bnamor Posted February 18, 2005 Report Share Posted February 18, 2005 Hi, Please let me say how much I enjoy this forum, and all the diverse and interesting information and views it contains. The maker's brand on one of my bows has had a lot of wear and tear over time, and is quite indistinct. The brand is readable when viewed from the right angle, with the light hitting it just right. I hesitate to use this bow, for fear of further damaging the brand. Once its gone, its gone forever. Are there any customary or acceptable ways to protect the brand from further wear from use? I have a couple of other bows that I enjoy, but I would REALLY enjoy using the bow in question from time to time. Thanks, Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Darnton Posted February 18, 2005 Report Share Posted February 18, 2005 The usual way to do this is a thin skin of the same leather that's used on the thumbgrip, covering all five facets that the frog doesn't cover. That prevents any wear of the stick. Then if you want to take it farther, you can cover the thumbgrip and wrap with a section of surgical tubing, and bring in over to cover the thumbpiece on the frog. then you won't touch any part of the bow when you play. I've seen this on really expensive bows to keep them fresh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob_Fowler Posted February 18, 2005 Report Share Posted February 18, 2005 I always thought that the place where makers put their stamps on bows was just a wee bit silly. It's almost like putting the makers label for a violin on the fingerboard! Some old well-used bows are real worn where the makers stamp perhaps existed at one time. Perhaps some bow makers could chime in and give the reason why the stamps are placed where they are. Rob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bnamor Posted February 19, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2005 Thanks for your responses. The bow is all original except for the leather thumb grip and silver winding, so I suppose any wear on them is of no import, because they have already been replaced once. Are these 2 of the items on a bow that can be replaced when worn out without a material effect on the a bows value? To get back to the original question, can a small piece of clear plastic be affixed to the stick over the brand to protect it? Thanks Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regis Posted February 19, 2005 Report Share Posted February 19, 2005 Bill, Although I can not tell you what historically works, what I can say is that whatever you use, it MUST NOT move even the slightest. If it moves back and forth over the name slightly it will just continue the wear but, unseen. I guess though if it is very very smooth, it will wear slower. my2c Regis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oded Kishony Posted February 19, 2005 Report Share Posted February 19, 2005 I had a customer with a very valuable bow and we opted to coat the brand with a little shellac. I gave her a bottle and she will re-apply it periodically. The thinking was that removing leather or plastic that's been glued to the surface might also remove some bits of wood as well whereas shellac can be wiped off with alcohol. Oded Kishony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy_Gallo Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 But isn't the advantage of the full leather sleeve that it not only protects the brand, it also protects the "pinkie" facet from wear? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyAmati Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 How about using Renaissance wax? I just ordered a jar that I plan on using on the brass door hardware, and maybe on the finger end of my bow, if it is okay. The wax is used by museums on antiques and protects wood, bronze, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy_Gallo Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 I can't imagine that Renaissance Wax, which I have used, would be much protection from finger wear (either on the brand or on the finger facet). It is meant, I think, to provide a protective coating from environmental effects (dust and humidity, perhaps). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oded Kishony Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 Hi Guy, > But isn't the advantage of the full leather sleeve that it not only protects the brand, it also protects the "pinkie" facet from wear? < Yes, I coated the entire butt end as well as the brand. Although the shellac will wear it is easily reapplied. Oded Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Darnton Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 If the person who puts on the leather takes it off, there won't be a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oded Kishony Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 My normal procedure when replacing a thumb grip is to wrap an underlayment of drafting tape or wind thread under the thumbgrip area so that when the thumbgrip is replaced no harm will come to the bow. OK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scroll Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 I've found using the same type of tape as is often used on the shoulder rib of instruments very helpful. Not only is it more aestically pleasing, it is much easier to remove and if the bow becomes available for sale, it readily shows the condition of the butt of the bow. 3M makes a great tape, Scotch Brand #471. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Darnton Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 I know a couple of players who've tried that, but they don't like the feel of it. The idea's good, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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