alternate? IPE violin bow

Guest

hello, I am interested in alternate wood bows, I am a high level amateur violinist. I noticed that the IPE bow does not have a master category how is the bows playability compared the master level bows can they compare to the advanced pernambuco bows?

Jake

Jimmy

One of the major problem of IPE that is inferior to Pernambuco is the sound projection quality. That means it can’t be a master level bow from our point of view. So if we only look at the playability IPE can be compared to low level Pernambuco.

Guest

Since the IPE wood is inferior I suppose that I should stick with Pernambuco. I am a little confused what the difference between the Master silver, Master Gold, and the VIP bows. Is there a difference in playability, weight, balance between the three bow classes? I have been looking at local stores and I have not been very happy with what I have seen in my price range-- the bows in the shop have not been much better than my current bows.

Jimmy

The difference between the three master level Pernambuco bow is mostly the quality of Pernambuco, for example the stiffness that can give more free of crafting, the higher stiffness can be crafted to be lighter bow without affecting other quality of the finished bow. For example the grain of the wood, and contained resin percentage. Would you please let me know about your playing.

Guest

I love to play, my current bows work for most everything (I have a Pernambuco bow which retails for 650usd, and a Codabow which retails for about 700). Some advanced bow stokes are difficult with my bows, however, I’m not performing the most difficult works.

I am a high level amateur, but I don’t often perform (2-5 times a year usually as part of a piano or string trio) I play chamber music, Bach solo work, and more advanced etudes (rode, dont). I practice anywhere from 2-5 hours a day depending on time avalable, and I still work with a private teacher. I will never be a true elite/professional violinist but it is a hobby of passion.

The 1000 would really stretch my budget right now and I don't mean it disreaspectfully but it feels like a bit of a gamble to purchase something site unseen with the cost of return shipping. While the lower 'silver' level feels like a low 'risk' but may be similar to what I already have. The few positive reviews I have found make me want to take the 'risk'.

Thank you again for your time, it is greatly appreciated.

Guest

I hope I did not offend you I am still considering buying a bow, I just wanted you to know my reservations.

Jimmy

From your information, it’s hard for me to give further suggestions, I think a 650usd bow would be enough for almost all skills, but I want to know where you bought it to be sure.

Guest

Thank you again for your time. I bought the bow from a shop in St. Paul Minnesota called Fein Violins back in 2007 (stamped A Fein, though I dobut he is the actual maker). Both of my current bows are ok (and depending on what I'm doing I switch between the two). While trying out more expensive bows I noticed some techniques are easier to achieve well such as quick spiccato and sautille, I'm not sure if this is due to the variation in balance point or stick flexibility, weight or a combination of everything. I am considering your master gold or VIP bow (at the 1000 usd price point) since I figure they are most likely to be an upgrade from what I am using now, I have also been reading that many Chinese bows outperform bows from both Europe and the US at the same price point. Of course I am looking at bows in local shops at the same price point 600-1000usd but they don't seem to offer much improvement from what I have, one shop even told me I should consider bows in more than twice my current price range for significant improvement. I figured buying 'direct' from china might get me a better bow at my budget even though I would not be able to individually select it. I understand your time is valuable and I want to thank you again for your correspondence.

Jimmy

Many pleasure to help about your bows, and thanks for your trust. In our mind, a bow need to be good on three points.

Good Pernambuco of the level.
Suitable qualities, such as weight, balance.
Good craftsmanship.
We can do better on point 2 compare to a reseller, if we understand enough about what is suitable for you.

Knowing about that you have been doing a lot of work about choosing a good bow, Please let me know the weight you think, and the balance point, and any difference you noticed while you doing those trial in your local shop. And anything you want to ask on your side, please also let me know.

Guest

Thank you again for your response, unfortunately I do not know enough about the bows I tried any more than, this bow makes some things easier, while the next bow does not…. In the next few weeks, I will return to the shops and test more bows being more mindful to collect specific information such as: do the bows I like have a similar stiffness, balance point and weight. Thank you for your help and honesty if I have further questions during this time, I will let you know otherwise I’ll write you when I know more specific information about what seems to be working for me.

Jimmy

Thanks, looking forward to further discusstion.

Guest

I have purchased your Advanced IPE bow a few months ago and I am quite happy with it, I think it is a good bow for the price. I am currently an intermediate level player (quite a bit more advanced on the violin - - however due to health reasons I am working on the cello more). Because of my increase of cello playing, I am considering another bow, with a possible purchase in the next few months. If I purchase another bow, I plan to keep my IPE bow as a second bow. Working with you and company in the past was a pleasure so I want to consider being a repeat customer. With all that said, I have the following questions:

In your opinion how much of an upgrade would the Master Silver Level bow be from Advanced IPE bow?

Would you say the Advanced Pernambuco is a big step up from the Advanced IPE bow?

In addition, what designs are on the frog of the Master, Silver level bow (for example Parisian eye, fleur de lis, or something else)?

Thank you very much for your time.

Jimmy

Happy to receive your email, yes I remember you, Master Silver level cello bow can be accepted by most high level student, such as musicians from Juilliard School.

Advanced Pernambuco is not a big step from IPE, you may think it's a temporary upgrade.

Yes, please let me know what design you want, we craft most of them.

Thanks you for asking, and wish you a nice day.

Guest

I will be in touch in a few weeks, perhaps a month or two when I make my decision. I hope you have a nice day.

Guest

I have placed my order on your website for the new cello bow, if possible I would prefer to have the typical eye on the frog. Thank you very much.

Jimmy

Yes I understand, will choose a bow for you on Monday.

Guest

I received my Master (Silver level) cello bow on Friday. I am quite happy with the bow and I'm pretty sure I could not find a better one for the price. Thank you again. I hope you have a nice day.

Jimmy

Good to know that you like the bow, wish you happy playing with your cello, wish you good music and nice new year.