Technical data
| Instrument | double bass |
| Model | 154D |
| Form | German form |
| Stick | brazilwood |
| Frog | Ebony |
| Item number | BO-B154D |
Features
- Model 154D for double bass
- Stick of brazilwood
In practice
- German form: high, rather narrow frog; the bow is held with the fingers reaching through the frog, underhand, with the back of the hand facing down
- German and French forms differ only in the frog and therefore in the hold; the stick is the same. We make all double bass models in both forms.
- For how a bow feels, the balance point matters more than absolute weight. The closer it sits to the tip, the more head-heavy the bow feels.
- Too soft and the stick bottoms out under pressure, making spiccato difficult; too stiff and the stick responds less to your bowing.
- The ferrule at the frog holds and spreads the hair; it is a structural part, not decoration. Through the mass of the metal parts the bow maker also sets the balance point.
- Slacken after every session so the stick keeps its shape. Never overtighten, apply rosin sparingly and wipe the stick.
- Sideways warp, lost camber or hair falling out unevenly are reasons to have the bow looked at in the workshop.
Sound and physics
Two schools of bow have endured on the double bass. The German or Dresden pattern comes from the viol: it is held underhand, with the back of the hand facing down, the thumb on the stick and the fingers in the curve of the frog, and instead of a separate head the curve of the tip forms the head.
On our bows the German pattern (D) is recognisable by its frog without a heel plate (the metal strip on the back of the frog) and by a button of steel with a plastic cover; the French pattern (F) has the heel plate and a three-part button with an eye. The stick of a pernambuco double bass bow typically contains 72 g of wood in the German pattern and 71 g in the French. Our B162D in the German pattern weighs 133 g, the 163F in the French pattern 125 g; since both sticks carry almost the same amount of wood, the difference lies in the frog and mounts. A double bass bow carries around 300 hairs.
Massaranduba is a wood species of its own. It is considerably heavier than pernambuco.
On every Massaranduba model, as on the pernambuco bows, the frog is ebony. Every Götz bow is haired with natural white horsehair.
Each of our double bass models from 150 to 165 is made in the German pattern (D) and in the French pattern (F). The number determines wood, stick and fittings; the letter determines the pattern of frog and button.
In the German pattern the frog has no heel plate (the metal strip on the back of the frog), and the button is steel with a plastic cover; frog eye, mounts and slide are nevertheless present. From model 153 upwards our double bass bows are stamped with the Götz logo on the frog and with “GÖTZ” in letters on the stick, and the pernambuco models from 162 upwards also with one to three stars. The B162D in the German pattern measures 75 cm from head to screw, its frog is 5.8 cm long, and it weighs 133 g.
Our experience
Our Massaranduba is seasoned for at least ten years before it becomes a bow. We recommend Massaranduba bows for beginners because they bring the craftsmanship and fittings of our range at excellent value.
Models 162 F and 163 F differ above all in the small lining at the frog; in our experience both play beautifully for advanced bassists. Model 165 is the top model of our double bass range.
When another model suits you better
Players looking for more freedom in weight and balance will find it in our pernambuco bows from model 66 upwards, and from model 160 for double bass: these can be made to a requested weight and balance point.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a German and a French double bass bow?
The frog and the hold: the German bow is held underhand with the back of the hand facing down, the French bow like a cello bow with the back of the hand facing up. The sticks of our two patterns contain almost the same amount of wood, 72 g and 71 g.
How much does a Götz pernambuco double bass bow weigh?
In the French pattern our models 163, 164 and 165 weigh around 125, 131 and 138 g; the B162D in the German pattern weighs 133 g.
Do Götz Massaranduba double bass bows carry a stamp on the stick?
From model 153 upwards, yes, with the lettering GÖTZ on the stick as well; the models below are marked on the frog only.
What do D and F in the item number mean?
D stands for the German pattern without a heel plate, F for the French pattern with heel plate and three-part button.
Is every double bass model made in both patterns?
Yes, we offer every model from 150 to 165 in both the German and the French pattern.
These texts hold decades of experience and a great deal of heart. They are protected by copyright, C.A. Götz jr. GmbH. Please ask us before any use. Thank you for your appreciation.
