What size double bass is this bow intended for?

This bow is a 3/4 size model, which is the standard size for most adult and older student double bassists.

What is the difference between French style and German style bows?

The French style frog on this Glasser bow is designed to be held over the top of the stick, similar to a cello bow. This is distinct from the German style, which features a larger frog held with an underhand grip.

Does the fibreglass construction affect the weight?

No, Glasser has engineered this bow to have the same weight and feel as a traditional Brazilwood bow. This ensures a familiar balance for the player.

Is the hair on the bow synthetic or natural?

This bow uses natural, unbleached white horsehair. This material is preferred for its ability to produce a classic, high-quality tone.

How does fibreglass compare to wooden bows regarding durability?

Fibreglass is much sturdier than wood and will not warp or break at the tip if dropped. It is also resistant to damage caused by extreme temperature or humidity changes.

Can this bow be used for outdoor performances?

Yes, its resistance to weather and temperature variations makes it an ideal choice for outdoor venues where wooden bows might warp.

What kind of grip does the bow have?

The bow is equipped with a leatherette grip. This provides a comfortable and secure hold for the student during extended playing sessions.

Is this bow suitable for professional bassists?

While designed for students, many professionals use it as a reliable backup or travel bow due to its durability and consistent performance.

Does the bow come with rosin?

Rosin is typically sold separately. Products such as Pirastro Cellisto Cello Rosin are often recommended for use with student-level bows.

Will this bow warp over time?

Unlike wooden bows, the fibreglass construction is specifically designed to resist warping, ensuring the stick stays straight for years.

Is the tip of the bow reinforced?

The fibreglass material itself makes the tip much more resistant to snapping or breaking compared to traditional wooden bow tips.

How does the price point compare to other student bows?

At approximately GBP 119, it sits in the mid-range for student bows, offering better durability than budget wood bows but at a lower cost than professional carbon fibre models.

Gear article

Glasser Fibreglass French Style 3/4 Double Bass Bow

The Glasser Fibreglass French Style 3/4 Double Bass Bow is a durable student-level bow designed to replicate the weight and balance of traditional Brazilwood. Constructed from high-quality fibreglass, it is resistant to warping and structural damage from environmental changes, making it suitable for travel and outdoor performance.

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Background and Design

Glasser Bows is a well-established manufacturer known for pioneering synthetic materials in the production of orchestral bows. This specific 3/4 size model is designed for the double bass, utilizing a French-style frog. The primary objective of the design is to provide students and travelling musicians with a bow that offers the performance characteristics of wood but with significantly enhanced longevity and resistance to the elements.

Materials and Construction

The stick is constructed from fibreglass, a material chosen for its immense durability. Unlike traditional Brazilwood or Pernambuco, fibreglass does not warp when exposed to extreme temperature changes or high humidity. This construction also prevents the common issue of the tip breaking during accidental drops. The bow features a leatherette grip for comfort and utilizes unbleached white horsehair, a traditional choice for maintaining tonal quality.

Weight and Handling

A key feature of the Glasser Fibreglass bow is its balance. It is engineered to match the weight and feel of a standard wooden bow, ensuring that students do not have to adjust their technique when moving between different equipment. The French-style frog is held similarly to a cello bow, allowing for a precise and balanced playing experience that facilitates various bowing techniques.

Tonal Character

While the stick is synthetic, the use of natural horsehair ensures a classic interaction with the strings. The unbleached hair provides the necessary friction and grip to produce a clear, traditional double bass tone. It is designed to be a reliable 'workhorse' bow, offering a consistent sound regardless of the environment in which it is used.

Target Audience and Comparison

This bow is primarily aimed at student bassists and schools requiring equipment that can withstand heavy use. It is also an excellent secondary bow for professionals who perform in outdoor venues or challenging climates where a more expensive wooden bow might be at risk. Compared to carbon fibre alternatives, such as those from Coruss, the fibreglass Glasser bow is often more budget-friendly while being significantly more robust than entry-level wooden bows like those made from Bulletwood.

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Frequently asked questions

What size double bass is this bow intended for?: This bow is a 3/4 size model, which is the standard size for most adult and older student double bassists.
What is the difference between French style and German style bows?: The French style frog on this Glasser bow is designed to be held over the top of the stick, similar to a cello bow. This is distinct from the German style, which features a larger frog held with an underhand grip.
Does the fibreglass construction affect the weight?: No, Glasser has engineered this bow to have the same weight and feel as a traditional Brazilwood bow. This ensures a familiar balance for the player.
Is the hair on the bow synthetic or natural?: This bow uses natural, unbleached white horsehair. This material is preferred for its ability to produce a classic, high-quality tone.
How does fibreglass compare to wooden bows regarding durability?: Fibreglass is much sturdier than wood and will not warp or break at the tip if dropped. It is also resistant to damage caused by extreme temperature or humidity changes.
Can this bow be used for outdoor performances?: Yes, its resistance to weather and temperature variations makes it an ideal choice for outdoor venues where wooden bows might warp.
What kind of grip does the bow have?: The bow is equipped with a leatherette grip. This provides a comfortable and secure hold for the student during extended playing sessions.
Is this bow suitable for professional bassists?: While designed for students, many professionals use it as a reliable backup or travel bow due to its durability and consistent performance.
Does the bow come with rosin?: Rosin is typically sold separately. Products such as Pirastro Cellisto Cello Rosin are often recommended for use with student-level bows.
Will this bow warp over time?: Unlike wooden bows, the fibreglass construction is specifically designed to resist warping, ensuring the stick stays straight for years.
Is the tip of the bow reinforced?: The fibreglass material itself makes the tip much more resistant to snapping or breaking compared to traditional wooden bow tips.
How does the price point compare to other student bows?: At approximately GBP 119, it sits in the mid-range for student bows, offering better durability than budget wood bows but at a lower cost than professional carbon fibre models.