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Dick Hauser - Posted - 10/11/2019: 08:37:17
I have owned Eastman instruments and all have been very good. I recently saw an ad for a Pernumbuco bow sold by Eastman. I realize these bows probably don't have the quality of the premier bows made from this wood, but the price is so low I am considering getting one. At the present time, all my bows a braided carbon fibre.
Comments on your experience are appreciated. Thank you.
pete_fiddle - Posted - 10/11/2019: 11:17:14
Never had a carbon fibre bow , but i've tried them. They all seemed dead to me . A good bow feels alive, maybe there are some good CF bows, but i've never held one....a bit like CF Fiddles ...Good for stage work where pickups, amps, sound tech's, and lack of feed back are more important. But that's exactly what i'm looking for in a good acoustic fiddle and bow........Feedback.
UsuallyPickin - Posted - 10/13/2019: 07:27:37
Pernambuco bows can be wonderful. No experience with Eastman bows though. I agree Eastman is a reputable manufacturer with a deservedly good reputation. It may take awhile for you to get used to a pernambuco bow after playing carbon fiber bows. They do have differences in feel and touch. It may also be more flexible than your CF bows I have to note that my experience is limited to two CF bows and half a dozen pernambuco bows. Like fiddles all bows are a bit different from one another. If you are in a position to play several that would be best.
Lastly pernambuco comes in several different grades. As best I recall this has to do with where the tree grew and where on the log the blank came from. Those factors effect physical properties of the wood and cost. Keep us posted if you decide to take the leap. Luck... R/
DougD - Posted - 10/13/2019: 07:46:41
It looks like Eastman sells several grades of pernambuco bows, ranging from a little over $100 to a couple thousand dollars, and I would guess the performance varies accordingly. I have several pernambuvo bows, and they are definitely all different, from barely tolerable to fun to play. This is probably another area of violin stuff where "brand name" doesn't mean much. I'd suggest you buy from s dealer that offers good return options, or will send you several on approval.
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