giannaviolins - Posted - 10/21/2012:  15:47:53

Got an early production version of the Coda Luma.  This is a light, stiff bow with some appealing characteristics that fiddlers may well like.  Personally, I find it really compelling for several reasons.

I put some pictures here: fiddlehangout.com/myhangout/ph...umid=1533  Not that pictures really  say much.  

Appearance: Elegant design to head, reduced size frog.  Has the familiar cross weave cloth.  The production values are very high - certainly looks even better than previous models!  

Specifications:

58.6 g (light!0

Balance at 189 mm from the frog or 9 3/4" from the stick end.  Nice balance point, not too far out.  

Stiffness:  245 Stroup - very stiff.

Playing characteristics:  Doesn't feel that light, but rapid movements, string crossings, and general handling are suitable fast and very crisp.  The bow plays all the way to the tip - dead steady.  Seems to disappear in the hand.  Steady, without excessive bounce, but very controlled and even bounce.  The ease of more complex movement all the way from frog to tip is remarkable, really opens up the envelope of arm movement.  Dead steady, too.  The tip playing characteristics are what strikes me.  I'm simply playing with more hair.  Off the string capabilities far exceed mine!

Sound: Here's where I expected a compromise.  But this bow is as quiet as the silver mounted Brazilian bow I've been using as a test bow in the shop.  It may be better.  Unlike most carbon sticks, the Luma brings out a beautiful shimmer at the upper end of the harmonic range.  Clarity is excellent, every bit as good as the pernambuco.  Moreover, it's stiffness complements it's nimbleness - the bow gets where it needs to be very quickly and intuitively, then sets off the note with easy control.  Both aspects really show up in the clean clear start to each note.

$545 list

My overall impression is that this bow is a good imitation of a fine old French stick.  Nimble, strong, clear, gets itself out of the way and just does exactly what a bow needs to do.

I may keep one for myself.  It's a tremendous bargain.  

Antonio - Posted - 10/21/2012:  20:30:26

Sounds good. Is it better than the GX, do you think?

bosco - Posted - 10/21/2012:  21:41:02

"Light and stiff" reminds me of Arcus bows. How do you compare with?

fiddledd - Posted - 10/24/2012:  18:42:22

Steve - how does it compare to the GX? (my current go to bow)

giannaviolins - Posted - 10/24/2012:  18:58:37

GX is flashier and more modern feeling.  This has that old fashioned steady feel.  Lovely.  I think I like it better, but I'd really like both at hand!!!!  Both just disappear in the hand fairly easily.

fiddler59 - Posted - 10/29/2012:  09:51:46

Sounds like a bow I need to check out. I like the Xebony frogs that Coda puts on there bows and really wish they would use it on the GX. The ebony they use on the GX is OK but these are not collectible bows....they are work horse tools that work very well. With Xebony hairline cracks around the wings of the frog are a thing of the past. I have gotten in to rehaoring in the last 8 months or so and it is not uncommon to have to repair these kind of cracks. I really wish more bow makers would use some sort of synthetic Ebony. I know ebony is probably a selling point but good quality ebony is really hard to find. A lot of the ebony used in lower priced bows is not that great. Xebony looks great and is more durable IMHO.

David Blackmon

Antonio - Posted - 11/02/2012:  22:29:56

Hi Giannaviolins, would mind, please, elaborating on what you mean by flashier and more modern feeling? When you say flashier, do you mean appearance? And what does modern feeling mean? Is that good or bad or just different? The reason I ask is that I recently bought a GX. I really like it. I may have to shell out for one of these as well, I do need a spare. They don't have any of the new Lumas where I live, yet.

giannaviolins - Posted - 11/03/2012:  01:42:02

I think the Luma will be introduced Monday or thereabouts, so they're not really out yet.

The GX is obviously fast handling, pretty powerful, light, crisp.  Like a quick handling sports car.

The Luma doesn't feel fast, doesn't feel lighter than usual.  Just feels very very solid.  It's in playing that it's interesting characteristics come to light.  Doesn't feel super stiff, but is so it handles whatever I can throw at it.  That kind of thing.  No flash, just solid and surprisingly quick.  I have a car like that.  Invisible handling and power.  So far no tickets!

elcorredor - Posted - 11/03/2012:  13:10:41

Hi!
I like to add some thoughts to this interesting discussion:
I play the Diamond NX for a few months now, which is a very good bow! It's a huge advantage compared to my old bow and makes playin' feel so easy. You'll need a lot more money to buy a wooden bow which is as good as the NX. I tried a few - the one that came close was nearly twice the price.
I will use the NX with my electric violin (Ted Brewer Vivo 2) mostly.

For my new acoustic violin I thought of the GX first. Then I saw a video of violinist Adam DeGraff on youtube (youtube.com/watch?v=DJzgXXttT9...e=related) doin' a great review of the GX and comparing it to the "Joule". It was not easy to decide anyway. But let's make a long story short (much of headscratching included): I ordered the Joule!
Playin' it for a few hours now I can only say: Wow!!! Perfect balance, fast as lightning, stable and flexible when you need it.

I'll have a lot to practice to do my violins and my bows justice :-))

Wolfgang

giannaviolins - Posted - 11/03/2012:  13:22:11

Problem I have is I like the Luma better than anything else in hand, by a lot.  But it is right square in line with my personal taste.

richdissmore - Posted - 11/03/2012:  17:17:31

to up date my bow what would it cost me to buy this bow?

elcorredor - Posted - 11/05/2012:  14:16:44

quote:

---

Originally posted by richdissmore

to up date my bow what would it cost me to buy this bow?

---

Price for the Luma at the "Electric Violin Shop" is 490 USD, for the Joule 625 USD.

giannaviolins - Posted - 11/05/2012:  17:58:56

A key point that's hard to get across is that the Luma fills a different niche than say the GX.  It's really a different tool.  Very stable, easy, invisible bow.  The GX - just as an example - is obviously very good, handles beautifully, crisp, great fast bounce,  Very obviously a great bow.  In contrast, the Luma disappears.  Just playing the instrument.  I soon forget it's there.  It will do everything I ask.  They're different tools for different tastes.  The GX isn't going to be at home in a supporting role for a second violin in a quartet nearly as much as the Luma.  And for many players, the GX might well be more fun doing Paganini.  Just a matter of use and taste.

Personally I'd like this and a GX.  I'd probably alternate randomly and remain uncertain as to which I like better!  Regardless, this is a bargain.

I'll sell mine if anyone wants it.  I'll give it an unequivocal personal recommendation.

On a side note, I spent some time today going over my observations with Jeff from Coda today.  Apparently I have its design goals pegged!

Apltrez - Posted - 11/18/2012:  18:56:20

Just curious if you have compared the Luma to the Barage, also made by Coda?  Also interested in anyone who might have a comparison.

Greg

giannaviolins - Posted - 11/19/2012:  00:46:32

Never seen, been offered, nor tried a "Barage" bow.  Doesn't appear in any of my literature from Coda.

Susan H - Posted - 11/19/2012:  02:25:49

Southwest strings has Coda NX Barrage round carbon fiber bows for $373.50. However, after reading all the rave reviews here about the new Luma bow, I've put that on my Christmas list this year.

Edited by - Susan H on 11/19/2012 02:28:17

giannaviolins - Posted - 11/19/2012:  02:57:55

Isn't on the Coda website.  If the basic characteristics are like the NX, but with a more headward balance point, then I would not like it.  The NX seems too dull for me.  And I usually prefer a somewhat light tipped bow.  However, the Luma with its overall light weight seems a bit of an exception.

fiddlerjoebob - Posted - 11/20/2012:  06:24:44

Gianna, what can you say about continuity between individuals in a fiber bow... particularly Coda.   Are they consistent?  Do you feel you need to try different Lumas to get the one you want or are they clones?  

I am currently in the market for an upgrade.  I appreciate this thread and your advice.

giannaviolins - Posted - 11/20/2012:  06:50:08

There's a bit of difference among the specific models that might impact a choice a tiny bit, not nearly as much as between models.  I am not a rich person with hundreds of bows.  Lucky if I can afford to keep a dozen around.  

hizaleus - Posted - 12/11/2012:  16:04:53

Some violinists of numerous varieties compared many graphite fiber bows some years ago. They all agreed that the Coda Bows were very consistent within a model. This is what convinced me to buy one, since I would not trust myself to pick a bow out at my level of skill. Coda Bows are rarely discounted significantly, so you are at no disadvantage to buy one in a shop where you can try it, if one is nearby. Just be sure the hair is well rosined. Fiddlers often play outdoors, which makes many superb wooden bows become temperamental.

hizaleus - Posted - 12/11/2012:  16:17:08

Would you recommend this for a beginner? Is it too responsive for a player just developing their control, or does it make it easy to get good tone at any stage?

giannaviolins - Posted - 12/11/2012:  17:16:31

The coda line is very tractable to play.  I would think the GX might be a little hot, but the others are all very easy to deal with!  Want one?

fiddledd - Posted - 12/11/2012:  18:46:29

Steve - at what price are you selling the Luma?  (don't tempt me! )

fiddlerjoebob - Posted - 12/11/2012:  18:50:25

Yes...I am almost there.  $?   I would rather buy from you if it comes to it...which I think it will.  

withnall - Posted - 06/25/2013:  17:41:45

So now that some time has passed do you still like the Luma? Has anyone else tried it and liked it? I really don't *need* another good bow, just something to use while I post my SX in for rehairs but that seems like an entirely reasonable excuse :-)

E

robinja - Posted - 06/27/2013:  13:45:00

Got it, love it, rarely use my Coda Diamond SX anymore. It's hard to describe, but the Luma is very nimble and just seems to make bowing easier. The only negative that I've found is I don't seem to be able to get quite as much volume out of it - it seems to have a lighter touch. I will sometimes grab the SX if I'm in a large jam and can't hear myself or if I'm playing an unplugged gig and need to project more. Like most everything else involved with fiddling, all of this is hard to put into words!

Judy