What size is the Coruss Carbon Double Bass Bow?

This bow is manufactured in the 3/4 size, which is the standard size used by the majority of adult double bassists and older students.

What style of grip does this bow feature?

It features a French-style grip, designed to be held overhand. This is one of the two primary grip types for double bass, the other being German.

What makes this bow vegan?

The bow is 100% vegan because it uses synthetic Coruss hair and non-animal materials for the frog and tip, avoiding the horsehair and bone/ivory found in traditional bows.

How does carbon fibre compare to wood for bass bows?

Carbon fibre offers a better strength-to-weight ratio and is significantly more resistant to warping or breaking compared to traditional woods like Brazilwood.

Is the hair on this bow real horsehair?

No, it uses white synthetic Coruss hair. This material is designed to offer higher resistance to wear and remain stable regardless of humidity changes.

Will humidity affect the tension of the bow hair?

No, because the hair is synthetic, it does not expand or contract with moisture levels, ensuring consistent tension in different environments.

What materials are used for the headplate and frog?

The bow features an aluminium headplate and frog. Aluminium was selected to provide durability and strength without adding excessive weight.

What is the typical price for this model?

The Coruss Carbon French Double Bass Bow 3/4 typically retails for approximately £280.

Is this bow suitable for professional use?

Yes, its robust construction and consistency make it an ideal choice for professionals needing a reliable bow for touring or outdoor performances.

Does the bow come in different colours of hair?

This specific model features white hair, though Coruss produces other bows for instruments like the cello that may feature coloured hair variants.

How does the weight of this bow affect playing?

The lightweight carbon fibre stick provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, which helps in preventing player fatigue during long practice sessions.

Can I use standard rosin with the synthetic hair?

Yes, synthetic hair can be used with standard bass rosins, though specific types like Pirastro Cellisto are often used for lower string instruments to provide grip.

Gear article

Coruss Carbon French Double Bass Bow

The Coruss Carbon French Double Bass Bow is a 3/4 size orchestral bow constructed from high-strength carbon fibre and 100% vegan materials. Designed to resist deformation and humidity, it features synthetic Coruss hair and aluminium hardware for enhanced durability.

See live prices

Background and Construction

Coruss Bows developed this model to address the limitations of traditional wooden bows, specifically regarding environmental sensitivity and ethical material sourcing. The stick is manufactured from carbon fibre, a material chosen for its high strength-to-weight ratio. Unlike traditional Pernambuco or Brazilwood, carbon fibre is inherently resistant to warping and deformation caused by changes in temperature or moisture levels.

In addition to the composite stick, the bow incorporates aluminium for the headplate and the frog assembly. This metal choice provides structural reinforcement without significantly altering the balance point of the bow, ensuring that the 3/4 size remains manageable for a wide range of players.

Synthetic Innovation and Vegan Design

A primary feature of this bow is the use of synthetic 'Coruss' hair rather than traditional horsehair. This proprietary synthetic material is designed to provide increased resistance against snapping and wear. Because the hair is synthetic, it is unaffected by humidity, which prevents the hair from lengthening or shortening in different climates—a common issue for touring musicians.

The entire construction process avoids animal-derived products, making the bow 100% vegan. This distinguishes it from traditional bows that often use horsehair, leather grips, or bone/ivory tips, catering to the growing market of environmentally-conscious musicians.

Performance and Handling

The French-style grip is designed for a traditional overhand hold, providing precision for various orchestral and solo playing styles. Key features include:

Weight Distribution: The carbon fibre stick allows for a lightweight feel that reduces player fatigue during long sessions.
Resilience: The bow is robust enough for students and professionals who require a reliable backup or primary bow for outdoor performances.
Maintenance: Because the materials are synthetic and metallic, the bow requires less frequent maintenance compared to organic alternatives.

Target Audience and Comparison

The Coruss Carbon French bow is positioned as a mid-range tool for double bassists seeking a 'workhorse' bow. Its 3/4 size is the industry standard for most adult players and advanced students. Compared to student-level composite bows like the Primavera or entry-level wooden bows, the Coruss offers superior resistance to environmental factors and a specific ethical certification. While professional bulletwood or Pernambuco bows may offer different tonal nuances, the Coruss provides a level of consistency and longevity that is difficult to achieve with natural materials at the £280 price point.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What size is the Coruss Carbon Double Bass Bow?: This bow is manufactured in the 3/4 size, which is the standard size used by the majority of adult double bassists and older students.
What style of grip does this bow feature?: It features a French-style grip, designed to be held overhand. This is one of the two primary grip types for double bass, the other being German.
What makes this bow vegan?: The bow is 100% vegan because it uses synthetic Coruss hair and non-animal materials for the frog and tip, avoiding the horsehair and bone/ivory found in traditional bows.
How does carbon fibre compare to wood for bass bows?: Carbon fibre offers a better strength-to-weight ratio and is significantly more resistant to warping or breaking compared to traditional woods like Brazilwood.
Is the hair on this bow real horsehair?: No, it uses white synthetic Coruss hair. This material is designed to offer higher resistance to wear and remain stable regardless of humidity changes.
Will humidity affect the tension of the bow hair?: No, because the hair is synthetic, it does not expand or contract with moisture levels, ensuring consistent tension in different environments.
What materials are used for the headplate and frog?: The bow features an aluminium headplate and frog. Aluminium was selected to provide durability and strength without adding excessive weight.
What is the typical price for this model?: The Coruss Carbon French Double Bass Bow 3/4 typically retails for approximately £280.
Is this bow suitable for professional use?: Yes, its robust construction and consistency make it an ideal choice for professionals needing a reliable bow for touring or outdoor performances.
Does the bow come in different colours of hair?: This specific model features white hair, though Coruss produces other bows for instruments like the cello that may feature coloured hair variants.
How does the weight of this bow affect playing?: The lightweight carbon fibre stick provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, which helps in preventing player fatigue during long practice sessions.
Can I use standard rosin with the synthetic hair?: Yes, synthetic hair can be used with standard bass rosins, though specific types like Pirastro Cellisto are often used for lower string instruments to provide grip.