paddoxbass

[quote name='Rumple' timestamp='1319559352' post='1415793'] I wonder if anyone on here bought this? I'm not usually a big fan of Buck Eye but this is gorgeous [attachment=91954:SKBBEtop.jpg] [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/SKB3005_Buckeye.html"]http://www.bassdirec...05_Buckeye.html[/url] [/quote] Hi. I see it's only taken me a couple of years to find this thread...late to the party as ever! I'm pleased to say, this gnarly SKB is mine and is working very hard in theatres - a crime, I know, as it spends much of its time in the dark of the pit. The noise boys love it as it's a very clean signal and it sounds of wood rather than electronics. Just to up the porn stakes - here is its brother, a Century fretless 5 with a Koa top. Also a fabulous instrument which I love taking out when the job calls for it.

Hi Jennifer. I think you'd be surprised by how good the carbon fibre bows are. If I only had around £300-400 to spend, I'd definitely go for it again. I've never played a cheap wooden bow that's got anywhere near as much spring in it. It makes a big difference having a bow that bites properly and responds evenly along its length. I've tried some shockers & wish I'd had a better bow when I first started out nearly 30 years ago. To put it in perspective - I now only have two bows. My main bow is a lovely quality old pernambuco bow, cost several grand and rewards with amazing bite for minimum effort. My backup is a carbon fibre bow which comes in my bow case to all my gigs. Occasionally conditions dictate I use it - it's obviously slightly harder work than with the top notch bow, but it's very responsive & draws out an even tone. Negatives? Not really. Cheap wooden bows often don't have an ebony frog - this does. It's got good weight to it. I've had it several years now & it's been great. The only thing I would change is, should the hair go, I'll rehair it with coarser hair - but that's personal preference. You might be lucky and find a decent wooden stick in that price range, and you can spend all sorts on carbon fibre bows but, if you're looking to spend around £300, I'd have a good look at the Col Legno standard. I bought mine from Tony at the Contrabass Shoppe - he's actually posted a video on his website & I'm sure he'd be happy to talk to you about it if you gave him a call. [url="http://www.contrabass.co.uk/carbon_fibre_bow_french.htm"]http://www.contrabass.co.uk/carbon_fibre_bow_french.htm[/url] Let us know what you decide! best wishes, Jon [quote name='endorka' post='647280' date='Nov 6 2009, 02:32 PM']Jon, what you are saying about the carbon fibre bow is really interesting, as I've been considering getting one of those for some time. I've been using a cheapie bow (£80) for several years, which is not too bad, but when I tried a decent wood one last week (value around £300), it made a huge difference to my playing. Everything was much easier! Would you say the carbon fibre bow at around £300 plays to the same standard as your average wood bow of the same price? Are there any negatives about it? Jennifer[/quote]

As a cellist, you'll know the difference a good bow makes. The difference is just as dramatic on double bass. A good strong pernambuco stick will bring your playing on in leaps and bounds, but comes at a price. On a budget, I'd really recommend looking at a carbon fibre bow - they're stronger and springier than cheap wood bows and you don't feel quite so conscious of knocking it if you're playing in a tight space. Although I normally use a very good quality pernambuco bow, I keep a carbon fibre bow as backup and do occasionally it on gigs. If they'd made them when I was learning, I think I'd have progressed much more quickly. You can spend all sorts on them, but have a look at www.contrabass.co.uk under 'accessories'. £390 gets you a sturdy, very usable stick. Don't forget you need a stickier rosin for bass bows. Nymans is a popular choice. Good luck! Jon