I was wondering if you guys could recommend me a good fiddle bow. I'm not looking for something terribly expensive, somewhere under $300. The bow I have now is absolute rubbish, so I want a new one but I'm not too familiar with bow makers.
Well, I am delighted with my incredibow. It looks wierd but I just get more comfortable with it all the time. If I were to suggest improvements it would be a more normal finger rest and a bit longer.
So thats my off beat recomendation.
it so odd, i had a totally crap bow that really suited me, and have looked at more expensive ones that just didn't grab me at all. that bow that was lost to me, the one i loved, just gets better and better in my memory, the longer it's gone.
all that is just to say, try every one you can get your hands on. i'm fortunate enough to be blessed with not a very good ear for finer things, so i've had to just learn to go with what i love. all very subjective.
I've not regretted buying a Coda bow. I went to a shop that was having a "bow event" - i.e a whole load on display to try out, and the Coda was the one I liked best in the price range and higher. I liked it better than wooden ones that were twice the price. At ten times the price there were better ones.
The bow is such a personal thing.... I would say though that 300$ is not a great deal to pay for a good bow....Which funnily enough makes the incredibow at half that an even more amazing bargain!... I got the high tension viola bow. plain black......
Tricia, if you're looking for a standard violin bow, I'd suggest trying out some bows from Brazilian makers. You can find dealers online or in your area by googling Water Violet or Arcos Brasil violin bows. I have a Cirillo bow by a former Water Violet maker. I paid well under $300 USD for it, and it's the best bow I've ever owned (compared to several pernambuco bows running up to $2,500 and a carbon fibre Coda Classic). The others were all good bows, but this Water Violet by Cirillo is outstanding. My "back up" bow is also from a Water Violet maker. These are fully professional quality bows, priced far under their performance.
As with any bow, the balance and other characteristics vary from bow to bow. Test drive as many as you have to till you find one you like. If you don;t live near a shop, many dealers will ship 2 or 3 bows for you to try. See http://www.johnsonstrings.com for one example.
At $300 USD or less, you're not likely to find a better bow.
This is slightly more than you're looking to spend, but for $300-$500 you can get a Water Violet bow. These are hand-made pernambuco bows that play like bows costing way more money.
I'm with jig on this one. I bought an Incredibow a few weeks ago and like he says its a bit weird but it sorta grows on you. It felt very odd to start with but it just gets better and better AND a big improvment in tone too.
I am surprised to say it has become my main bow.. Its well handy its allways on full tension because Its just there ready when you need it. When I got it I thought it was ok but didnt think it would supersede my old favourite but it has.
I have a Presto carbon fiber bow. I like it a lot. It's really tough, so it's not likely to break, even if you accidentally hit something with it, which I tend to do a lot. It only cost $100 or so, although there are more expensive models that are closer to $200-$300. I also like the sound of it, and the way it bounces. It's a great bow, especially for what you can expect to pay for it.
I think Coda also makes a carbon fiber bow that's probably worth looking into, they're a step up from the Presto, I think.
I have a new Chinese carbon fibre bow that I liked a lot for a few weeks until it broke at the frog and all the bow hair got released. Unlucky I guess.
I had the misfortune to try 2 incredibows the other week for the first time: an 'ordinary' Incredibow and a so-called 'baroque' Incredibow.
Given past comments here, I was amazed at just how awful they both were. Firstly, they're almost unbelieveably ugly. How anyone can set out to make something that looks that naff is beyond me. They also look really shoddily put together, with that horrible plastic moulding and what look like welds at various parts of the bow.
Secondly, the ridiculously high arch of the 'normal' one means the bow can be controlled properly *only* if the hair is flat on the string. Now, we've debated before about whether one 'should' do this or not. Personally, I want to be able to *choose* to play with the hair flat or at an angle and do both where it is most appropriate - gives me a range of expression that, for this reason, is simply unavailable with the Incredibow.
I thought the 'baroque' version might have solved the various problems with the 'normal' Incredibow, but no. Actually, the flattening towards the tip means that it's really difficult to get much tone or power when playing towards the tip. This is strange to me, as it certainly isn't the case with a proper baroque bow, which are great for this music, btw.
I'd stick to a decent pernambuco stick, which will actually work and do what it's supposed to do. Failing that, I did get to try someone's Coda bow recently, and that wasn't too bad. But then, they hadn't gone out of their way to produce something so outlandish and ugly as the Incredibow.
I am with Will on the Arcos Barsil group...great bunch of makers there...in particular M. Pereira (trained in Belgium with whathisname) and Chagas...I have a Fracolassi..
usually the nickel mounted bows from thesef olks are around 400, the silver mount around 700 roso...there are special edition silver for about 1200, and Pereira does a gold mount for about 2200.
I can add a few personal thoughts to this thread, regarding the Increbow, which I hope are useful.
I have an Incredibow and a selection of ordinary cheap bows costing no more than £40 ( direct from china ). I find the Incredibow ideal for playing waltzes and airs. I keep one in my case at all times. The synthetic hair parts with a very expressive tone when played fairly slowly.
Incredibows are ugly and unwieldy, but I thought they were originally designed for saw playing ? Fiddle players have just jumped the fence and experimented with them.
They sound pretty good when used on a electric fiddle.
Some fiddle players I met a Fiddle Hell Buxton UK last year, had had their favourite bows rehaired with Incredibow hair and they were very happy with the results.
However, I personally find that a standard bow is a must when playing faster reels and jigs etc. I don't know that you need to spend a fortune either, once you find one you like.
Generalising slightly, I think the classical style of playing probably requires a higher quality of bow because the music seems to contain notes which are more lengthy and expressive. So if you play this style you might be better choosing an expensive pernambuco bow, as suggested by others in the replies above.
I have a very good hand made wooden bow which has served me well, then, because I didn't want the risk of it getting broken I got an Incredibow. I was surprised at how similar the two felt, as both are light weight, and I now prefer to use the Incredibow. It grips the string nicely and feels like driving a car that has just had it's brakes fixed - trust me, I know about that
.
On the down side, the tone I get out of my Incredibow on both my electric and my German acoustic violin is slightly less than with my wooden bow, so for playing slower tunes that demand more tone I would use my wooden bow.
I agree with benhall1 that the finishing on the Incredibow is a bit rough, but it's ok. The colours are good, although under disco lighting they can be a bit hypnotic and make you lose track of what you're playing.
Overall I like my Incredibow and I prefer to use it now. If I remember rightly, if you get one from Dance of Delight (Mark Harmers company) you can return it if you aren't satisfied within six months. Worth checking out his website on that one.
Another vote for the Incredibow ... when I first got it and started playing in my local session the other fiddlers wanted to know if I'd gotten a new *fiddle* the sound improvement was that noticeable.
It's extremely light, very responsive, completely unaffected by temperature and humidity changes (I've played all sorts of places from air conditioned pubs to 90-degree-plus outdoor summer festivals) and the synthetic hair pulls a remarkably bright tone from my fiddle with only a dash of rosin. I've had it for more than a year and still haven't broken a single hair....
It's unusual looking, but I'd hardly call it ugly; and the grey stardust finish I got on mine looks very nice under low pub lighting and it almost matches my electric fiddle, too.
Sad news ... the inventor of the Incredibow, Ed Wilcox, recently passed away. His wife is still maintaining the business and they had a partner who's still making the bows.
All in good craic, bowburner. I gots one of them fancy whatcha-ma-hoozies myself.
I just thought it was funny. Here we all are, in the modern era, with all our fancy bow-ology, and the first thing I thought of was that clip with the dude playing a stick with some hair on it.
I was with you SWFL Back in those days they really knew how to make do and mend. Looks like the Beer guys bow had some string or feathers on the end too. Perhaps that's where I've been going wrong all these years, not enough string and feathers!!
I'm just off now to find a good old willow twig and pluck some hairs from a horses tail and tie it together with string and feathers and I'll sound just as good as Padraig....or maybe not
Bow recommendations
Bow recommendations
I was wondering if you guys could recommend me a good fiddle bow. I'm not looking for something terribly expensive, somewhere under $300. The bow I have now is absolute rubbish, so I want a new one but I'm not too familiar with bow makers.
# Posted on February 23rd 2008 by tricia
Re: Bow recommendations
Well, I am delighted with my incredibow. It looks wierd but I just get more comfortable with it all the time. If I were to suggest improvements it would be a more normal finger rest and a bit longer.
So thats my off beat recomendation.
# Posted on February 23rd 2008 by piobagusfidil
Re: Bow recommendations
it so odd, i had a totally crap bow that really suited me, and have looked at more expensive ones that just didn't grab me at all. that bow that was lost to me, the one i loved, just gets better and better in my memory, the longer it's gone.
all that is just to say, try every one you can get your hands on. i'm fortunate enough to be blessed with not a very good ear for finer things, so i've had to just learn to go with what i love. all very subjective.
kj
# Posted on February 23rd 2008 by full measure
Re: Bow recommendations
I've not regretted buying a Coda bow. I went to a shop that was having a "bow event" - i.e a whole load on display to try out, and the Coda was the one I liked best in the price range and higher. I liked it better than wooden ones that were twice the price. At ten times the price there were better ones.
# Posted on February 23rd 2008 by RichardB
Re: Bow recommendations
The bow is such a personal thing.... I would say though that 300$ is not a great deal to pay for a good bow....Which funnily enough makes the incredibow at half that an even more amazing bargain!... I got the high tension viola bow. plain black......
# Posted on February 23rd 2008 by piobagusfidil
Re: Bow recommendations
Tricia, if you're looking for a standard violin bow, I'd suggest trying out some bows from Brazilian makers. You can find dealers online or in your area by googling Water Violet or Arcos Brasil violin bows. I have a Cirillo bow by a former Water Violet maker. I paid well under $300 USD for it, and it's the best bow I've ever owned (compared to several pernambuco bows running up to $2,500 and a carbon fibre Coda Classic). The others were all good bows, but this Water Violet by Cirillo is outstanding. My "back up" bow is also from a Water Violet maker. These are fully professional quality bows, priced far under their performance.
As with any bow, the balance and other characteristics vary from bow to bow. Test drive as many as you have to till you find one you like. If you don;t live near a shop, many dealers will ship 2 or 3 bows for you to try. See http://www.johnsonstrings.com for one example.
At $300 USD or less, you're not likely to find a better bow.
# Posted on February 23rd 2008 by Will Harmon
Re: Bow recommendations
This is slightly more than you're looking to spend, but for $300-$500 you can get a Water Violet bow. These are hand-made pernambuco bows that play like bows costing way more money.
# Posted on February 23rd 2008 by Marklar
Re: Bow recommendations
Ack, sorry Will, cross posted there.
# Posted on February 23rd 2008 by Marklar
Re: Bow recommendations
Well lads, thats very interesting. I will bear it in mind next time I have a few hundreds buck for 'another' bow!
# Posted on February 23rd 2008 by piobagusfidil
Re: Bow recommendations
I'm with jig on this one. I bought an Incredibow a few weeks ago and like he says its a bit weird but it sorta grows on you. It felt very odd to start with but it just gets better and better AND a big improvment in tone too.
# Posted on February 23rd 2008 by Bernie
Re: Bow recommendations
I am surprised to say it has become my main bow.. Its well handy its allways on full tension because Its just there ready when you need it. When I got it I thought it was ok but didnt think it would supersede my old favourite but it has.
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by piobagusfidil
Re: Bow recommendations
I have a Presto carbon fiber bow. I like it a lot. It's really tough, so it's not likely to break, even if you accidentally hit something with it, which I tend to do a lot. It only cost $100 or so, although there are more expensive models that are closer to $200-$300. I also like the sound of it, and the way it bounces. It's a great bow, especially for what you can expect to pay for it.
I think Coda also makes a carbon fiber bow that's probably worth looking into, they're a step up from the Presto, I think.
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by Bryn
Re: Bow recommendations
I have a new Chinese carbon fibre bow that I liked a lot for a few weeks until it broke at the frog and all the bow hair got released. Unlucky I guess.
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by Clear Drops
Re: Bow recommendations
Too right jig. I can see the way things are going the incredibow will become my main bow too given another week or so.
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by Bernie
Re: Bow recommendations
I had the misfortune to try 2 incredibows the other week for the first time: an 'ordinary' Incredibow and a so-called 'baroque' Incredibow.
Given past comments here, I was amazed at just how awful they both were. Firstly, they're almost unbelieveably ugly. How anyone can set out to make something that looks that naff is beyond me. They also look really shoddily put together, with that horrible plastic moulding and what look like welds at various parts of the bow.
Secondly, the ridiculously high arch of the 'normal' one means the bow can be controlled properly *only* if the hair is flat on the string. Now, we've debated before about whether one 'should' do this or not. Personally, I want to be able to *choose* to play with the hair flat or at an angle and do both where it is most appropriate - gives me a range of expression that, for this reason, is simply unavailable with the Incredibow.
I thought the 'baroque' version might have solved the various problems with the 'normal' Incredibow, but no. Actually, the flattening towards the tip means that it's really difficult to get much tone or power when playing towards the tip. This is strange to me, as it certainly isn't the case with a proper baroque bow, which are great for this music, btw.
I'd stick to a decent pernambuco stick, which will actually work and do what it's supposed to do. Failing that, I did get to try someone's Coda bow recently, and that wasn't too bad. But then, they hadn't gone out of their way to produce something so outlandish and ugly as the Incredibow.
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by ethical blend
Re: Bow recommendations
I am with Will on the Arcos Barsil group...great bunch of makers there...in particular M. Pereira (trained in Belgium with whathisname) and Chagas...I have a Fracolassi..
usually the nickel mounted bows from thesef olks are around 400, the silver mount around 700 roso...there are special edition silver for about 1200, and Pereira does a gold mount for about 2200.
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by Sunnybear
Re: Bow recommendations
... and you can get pretty decent pernambuco bows from makers in Thailand and China for around $400 as well ...
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by ethical blend
Re: Bow recommendations
I can add a few personal thoughts to this thread, regarding the Increbow, which I hope are useful.
I have an Incredibow and a selection of ordinary cheap bows costing no more than £40 ( direct from china ). I find the Incredibow ideal for playing waltzes and airs. I keep one in my case at all times. The synthetic hair parts with a very expressive tone when played fairly slowly.
Incredibows are ugly and unwieldy, but I thought they were originally designed for saw playing ? Fiddle players have just jumped the fence and experimented with them.
They sound pretty good when used on a electric fiddle.
Some fiddle players I met a Fiddle Hell Buxton UK last year, had had their favourite bows rehaired with Incredibow hair and they were very happy with the results.
However, I personally find that a standard bow is a must when playing faster reels and jigs etc. I don't know that you need to spend a fortune either, once you find one you like.
Generalising slightly, I think the classical style of playing probably requires a higher quality of bow because the music seems to contain notes which are more lengthy and expressive. So if you play this style you might be better choosing an expensive pernambuco bow, as suggested by others in the replies above.
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by peakfiddler
Re: Bow recommendations
*Any* decent style of playing requires more than you can get from an Incredibow, that's for sure.
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by ethical blend
Re: Bow recommendations
I have a very good hand made wooden bow which has served me well, then, because I didn't want the risk of it getting broken I got an Incredibow. I was surprised at how similar the two felt, as both are light weight, and I now prefer to use the Incredibow. It grips the string nicely and feels like driving a car that has just had it's brakes fixed - trust me, I know about that
.
On the down side, the tone I get out of my Incredibow on both my electric and my German acoustic violin is slightly less than with my wooden bow, so for playing slower tunes that demand more tone I would use my wooden bow.
I agree with benhall1 that the finishing on the Incredibow is a bit rough, but it's ok. The colours are good, although under disco lighting they can be a bit hypnotic and make you lose track of what you're playing.
Overall I like my Incredibow and I prefer to use it now. If I remember rightly, if you get one from Dance of Delight (Mark Harmers company) you can return it if you aren't satisfied within six months. Worth checking out his website on that one.
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by bowburner
Re: Bow recommendations
PS, not sure if they are flammable when playing at high speed? Not had any problems....yet....
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by bowburner
Re: Bow recommendations
I would think that synthetic hair would burn quite nicely, especially when well-rosined.
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by Marklar
Re: Bow recommendations
the level of pernambuco that is available in Thailand and China is not near the quality that is available closer to Brasil
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by Sunnybear
Re: Bow recommendations
Are those Chinese bows even pernambuco at all? Or are they really brazilwood?
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by Marklar
Re: Bow recommendations
Another vote for the Incredibow ... when I first got it and started playing in my local session the other fiddlers wanted to know if I'd gotten a new *fiddle* the sound improvement was that noticeable.
It's extremely light, very responsive, completely unaffected by temperature and humidity changes (I've played all sorts of places from air conditioned pubs to 90-degree-plus outdoor summer festivals) and the synthetic hair pulls a remarkably bright tone from my fiddle with only a dash of rosin. I've had it for more than a year and still haven't broken a single hair....
It's unusual looking, but I'd hardly call it ugly; and the grey stardust finish I got on mine looks very nice under low pub lighting and it almost matches my electric fiddle, too.
Sad news ... the inventor of the Incredibow, Ed Wilcox, recently passed away. His wife is still maintaining the business and they had a partner who's still making the bows.
# Posted on February 25th 2008 by KeepFiddlin'
Re: Bow recommendations
Here's what I use for a bow, ya buncha sissies.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEMc38VxKx8
# Posted on February 25th 2008 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Bow recommendations
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEMc38VxKx8
(oops, try that again)
# Posted on February 25th 2008 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Bow recommendations
Gosh SWFL you're so old you're in black and white! Looks like it's bows at dawn then Old Chap
# Posted on February 25th 2008 by bowburner
Re: Bow recommendations
that bow sure would make those Bach chords easier
and really, the Incredibows are not bad at all.
# Posted on February 25th 2008 by Sunnybear
Re: Bow recommendations
All in good craic, bowburner. I gots one of them fancy whatcha-ma-hoozies myself.
I just thought it was funny. Here we all are, in the modern era, with all our fancy bow-ology, and the first thing I thought of was that clip with the dude playing a stick with some hair on it.
Or this picture of Padraig O'Keefe:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000005909.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg
If you can ever see that close up, his bow is literally held together with some string up at the top there.
Now that's old-school hardcore fiddling!
# Posted on February 25th 2008 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Bow recommendations
I was with you SWFL
Back in those days they really knew how to make do and mend. Looks like the Beer guys bow had some string or feathers on the end too. Perhaps that's where I've been going wrong all these years, not enough string and feathers!!
I'm just off now to find a good old willow twig and pluck some hairs from a horses tail and tie it together with string and feathers and I'll sound just as good as Padraig....or maybe not
# Posted on February 25th 2008 by bowburner