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Helen Butler

BOWS

January 29, 2012 at 2:23 AM

Because I test everything I sell, I took out the A. Breton 114 bow I just got in. And I said “well this one is mine, I am keeping it”. Yes, it is that good. How long have I been searching for a cheap bow that does not feel or sound like a cheap bow? Maybe for ever, because that is how long I have been beating up my bows!

For a long time I have heard two opposing opinions within myself. One says “You love to play, yes, but your bow technique is so weak! Why spend money on a bow? It’s a waste!” Another says “You love to play, but your bow technique is so weak! It is time to stop playing with $20 bows and learn to use the bow!”

Personally, I am not going to go out and buy the bow of my dreams from a master maker, although I would love to. (Although, if I could spend some time with a master maker and learn to make sweet bows, that would be even better!) I do not have the funds, and honestly, I do not have the bow technique make it justifiable.

But I have the A. Breton 114. And I am keeping one (or a few) for personal use. (Again, because I play rock, and I teach school, so I beat on them!)
And this bow feels so good that maybe I hope it is the bow to take my technique to the next level. Of course, I would rather dream that I am a virtuoso player who would use a bow like this one every day for my practice bow!


From Kathryn Woodby
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 7:11 PM
Oh....I have that same conversation with myself! :) :)
From Viran Vuu
Posted on January 31, 2012 at 4:40 AM
there are always coda bows. A nice chunk from 20 (closer to 350) but they take some abuse. I am a trumpet player turn orchestra director. My primary beater bow is a Coda diamond NX. My "precious" bow is a entry level wood bow that was also around 350. But with the Coda bow, I feel security and confident in letting the students use it as it gives them a sense of the difference in fiber glass/composite bows to the step up. Opens their eyes so to speak. Had it for about 2 years now and not a scratch really.

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