Craigers Posted February 2, 2019 Report Share Posted February 2, 2019 For those of you who rehair bows: There is a certain American company that is very popular for their carbon fiber bows. Now that they also make the frogs from synthetic materials I have noticed an issue, specifically with the cello bows. The issue is that it seems nearly impossible to get the hair to stay spread out for the entire width of the ferrule. After a time the hair always wants to gather in the center of the ferrule leaving small gaps near the edges. I re-hair many bows and only have this issue on this specific type of bow so I know it's not just me. I'm curious if others are having this problem and if they have found any satisfactory work arounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Violin Beautiful Posted February 2, 2019 Report Share Posted February 2, 2019 I haven’t noticed this, but maybe I’m not rehairing bows by the company you’re dealing with. What wood do you use for your spread wedges? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craigers Posted February 2, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2019 I normally use bass wood but only the hardest bass wood I can find and cut on the quarter. Again though, I don't have this problem with wooden frogs, only the composite frogs seem to have this issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nathan slobodkin Posted February 2, 2019 Report Share Posted February 2, 2019 Sounds like there may be an issue with the hair being squeezed together sideways with not enough of a transition as it enters the channel that leads to the plug. I haven't noticed this with the brand I sell but will be looking to see if this looks like it should be made wider. I use willow for wedges and make them as tight as I dare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craigers Posted February 2, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2019 9 minutes ago, nathan slobodkin said: not enough of a transition as it enters the channel that leads to the plug. Yes, but even after opening this slightly to allow for a more gradual transition, the hair still doesn't want to stay put at the edges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andres Sender Posted February 2, 2019 Report Share Posted February 2, 2019 I wonder if a slightly rounded wedge shape would solve this. (The open channels in some baroque bows are rounded which might have been an early attempt to preserve some spread though that's just speculation in the end.) Maybe try gluing a bit of very thin paper or similar material to the channel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Allen Posted February 2, 2019 Report Share Posted February 2, 2019 I was gonna suggest allowing for some relief near the corners to encourage the hair to stick put there. Just a swipe or two with a file or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Violin Beautiful Posted February 3, 2019 Report Share Posted February 3, 2019 I know there’s a big argument about what wood to use, so I’ll try to avoid starting a war. However, you might try a harder wood like mahogany if the bass wood is misbehaving. I’ve had very good results with it after trying several woods. I tried poplar for a short time but found it gave me some trouble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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