What material is the P&H Double Bass Bow made from?

The stick of the bow is constructed from fibreglass, a synthetic material chosen for its durability and resistance to environmental changes.

What sizes is this bow designed for?

This specific model is designed to be compatible with 3/4 and 1/2 size double basses, which are common sizes for students and younger players.

Does the bow use real or synthetic hair?

The P&H Double Bass Bow uses unbleached natural white horsehair to ensure the best possible sound and grip on the strings.

Can I re-hair this bow myself?

Yes, P&H bows are specifically manufactured to allow for at-home re-hairing, eliminating the need for professional workshop visits.

Is a fibreglass bow better than a wooden one for beginners?

Fibreglass is often recommended for beginners because it is tougher than wood and will not warp or bend under damp or extreme weather conditions.

How does the price of the P&H bow compare to wooden bows?

At approximately £70, it is an affordable entry-level option, whereas professional wooden bows can cost significantly more and require more maintenance.

Is this bow suitable for professional touring?

While it is a student-grade bow, its resilience to weather and damp climates makes it a reliable back-up or primary bow for musicians touring in harsh conditions.

Does the bow come with rosin?

Rosin is typically sold separately. Products like Pirastro Cellisto rosin are common accessories used alongside bows of this type.

How does fibreglass affect the balance of the bow?

The P&H design focuses on a well-balanced playing experience, aiming to mimic the feel of traditional bows while offering greater structural integrity.

Who is the primary user for this bow?

It is widely used by both teachers and students who require a durable, low-maintenance tool for learning and practice.

Will the P&H bow warp over time?

Unlike wooden bows, the fibreglass stick is designed to be resilient and will not warp or lose its shape even in humid or damp environments.

What are the common alternatives to this bow?

Alternatives include composite bows like the Primavera series, carbon fibre bows like Coruss, or student-level wooden bows like the Gewa Jaeger Bulletwood.

Gear article

P&H Fibreglass Double Bass Bow (3/4-1/2)

The P&H Fibreglass Double Bass Bow is a student-focused orchestral accessory designed for durability and ease of maintenance. Available in sizes ranging from 3/4 to 1/2, it utilises a synthetic fibreglass stick and natural horsehair to provide a resilient alternative to traditional wooden bows.

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Overview

The P&H Fibreglass Double Bass Bow is engineered to address the common vulnerabilities of student string accessories. Unlike traditional pernambuco or brazilwood sticks, which are susceptible to structural changes based on humidity and temperature, the P&H fibreglass construction offers a rigid and stable platform. It is specifically sized for 3/4 and 1/2 scale double basses, making it a standard choice for younger players and educational institutions.

Design and Maintenance

A defining characteristic of P&H bows is their unique maintenance profile. Most orchestral bows require professional luthier services for re-hairing, which can be costly and time-consuming. P&H has designed this model to allow for at-home re-hairing, significantly reducing the long-term cost of ownership. The stick is complemented by unbleached natural white horsehair, a material preferred by educators for its superior grip and tone production compared to synthetic alternatives.

Resilience and Performance

The primary advantage of the fibreglass stick is its resilience to environmental stressors. Wooden bows often warp or lose their camber when exposed to damp climates or extreme temperature shifts. The P&H fibreglass stick maintains its shape and tension regardless of weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for touring musicians or students who frequently transport their instruments between different environments. The weight distribution is designed to provide a well-balanced playing experience, assisting beginners in developing proper bowing technique.

Market Position and Alternatives

Positioned at a price point of approximately £70, this bow sits within the entry-level market. While more advanced players might opt for carbon fibre options like the Coruss series or premium wooden bows such as the Gewa Jaeger Bulletwood, the P&H fibreglass model serves as a functional 'workhorse'. It is often paired with student instruments like the Stentor or Gear4music series, offering a more robust alternative to the basic wooden bows that typically come with budget instrument outfits.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the P&H Double Bass Bow made from?: The stick of the bow is constructed from fibreglass, a synthetic material chosen for its durability and resistance to environmental changes.
What sizes is this bow designed for?: This specific model is designed to be compatible with 3/4 and 1/2 size double basses, which are common sizes for students and younger players.
Does the bow use real or synthetic hair?: The P&H Double Bass Bow uses unbleached natural white horsehair to ensure the best possible sound and grip on the strings.
Can I re-hair this bow myself?: Yes, P&H bows are specifically manufactured to allow for at-home re-hairing, eliminating the need for professional workshop visits.
Is a fibreglass bow better than a wooden one for beginners?: Fibreglass is often recommended for beginners because it is tougher than wood and will not warp or bend under damp or extreme weather conditions.
How does the price of the P&H bow compare to wooden bows?: At approximately £70, it is an affordable entry-level option, whereas professional wooden bows can cost significantly more and require more maintenance.
Is this bow suitable for professional touring?: While it is a student-grade bow, its resilience to weather and damp climates makes it a reliable back-up or primary bow for musicians touring in harsh conditions.
Does the bow come with rosin?: Rosin is typically sold separately. Products like Pirastro Cellisto rosin are common accessories used alongside bows of this type.
How does fibreglass affect the balance of the bow?: The P&H design focuses on a well-balanced playing experience, aiming to mimic the feel of traditional bows while offering greater structural integrity.
Who is the primary user for this bow?: It is widely used by both teachers and students who require a durable, low-maintenance tool for learning and practice.
Will the P&H bow warp over time?: Unlike wooden bows, the fibreglass stick is designed to be resilient and will not warp or lose its shape even in humid or damp environments.
What are the common alternatives to this bow?: Alternatives include composite bows like the Primavera series, carbon fibre bows like Coruss, or student-level wooden bows like the Gewa Jaeger Bulletwood.