Zdzislaw Prochownik   Professional quality double bass bows  since 1983

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How Much Should I Spend On A Double Bass Bow?

It is a question often asked, especially by serious students. The answer is very simple. Given that one receives good value for the cost, one should spend as much as financially possible to acquire the best bow possible that suits the individual player. There are many reasons to do this, but the main ones are, firstly, that bows generally keep rising in price over time. Secondly, your performance level will increase proportionately, and most of all, it will help teach you how to play more naturally. It is also very cost effective, considering that one would have to pay around ten times that to realize comparable benefits when purchasing an instrument. A quality bow is very important in achieving musical results as it is a direct extension of the arm and ultimately, the body and soul. 

Double Bass Bows  by Bruce W, Okrainec

If you are a string player, I am sure you will agree that the importance of the bow cannot be overstated, after all it is the implement responsible for producing our sound. The double bass is unique among the string family in that it has two distinct bows: the French bow and the German bow. It appears that "one continued the tradition of the viol family, the other the violin family" (Walter, 1983 p. 28). Similarly, Green states "the German style was adopted from the viol family. The French style was adopted from the present violin family" (Green, 1973, p. 34).

The existence of two types of bows has generated substantial debate among bassists as to which method is superior. The subjective analysis has tended to conclude that "the weaker aspects of the two bows can be mastered by a competent bassist" (Green, 1973, p. 34). Walter states, "it must be stated unequivocally that players of both bows are able to overcome the inherent disadvantages of one or the other" (Walter, 1983 p. 29). So which bow do I teach? Walter suggests that "the beginning bass student who has played no string instrument earlier on be offered the German [bow] .........more

MASSARANDUBA Bows

One of my South American friends has shown me  a very good double bass bow made from Purpleheart wood and also mentioned  about good bows being made from other Brazilian  and South American woods. After doing some research, analyzed lab test results of bending strength, stiffness, density, crashing strength, weight and availability, I have decided to experiment and make a few bows. Of course, the selection of wood with tight nice grains is very important. The first few Massaranduba bows were sold quickly and were preferred over the traditional Pernambuco bows. The French model bows are slightly heavier (135 -150 grams). For these bows, I have chosen a model similar to Sartory and Vigneron .While working with this wood I have found better consistency throughout the whole stick, better vibration quality, and more predictable results. This wood grows in many South American countries and is being used in bridge construction, support beams and decks. Massaranduba is available at exotic lumber suppliers in the US, Canada, and Europe.