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Holstein Ipe Wood Bow
This is a bit of a detailed review of it.
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Elwin
Houston

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August 21, 2017 - 7:05 pm
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My Holstein Ipe Wood Viola bow just arrived almost an hour ago.

Let me just say, I'ts a great bow! I played on the fiddlerman carbon fiber bow, which was great while I was a beginner, but after several months playing the instrument, my playing habits, and needs sort of became "known". I tended to play lightly most of the time, and not use my whole bow. Also, my fiddlerman carbon fiber bow (at least the bow I received) was too bottom heavy according to a friend of mine who majored in viola for a while. I was able to comment on the order, when I bought it. I wanted something slightly heavier and one that turned out more top-heavy.

Playability: I liked the way it handled and all that, it was easier for me since I didn't have to press down as much.

Sound: The sound was quite epic. It was less "focused" and a bit more open and round. It did not have much "edge" to it, compared to the fiddlerman carbon fiber bow. Which was beneficial. The added "edge" made the A-string waay too harsh. The bow also helped to make the sound of my viola a little bit darker. I have a bright viola, so I do need to darken up.

 

Recommendations: If you're willing to put in the extra money, I'd recommend getting this bow over the Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Bow. If I may ask, @Fiddlerman If one were to order an outfit, would he be able to request this bow instead of the bow originally included with the outfit for a little bit more money?

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
August 22, 2017 - 10:49 am
Member Since: September 26, 2010
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Thanks for the warm recommendation. :)
We appreciate it!

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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damfino
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August 22, 2017 - 11:09 am
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I've been wondering about the ipe wood bow. I want to add another decent bow to my collection this fall, but can't afford the pernambuco bows, and am torn between that and the new Fiddlerman Hybrid bow.

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RockingLR33
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August 22, 2017 - 12:50 pm
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I really enjoy my Holstein ipe wood bow I got from fiddlerman. It's a wonderful upgrade from the carbon fiber bow I'd been playing on!! I actually bonce back and forth from my new jeanpaul bow to the ipe wood bow depending on my mood that day and the kind of weight I want to play with. 

The ipe wood definally brings out way more tonal characteristics then the carbon fiber in my opinion, especially under the ear. Not sure if it sounds so different to those listening as I only play for myself but it makes paying much more enjoyable!! 

Lead me, Follow me, or get out of my way!

             ~General George S. Patton

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
August 22, 2017 - 1:05 pm
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There you go..... Thanks Lindsey :)

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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Elwin
Houston

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August 23, 2017 - 4:30 pm
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I realized I forgot to add a "cons" section.

Well, the winding did appear to be a bit discolored, and the lining of the frog was a bit discolored as well.

Also, the bow looked like it was curved sideways a little bit, however, it wasn't that much of a problem due to the nature of the curve (to the right, meaning the tip moved slightly to the right), according to a bow maker, that isn't necessarily a problem. Fine wooden bows have been known to develop slight deformities after playing and all that. I am aware that not all wooden bows are perfect and all that, and one is different from another due to the nature of the wood. Also, The Ipe wood bow was a bit more sensitive to "shaking". I do have one question, is a stiff bow more prone to shakes, or a flexible bow?

Despite those cons (which, most were looks), the bow still presented an improvement over the fiddlerman carbon fiber viola bow.

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Elwin
Houston

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August 23, 2017 - 4:31 pm
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damfino said
I've been wondering about the ipe wood bow. I want to add another decent bow to my collection this fall, but can't afford the pernambuco bows, and am torn between that and the new Fiddlerman Hybrid bow.  

Well, the Ipe wood bow would show a difference and all that. There is no Fiddlerman Hybrid violin bow, for viola, so I can't give you a recommendation, or input about it. I do recommend that you try the Ipe Wood Bow.

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
August 28, 2017 - 5:34 pm
Member Since: September 26, 2010
Forum Posts: 16429

We may start making them Elwin. Trouble is that we don't know what kind of demand there will be. We are always guessing and viola bows don't sell as well as violin bows. :(

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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Elwin
Houston

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August 28, 2017 - 6:04 pm
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Fiddlerman said
We may start making them Elwin. Trouble is that we don't know what kind of demand there will be. We are always guessing and viola bows don't sell as well as violin bows. :(   

Maybe an "Available by request" would work?

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
August 28, 2017 - 10:51 pm
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That would work for sure. I'll have Michael order a few viola Ice bows next time we make a large order.

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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Elwin
Houston

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August 28, 2017 - 10:54 pm
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Fiddlerman said
That would work for sure. I'll have Michael order a few viola Ice bows next time we make a large order.  

Wow, I never tried that before! I guess it will give my viola a dark and cold sound. It would be beautiful to hear.

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
September 6, 2017 - 12:50 pm
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LOL, missed that.

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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RCall
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September 13, 2017 - 5:04 pm
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Just placed my order for the IPE bow, wasn't sure at first, but the positive reviews made me decide to give it a try. I still want to eventually get a pernambuco bow, but hopefully this will hold me over for a while. I'll post a review on fiddlershop after I spend some time with it.

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
September 15, 2017 - 12:42 pm
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Hope you love it :)

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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RCall
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September 20, 2017 - 1:25 am
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I received my Holstein IPE bow yesterday and I have to say, fiddlershop delivered for me again and exceeded my expectations! I have been using the carbon fiber fiddlerman bow since I started playing and have been happy with it overall, but this is a nice step up.                                                       I have been working on a beginner Concerto, Ridding, Oskar in B Minor Op 35 and I was having trouble with some of the slurs. It wasn't the fingerings, but getting them to sound even or have them build in volume. After a short time playing with the new bow it's already sounding much better. Also my 4th finger notes sound cleaner.        The IPE bow feels very well balanced and seems to get along great with my Holstein violin and current strings, pirastro eudoxa.                                    Thanks again Pierre, really great bow for the money. 

 

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
September 21, 2017 - 10:15 am
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Very happy to hear it.
Thanks so much for sharing your satisfaction. All the praise that we get help improve sales and makes it easier for us to do a good job. :)

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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