Coda Bow Diamond GX

September 21, 2011 at 10:19 PM ·

I have one and am very happy with it.  I've had a Coda Classic for my violin for years and was thinking of getting one for my viola when I heard they were coming out with the GX.  I was able to try both a Classic, an SX, and a GX, and preferred the GX.

Everything commonly said about carbon bows is true.  In a similar price range, a CF bow will outplay a wood one most all of the time.  The sound they draw can be a little less complex than a good wood bow will give.  They're virtually unbreakable, so good for use teaching, in pits, outdoors, any place you might be hesitant to take the Tourte.  Coda's bows are well-made and guaranteed for life.

Try one and see what you think. I'm a believer in having both a good pernambuco bow and a CF.

September 22, 2011 at 12:02 AM ·

 Never used the GX but played with both an SX and NX - just never warmed up to them. I did not like the balance point on the bows. I switched to an Iesta bow (Arcos Brasil) as my practice bow and really like it. You might consider that as an option. The Iesta is a carbon bow with pernambuco veneer and much less expensive than an SX or GX.

September 22, 2011 at 09:30 AM ·

 I have owned a Diamond GX and while it was a good bow, it was not for me. I am trying out a Coda Prodigy at the moment and like it much better. It draws a smoother, more mellow tone to my ear for what I do. It does not compare to my John Norwood Lee gold mounted bow but the JNL bow is 15 to 20 times the price as well. I want the Prodigy as a beater bow I can use for stage use when I play the "liquore store with a PA circuit", so I don't have to worry about drunks screwing up my good bow. The Prodigy has a metal tip which makes it ideal. It also plays pretty darn nice for a $265 dollar bow.

DB

September 22, 2011 at 03:06 PM ·

Thanks everyone for your observations. I'm learning that I have a lot more research to do before launching into things.

Lisa: What would you say are the differences between the Classic, SX and GX?

James: I've tried some pernambuco coated CF bows, but not sure if I've tried the Iesta. I will consider that.

David: Can you explain what the differences were between the GX and Prodigy? Any theories as to why the GX is $700 and the Prodigy is $265? It does seem odd that Codabows would make a bow that is much cheaper than their top of the line bow but plays better. Is it possible that maybe your instrument just happens to work better with a prodigy bow, or you've come across a particularly good Prodigy bow?

Also, I've heard that CF bows are not all the same, even from the same line from the same manufacturer. And that the manufacturer's would have you believe that's not the case. Do you agree with this, and is there a way around it since I've heard they won't send you more than one bow.

September 22, 2011 at 03:29 PM ·

Iesta violin bows are excellent for the price. David Kerr has quite a few of their violin bows, and I imagine they should have some Iesta viola bows for you to try.

September 22, 2011 at 04:54 PM ·

Thanks Joyce! I've tried Kerr's pernambuco coated violin bows but didn't realize it was an Iesta. I'll definitely have to ask if they have a viola bow version.

I'm also bow shopping for a violin bow, but want to go pernambuco on the violin bow.

September 22, 2011 at 09:56 PM ·

 The Codabow GX that I had was too bright and stiff for me. The Prodigy draws a more mellow tone though not as focused ans seems to be more supple. It is fine though for what I want ti for. My John Norwood Lee bow is in an entirely different class, but you can't expect a $265 to be like a $3500 bow (I bought it used).

DB

December 1, 2011 at 04:21 PM · I was in Tennessee yesterday at Steve Perry's Gianna Violins playing several instruments with the intention of purchasing a new violin sans wolf tone. I procured my very first violin from Steve back in May and wish I hadn't sold it to buy my hand made instrument in August. (He did do some tweaking of that one while I was there. Will have to play it a while and see if I can tame the "quack" as he called it.)

While there, I played a CODA Diamond GX bow with my current violin, and also with the various other instruments I interviewed. I'm pretty much a bow virgin but the GX was amazing. Even in my hands I could play just about any note clearly and smoothly at the softest pianissimo possible.

Wish I had had enough to have purchased a violin and the Diamond GX bow. I can see now where the bow will be my next violin equipment purchase. Other than strings, it's my hope that it would be my last for many years.

No other CODA's available to play but that one was a winner.

December 2, 2011 at 04:55 AM · Like I said, he didn't have anything but the CODA Diamond GX in the shop. Next time I'm in Atlanta I'll drop buy a couple of the shops I know of there and see if they have an SX that I can audition. Maybe I'll just call first.

December 2, 2011 at 03:29 PM · I'm actually going to be buying a used NX from someone via v.com. Saving my real money for a commissioned pernambuco violin bow.

December 2, 2011 at 07:47 PM · "The differences are in the color AND IN THE PLAYING."

Which is why I'm interested in the GX and not the SX, although I've not played the latter bow.

December 2, 2011 at 11:07 PM · I tried both an SX and a GX when I bought mine, and felt like there was enough difference to justify the price difference. I've had it for, I think, 3 years now and have never once regretted buying it. For anything involving kids, being outdoors, col legno, during recovery after hand surgery, anything I wouldn't want to subject the pernambuco bow to, it comes out of the case in a hurry.

December 3, 2011 at 08:43 AM · Terry, just in case you haven't checked your email - there is a violin show tomorrow (12/3/2011) - I believe it's organized by Jonathan Franke. You can try Ken Altman's bows there: Violin Tasting

December 3, 2011 at 05:41 PM · Thanks Joyce, Ken sent me that too so if you go maybe I'll see you there. We really ought to do another v.com gathering again sometime. It was fun! Terry

December 3, 2011 at 06:41 PM · Terry, yes I have been wanting to organize another one, but I have been too busy... I'm planning on February or March (I'll be out-of-town for almost a month early next year) unless someone else wants to do it.

December 3, 2011 at 07:48 PM · Our place is okay in Feb/Mar if that works for everyone. I can't imagine anyone but you organizing it. :)

December 20, 2011 at 11:24 PM · I tried the GX and SX side by side before purchasing the GX. Better balance and tone IMO. I also put it up against several pernumbuco bows in the same price range. The GX held it's own and only one wooden bow sounded as good w/ my instrument. Love my GX.

December 21, 2011 at 06:02 AM · Have a CODA Diamond GX arriving on Thursday via FedEx. If it's as nice as the one I played briefly a few days ago, I'll buy it.

The playability and sound of the GX are amazing and I can't see there being any better bow for the money.

Also just had my pernambuco bow re-haired today, but haven't had a chance to play it yet.