Bowmaster bow grip
By D'Addario
VAT removed at checkout for non UK orders
Purchase options
|
Medium
2
in stock
|
£15.54 | |
|
Large
3
in stock
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£15.54 |
Description
The Bowmaster is a training device to help beginners adopt the correct bow grip. Simple to install the Bowmaster slides onto the stick. The specially moulded shape assists the placing of the fingers.
Specifications
- Large - For 4/4 and 3/4 sizes (all instruments).
- Medium- For 1/2 and 1/4 sizes (all instruments).
- Made in USA
Customer reviews:
7
7
1
1
1
Professional
A possible useful aid to softening bow hand
10
out of
11
found the following review helpful
Pros: This is a useful product for helping a student relearn how to hold a bow in a relaxed and gentle way. It is helpful because the Bowmaster is both softer than wood and because its relative bulk encourages the player to hold the bow a little more loosely.
Cons: The bowmaster would be even better if it were made more simply, without the indentations for suggested placings for each finger. Each person's hand is unique, so the manufacturer's indentation suggestions may need to be taken with a pinch of salt......
Teacher
An easy way to promote a good relaxed bow hold.
7
out of
8
found the following review helpful
Pros: Since coming across the 'Bowmaster' bow grip about 3 years ago I have recommended it to a number of my 'cello students, both adults and children. Nearly all of them had the sensation that their bow was slippery and difficult to hold....net result, a tendency to grip the bow tightly, resulting in a stiff arm and shoulder, a bowing hand with no flexibility, bow angle all wrong, a poor tone, and all manner of other problems. Some of these students were beginners who I caught early on, but most had been playing for some while when they came to me. Only one student did not seem to benefit from trying the Bowmaster, but when we had a second shot at it 18 months later, it did work. The shaping of the ridge pattern on the Bowmaster is such that, by turning it slightly, it will adapt to the hand shape and size of all but the smallest students, giving a feeling of security. However, the real genius bit is that the material from which it is made has a slightly 'tacky' feel to it....a bit like Blue-tak.....and that gives the fingers some added purchase and security on the bow stick while it only needs to be held with a relaxed hand. In my view, this seems to be a sure-fire way to promote a good secure but relaxed bow hold.
Cons: None
Professional
As used by many full time pro's
6
out of
8
found the following review helpful
Pros: You don't have to remove existing lapping etc, just slides on. Very comfortable grip. Not just a teaching aid. Try it, you might be very surprised. Wouldn't be without it.
Cons: None
Teacher
Beginner
Good, but not perfect, at least for cello.
2
out of
2
found the following review helpful
Pros: Improves grip without holding tightly, because the surface of the Bowmaster is not shiny.
Cons: If I put my thumb in the indentation where it seems to be intended to go my hand is too far away from the frog. I may cut some of the Bowmaster away to extend the slot which fits over the frog and so move it further towards the end of the bow. I'm still thinking about that.
Other: It has definitely improved my bow hold. I play cello, so I can't say what it would be like for a violinist.
Teacher
Really helps reduce bowing pains
1
out of
1
found the following review helpful
Pros: I'm a big fan of these as you can really manipulate the angle if the bow and it really helps many of my pupils who find it hard to position their hand well and in comfort. It is great for the thumb as it's so lovely and cushioned. It won't magic away gapping technical flaws in a hold but it's one of the best ways to steer you in a better direction. It doesn't disintegrate like some other bow hold products. The additional weight needs a bit of getting used to.
Cons: If I made it I would trim off some of the finger tip area as I'm a cellist. And produce it with less bulk so more slender to help the bow with one on fit in a case better. I think it could be a few millimetres thinner all round.
Professional
Helps beginner cellists with bow hold
1
out of
1
found the following review helpful
Pros: The soft rubberised grip is helpful. Plenty of clues for learners to identify a suitable place for thumbs and fingers.
Cons: It was quite difficult to ease onto the bow. I ended up using the large size even for a young beginner’s bow.
Professional
Keen Amateur
If in doubt, try one out!
1
out of
2
found the following review helpful
Pros: It's brilliant when it's on in the right place. I have fairly large hands and long fingers, and making the bow 'thicker' under the hand is good. The bow is easier to balance and the comfort is great, and it helps with keeping the bow at right angles to the strings. I got one because the leather cover on the original binding was fraying and digging into my thumb causing discomfort, and with Covid I was unable to take the bow to a shop for a refurb. Gauging the right amount of space for my thumb between the grip and the frog was tricky and I found I needed to trim a bit off the bow master to improve the comfort. Now that I'm used to it, it's absolutely great and my older man's bowing arm can keep playing for a lot longer without inducing the upper arm ache which came from the discomfort of the old bow grip leather and the wrong way I'd come to hold the bow. Well worth getting and has given my playing a new lease of life. I've started practising again! I've been playing for 55 years and will keep the bow as it now is, rather than getting the binding re-done. Would have given 5 if I'd taken less time to get it on on the right place to begin with, but definitely worth getting.
Cons: Difficult to get into the right place on the bow as I didn't want to remove more of the original binding than absolutely necessary - needed a bit of trimming to make room for my thumb.
Teacher
Very helpful
Pros: The Medium sized Bowmaster slid quite easily onto a 1/4 size cello bow and is definitely helping with my 8 year old daughter's bowhold. I'm tempted to try it with some of my violin pupils now
Cons: She now has a little sore patch on her thumb after playing for a whole morning at orchestra which she never complained of before
