What is the P&H Double Bass Bowhair Hank?

It is a pre-measured replacement hank of unbleached natural white horsehair designed specifically for full-size double bass bows using the P&H rehairing system.

How long does it take to rehair a bow with this hank?

The manufacturer states that the rehairing process can be completed in just a couple of minutes using the included tools and instructions.

What tools are included with the purchase?

Each replacement hank comes with a screwdriver specifically sized for the P&H system and a set of step-by-step instructions.

Is the hair natural or synthetic?

The hank is made from unbleached natural white horsehair, which is the standard choice for professional and student string players.

Does this hank work with any double bass bow?

No, it is specifically designed for the unique rehairing system found on P&H bows. It is not intended for traditional wood or carbon fibre bows that require luthier-fitted hair.

What size bow is this hank designed for?

This specific model is designed for a 4/4 (Full Size) double bass bow. Different sizes would be required for fractional instruments.

What are the benefits of unbleached horsehair?

Unbleached hair is stronger and retains more natural texture than bleached hair. This allows for better rosin adhesion and a superior sound quality.

Can I save money using this product?

Yes, it is designed to help players avoid expensive luthier fees, providing a DIY alternative for bow maintenance.

Is the screwdriver reusable?

Yes, the screwdriver is a standard tool provided for the mechanism, though P&H includes a new one with each hank to ensure you always have the correct tool on hand.

Do I need to apply rosin to the new hair?

Yes, like all new bow hair, the P&H hank must be thoroughly rosined before its first use to achieve the necessary friction to vibrate the strings.

Is this product suitable for professional orchestral bassists?

While it uses natural horsehair, it is primarily designed as a convenience and cost-saving measure for students and amateur players using P&H bows.

What is the typical price for this replacement hank?

The typical price for a P&H Double Bass Bowhair Hank is approximately GBP 11, making it a very affordable maintenance option.

Gear article

P&H Double Bass Bowhair Hank (Full Size)

The P&H Double Bass Bowhair Hank is a specialised replacement component designed for the proprietary P&H rehairing system. It utilizes unbleached natural white horsehair and is engineered to allow bassists to replace their own bow hair without the need for professional luthier services.

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Overview

The P&H Double Bass Bowhair Hank is a replacement part specifically designed for the full-size (4/4) double bass. Unlike traditional bow rehairing, which requires a specialist luthier to hand-tie and wedge the hair into the head and frog, this hank is part of P&H’s unique home-replacement system. The product is marketed as a cost-effective solution for students and performers who wish to avoid the high costs and wait times associated with traditional bow maintenance.

The P&H Rehairing System

The core innovation of this product is its ease of installation. The system allows the user to perform a complete rehair in just a couple of minutes. Each hank is supplied with a dedicated screwdriver and a set of instructions. This system bypasses the complex woodworking and tensioning skills usually required to set a bow hank, making it accessible to non-professionals.

Materials and Sound Profile

Despite the focus on DIY convenience, the hank uses standard unbleached natural white horsehair. This material is preferred in the orchestral world for its ability to grip the heavy strings of a double bass effectively. The use of unbleached hair ensures that the natural scales of the horsehair remain intact, which is essential for producing a clear, resonant tone and maintaining consistent friction when combined with appropriate rosin.

Target Audience and Value

This product is primarily aimed at students and amateur bassists who use P&H bows. At a price point of approximately £11, it represents a significant saving over professional luthier fees, which can often exceed the value of a student-grade bow. It is particularly suited for those in remote areas or students who need a quick turnaround to continue their practice or rehearsals.

Comparison and Compatibility

The P&H hank is a proprietary design and is intended for use with P&H bows that support their unique rehairing mechanism. While traditional luthiers might use premium hanks on instruments like the Stentor Messina Cello or professional double basses, the P&H system provides a functional, utilitarian alternative for the student market. It complements other student-focused gear such as Primavera composite bows or the Stentor Harlequin series by providing a low-maintenance ownership experience.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the P&H Double Bass Bowhair Hank?: It is a pre-measured replacement hank of unbleached natural white horsehair designed specifically for full-size double bass bows using the P&H rehairing system.
How long does it take to rehair a bow with this hank?: The manufacturer states that the rehairing process can be completed in just a couple of minutes using the included tools and instructions.
What tools are included with the purchase?: Each replacement hank comes with a screwdriver specifically sized for the P&H system and a set of step-by-step instructions.
Is the hair natural or synthetic?: The hank is made from unbleached natural white horsehair, which is the standard choice for professional and student string players.
Does this hank work with any double bass bow?: No, it is specifically designed for the unique rehairing system found on P&H bows. It is not intended for traditional wood or carbon fibre bows that require luthier-fitted hair.
What size bow is this hank designed for?: This specific model is designed for a 4/4 (Full Size) double bass bow. Different sizes would be required for fractional instruments.
What are the benefits of unbleached horsehair?: Unbleached hair is stronger and retains more natural texture than bleached hair. This allows for better rosin adhesion and a superior sound quality.
Can I save money using this product?: Yes, it is designed to help players avoid expensive luthier fees, providing a DIY alternative for bow maintenance.
Is the screwdriver reusable?: Yes, the screwdriver is a standard tool provided for the mechanism, though P&H includes a new one with each hank to ensure you always have the correct tool on hand.
Do I need to apply rosin to the new hair?: Yes, like all new bow hair, the P&H hank must be thoroughly rosined before its first use to achieve the necessary friction to vibrate the strings.
Is this product suitable for professional orchestral bassists?: While it uses natural horsehair, it is primarily designed as a convenience and cost-saving measure for students and amateur players using P&H bows.
What is the typical price for this replacement hank?: The typical price for a P&H Double Bass Bowhair Hank is approximately GBP 11, making it a very affordable maintenance option.