Aside from how these bows that you have compared in this video sound, I'm curious to know whether you think they are very different in their response and playability. You can make them all sound great, but in terms of playability, how do they compare? I ask this as a fiddler who plays for dances, which can sometimes be physically demanding, playing continuously for long intervals. I had a Coda GX and while it had a good strong tone, I sold it and use much cheaper pernambuco skinned carbon fiber bows I bought from a Chinese supplier. They don't sound quite as good, but they are really well-balanced and play with less effort. I felt like the Coda bow was heavy and a bit slow. I'm wondering whether a much lighter bow would be a better choice for me. Or do the lighter, hollow bows require more bow pressure to drive the strings? Thanks!
Hi Woody, I would recommend to take a look at an Arcus S-series. They are light and stiff at the same time, so they are very light to handle and don't require much weight to make a big sound. I've done some reviews for them, check them out at www.violinlounge.com/bow
@@violinlounge Thanks! The Fiddlerman Pro is more in my price range. It's actually on sale now. I think an Arcus might be the ultimate bow for me, but right now, I need to improve my skills to justify spending more on a bow. I found your review very helpful, especially the fact that you think this bow is agile enough to not limit the player, not that I am capable of some of those fancier techniques! :-)
Woody, have you considered the Codabow Luma model? It is much lighter than the Codabow Diamond series bows. I haven't had the opportunity to test any Codabows or Fiddlerman bows, but I have watched a review of the Luma bow, provided by a classical trained violinist who is also a skilled fiddler, and he loved the quick string crossings and quick response of the Luma. You probably already settled on a bow, since your original post was two years ago, but thought I'd chime in just in case. Best wishes on the bow hunt!
@@terrymartin3567 Gee, it's been awhile! I bought the Fiddlerman bow and liked it, but traded it for a Musing C3 after comparing them and after having a set of email conversations with Bernd Musing. I had two very good musicians with good ears who are not violinists listen to me play the two bows and they both thought the Musing bow sounded better. So I played on the Musing bow until it needed a rehair (I wear bowhair out from one side. I play hard, fiddling at dances and jams.). I mailed it off for a rehair and on the return it was lost in transit. My luthier sent me a new replacement and it was significantly heavier I returned it. the others available were also heavier than advertised. Finally, I ended up with an Arcus P5 for about twice the price. It is by far the best bow I have ever had and handles like a dream. I wish I had gotten one of these years ago.
I have all 3 and I can't pick 😞 they all have qualities I like. So im half tempted to hold off getting a new bow, and stick with the basic fiddlerman bow till I can use something or afford something nicer.
Sure, here's a video on that: violinlounge.com/video-french-german-belgian-russion-american-bow-hold-violin-lounge-tv-248/ and here's an article all about bow holds including those you mention: violinlounge.com/article/evolution-of-violin-bow-hold/
