Composite Bows

Composite Bows

Glasser Bows Jean Tabary Bows Durro Bows CodaBow

Glasser Bows

Glasser now offers several types of student bows; the basic student model in fiberglass, the composite bow and their version of the carbon graphite bows now becoming popular.

The fiberglass bow is the one commonly found in the school string programs and extensively used for beginning students renting instruments. It is a tough bow (compared to wood), and takes the (usually unintentional) abuse that the beginning student inflicts on a bow. It is generally far better than a cheap wood bow. Some teachers recommend it over a wood bow until the student can afford at least a $300 or better wood bow. It generally does not warp, can be re-haired inexpensively, and is strung with true horsehair. Glasser no longer makes the synthetic hair bows and have improved the playability of these bows in recent years.

In 1997 Glasser offered a composite bow. We have had remarks from both teachers and professional musicians that these bows have playing characteristics as well as a $500 - 700 wood bow. Mike has found this to be true himself. He played on one of the violin bows when they first came out for a few months to check them out. Highly recommended for students who can afford the slight upgrade. These start at $150.00 and are a great aid for students (or parents) who are not quite ready for an instrument upgrade.

In 1998 Glasser began production on their new carbon fiber bow intended to compete with the Durro and Codabow Conservatory series products. These are an excellent mid range bow and the choice is very individual as to playing characteristics between the different brands.

In 2005 Glasser has come out with some professional line bows that rival the Codabow and are cosmetically very lovely. The higher end models with gold fittings are priced accordingly.

Durro Bows

Although the manufacturers of Durro bows claim their bows play as well as the more expensive composite bows, Mike found that, in his opinion, there is still a gap in playability. Some players may agree that the extra money is not worthwhile. As always, come try these out. The Durro bows start at $300 and are available in different weights for each instrument. Each player looks for slightly different playing characteristics and these have been popular for students looking to upgrade their bow. They come with horsehair, a black stick with silver winding, a fully lined ebony frog, and carrying case. Very modern, sharp looking and well balanced.

CODABOW

Codabow is the next step up from the less expensive composite bows. Just like wood bows, the more expensive composite material bows play better than the less expensive ones. They play truer to form with less adjustment for bad playing characteristics. Mike personally plays with a Codabow. He really likes the balance and it plays much better than his wood bow (similarly priced). Several local professional musicians use Codabows and are pleased with them. The Codabow professional line starts at $700. More and more local professionals are adding these to their bow inventory as both primary and alternate bows. Professional Codabows come with horsehair, a black graphite stick with silver winding and leather grip, a fully lined ebony frog with Codabow insert, a plush lined snap lock bow case, and registration papers.

Codabow now has a variety of bows for beginning and intermediate players. The Aspire series starts at $265 and the intermediate Conservatory series starts at $440. Their color changing bow is fun and fascinating to look at. It has the same great bow action of the conservatory series. They have recently added the Electric bow and many have preferred its unique characteristics to the Conservatory line.

Jean Tabary now has a line of composite bows from student up to a professional series that competes favorably with the Codabow Classic. Mike now plays with both his Codabow and a professional Jean Tabary. He has found them to have a very complementary sound for his violins. Though not quite as durable, the student Tabary bow has a much nicer balance and feel than the basic Glasser bow. For just a few dollars more, the difference is very noticable and worth the extra, unless, of course, you plan to use your bow as a light saber.

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