I just wrote an e-mail to Kolstein's Music (a well-respected bass shop in New York) asking this question, so I thought I would ask my blog readers as well. Does anyone know of a bow case on the market which will fit one German bow and one French bow? (Shown here is Kolstein's case for two German bows.) I am planning to buy a French bow, now that I'll be joining a section of French players. I'm not going to switch, but I would like to have a better understanding of what my colleagues are doing technically - and if I plan to do much teaching, it's especially important to get a handle on both styles of bow.What I'm finding, in experimenting with the French bow, is that it actually gives me some insights into my own technical approach. So many things I might do without much thought on a German bow - but approximating those things on a French bow takes all my concentration. I have to rethink everything involved, the angles, placement, weight, speed, flexibility... I suddenly have a new appreciation for all the cool things I can do with a German bow, and want to take full advantage of all those colors and articulations which are still a distant possibility with French. And the French bow gives me ideas for new colors and articulations, sounds I might never have thought of finding with a German bow.
Just as important, maybe, practicing on French bow gives me an opportunity to embarrass myself completely. That might not sound like a good thing, but lately I've been seeking out these kinds of opportunities - those risky, unfamiliar situations where I might either fall on my face or discover something completely unexpected - and hopefully those with no danger of any permanent damage. I figure those are the situations where you learn the most.
Which brings me back to the bow case question. I really don't want to carry two bow cases around with me, and it seems like there should be a bow case for people who swing both ways. I wonder what to call these people - Hybrid bow users? Franco-Prussians? Double bow double bassists? Whoever you are, please let me know if you have found a case to hold your equipment!
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http://www.slavapub.net/Bow_boxes-Cremonasia_Double_Bow_Box.html
should do the trick.
Hi Matt,
I also recently bought a french bow. It seems to fit fine in my double German...I put a little bubble wrap in there between the frogs. Not as tailored, but practical.
I remember that Lemur Music used to carry a bow case that will fit one German bow and one French Bow. But when I checked it out today, there was no mention of such a bow case.
If you were to purchase a double German bow case that would fit the French bow just fine.
I am impressed you're taking the time to explore the alternative. The whole time I studied with Palma, I stayed on French bow, because that is what feels natural to me.
Congrats on the gig!
My friend points me to this: Double Bass Bow Cases (fro two bows). Scroll to the bottom of the page.
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