What size double bass is this bow suitable for?

This P&H bow is designed to be compatible with both 3/4 and 4/4 size double basses, which are the standard sizes for most adult and teenage students.

What is the benefit of a fibreglass stick over wood?

Fibreglass is significantly more durable and resilient than wood. It does not warp or bend when exposed to extreme weather conditions, dampness, or heat, making it more reliable for travel.

Can I re-hair this bow myself?

Yes, P&H bows are specifically designed to be re-haired at home by the owner. This feature eliminates the need for expensive workshop visits and professional luthier services.

What type of hair is used on the P&H double bass bow?

The bow uses natural, unbleached white horsehair. This is the traditional choice for orchestral bows as it provides the necessary grip and friction for a quality sound.

Is the green colour just for aesthetics?

Yes, the green finish is a stylistic choice. It gives the bow a distinctive look that sets it apart from traditional brown wooden bows or black carbon fibre alternatives.

How does weather affect this bow?

Because it is made of fibreglass, the bow is virtually immune to humidity and temperature changes. It will not expand, contract, or lose its shape in damp environments.

Who is the primary target audience for this bow?

This bow is primarily aimed at students and teachers. Its durability makes it ideal for school environments and beginners who may not yet have the skills to maintain a delicate wooden bow.

How is the balance of the P&H fibreglass bow?

The manufacturer has designed the stick to be well-balanced. This provides a consistent playing experience, helping students develop proper bowing technique without fighting the weight of the stick.

Does this bow come with rosin?

Typically, bows are sold without rosin unless specified in a bundle. Notable compatible rosins for bass include Pirastro Cellisto or specific double bass formulations.

How does the price compare to other student bows?

At approximately £75, this bow sits in the mid-range for student equipment. It is more affordable than professional carbon fibre bows but offers better durability than entry-level wood bows.

Will this bow warp over time?

No, one of the main advantages of the fibreglass construction is that it will not warp or take a permanent set, unlike traditional wooden sticks that can lose their camber.

Is the horsehair synthetic or real?

P&H uses real, unbleached natural white horsehair. This ensures that despite the synthetic stick, the part of the bow that touches the string remains high-quality and traditional.

Gear article

P&H Fibreglass Double Bass Bow (Green)

The P&H Fibreglass Double Bass Bow is a durable student-grade bow designed for 3/4 and 4/4 size instruments. Constructed from a resilient green fibreglass stick, it is engineered to resist warping and withstand environmental changes that typically affect traditional wooden bows.

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Overview

The P&H Green Fibreglass Double Bass bow is a specialized tool for the entry-level and intermediate market. While professional bows often utilise Pernambuco or Brazilwood, P&H has opted for synthetic materials to address common issues of fragility and maintenance found in the lower price brackets. Its primary focus is longevity and consistency, providing a reliable platform for learners to develop their bowing techniques.

Design and Construction

The core of the bow is its fibreglass stick, finished in a distinct green colour. Fibreglass is chosen for its high strength-to-weight ratio and its inherent resistance to the elements. Unlike wood, which is organic and porous, fibreglass does not react to fluctuations in humidity or temperature. This prevents the stick from warping or losing its curve (camber) over time. The bow is equipped with natural unbleached white horsehair, ensuring that the interface between the bow and the strings remains traditional despite the modern stick material.

Ease of Maintenance

A defining feature of P&H bows is their user-serviceable design. Most orchestral bows require a professional luthier to perform a re-hair, a process that can be expensive and time-consuming. P&H has engineered their bows to be re-haired by the user at home. This modular approach is particularly beneficial for students and schools where gear is subjected to heavy use and budgets for professional maintenance may be limited.

Sound and Playability

The use of natural horsehair allows the bow to grip the heavy strings of a double bass effectively, producing a clear and consistent tone. The fibreglass construction results in a well-balanced stick that offers a predictable response. While it may lack the complex tonal nuances of high-end carbon fibre or fine wooden bows, it provides a stable 'feel' that helps students master control without the bow feeling overly 'whippy' or stiff.

Comparison and Suitability

Compared to alternatives like the Jaeger Premium Bulletwood or Primavera Composite bows, the P&H fibreglass model stands out for its extreme durability. While bulletwood offers a traditional aesthetic, it remains susceptible to dampness. In contrast, the P&H bow is ideal for touring musicians or those residing in humid climates. It serves as a robust alternative to more expensive carbon fibre bows, such as those from Coruss, while remaining more affordable than professional-grade wooden equipment.

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Frequently asked questions

What size double bass is this bow suitable for?: This P&H bow is designed to be compatible with both 3/4 and 4/4 size double basses, which are the standard sizes for most adult and teenage students.
What is the benefit of a fibreglass stick over wood?: Fibreglass is significantly more durable and resilient than wood. It does not warp or bend when exposed to extreme weather conditions, dampness, or heat, making it more reliable for travel.
Can I re-hair this bow myself?: Yes, P&H bows are specifically designed to be re-haired at home by the owner. This feature eliminates the need for expensive workshop visits and professional luthier services.
What type of hair is used on the P&H double bass bow?: The bow uses natural, unbleached white horsehair. This is the traditional choice for orchestral bows as it provides the necessary grip and friction for a quality sound.
Is the green colour just for aesthetics?: Yes, the green finish is a stylistic choice. It gives the bow a distinctive look that sets it apart from traditional brown wooden bows or black carbon fibre alternatives.
How does weather affect this bow?: Because it is made of fibreglass, the bow is virtually immune to humidity and temperature changes. It will not expand, contract, or lose its shape in damp environments.
Who is the primary target audience for this bow?: This bow is primarily aimed at students and teachers. Its durability makes it ideal for school environments and beginners who may not yet have the skills to maintain a delicate wooden bow.
How is the balance of the P&H fibreglass bow?: The manufacturer has designed the stick to be well-balanced. This provides a consistent playing experience, helping students develop proper bowing technique without fighting the weight of the stick.
Does this bow come with rosin?: Typically, bows are sold without rosin unless specified in a bundle. Notable compatible rosins for bass include Pirastro Cellisto or specific double bass formulations.
How does the price compare to other student bows?: At approximately £75, this bow sits in the mid-range for student equipment. It is more affordable than professional carbon fibre bows but offers better durability than entry-level wood bows.
Will this bow warp over time?: No, one of the main advantages of the fibreglass construction is that it will not warp or take a permanent set, unlike traditional wooden sticks that can lose their camber.
Is the horsehair synthetic or real?: P&H uses real, unbleached natural white horsehair. This ensures that despite the synthetic stick, the part of the bow that touches the string remains high-quality and traditional.