issues there has been removed. Only a few very recent issues are accessible. If your library keeps the magazine, it's an interesting piece; as much for the rare existence of an apparently successful conservation effort as for the info about the wood.

John

Subject: RE: Difference in fiddle bows?
From: Sorcha
Date: 06 Mar 06 - 09:48 AM

The best bows are made from the heartwood of the pernambuco tree....it must be old enough to have a long enough piece. The stick must be exactly shaped by hand so that the 'camber' (curve) is just right for that piece of wood. Pernambuco is a tropical wood, and with the destruction of the rain forests.....carbon fiber seems to be an 'acceptable' substitute, but I hate them.

Subject: RE: Difference in fiddle bows?
From: fiddler
Date: 06 Mar 06 - 08:10 AM

Thats right!

My most expensive bow is carbon fibre @ around £450 (equivalent wooden bow £900 - 1500) I love it, it feels right and does exactly what I want when I want. A pal borrowed it and hated it.

They also sound different - very different - but that is also related to how the player uses them. some fiddlers use a cello bow on a violin which gives a fuller richer tone - another discussion.....

I used to use a maker in Sherfield on Loddon (Hampshire UK) he had unhaired bows at around £3000 - not what we want fo folk but definitely the sort of thing an orchestral player might use on a £100,000 fiddle.

Expressions about horses and courses come to mind but the final answer with a bow is: -

"I have asked a few fiddle player and the only answer they have come up with is that a fiddle player just knows."

sorry

Andy

Subject: RE: Difference in fiddle bows?
From: Sttaw Legend
Date: 06 Mar 06 - 07:29 AM

Its all in the wrist action Mick!

Subject: RE: Difference in fiddle bows?
From: GUEST,Donald
Date: 06 Mar 06 - 04:51 AM

Osson

How the devil are you - nice to see you in Fartlington recently.

A decent bow is expensive because it's just so hard to get the balance spot-on. A cheap bow feels heavy and tiring to play, and is not as responsive in the hand. You just can't play the trickier phrases as cleanly with an el cheapo bow.

"I have asked a few fiddle player and the only answer they have come up with is that a fiddle player just knows."

Alas this is true! Here's a link that may lift the veil of secrecy a little!

http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/7464/comments#comment160007

Subject: Difference in fiddle bows?
From: GUEST,ossanflags at werk
Date: 06 Mar 06 - 04:13 AM

It is a question that was raised by delegates at a recent drinking conferance in Whitby recently.Why are some fiddle bows so expensive? and were lies the differance betwen a cheap one and more expensive ones?
In some cases more expensive than the fiddle itself.
I have asked a few fiddle player and the only answer they have come up with is that a fiddle player just knows.

Is this a closely guarded secret among the fiddle playing fraternity?

Constructive answers only Mr Oakley please !!!