Otto Dürrschmidt, Bass bows
We now offer fine bass bows by the Otto Dürrschmidt family.
Similar to our other
German makers(Steffen) Kuhnla and Dorfler, these too are made
to our exact specifications. Also, quite indigenous to the
German fine tradesmen tradition, these bows follow a long family
history of bow making, emanating with Otto (the founder) since 1894.
As is still common today, a highly specialized trade is passed down
through multiple generations of family members: grandfathers, to
fathers, to sons and daugters to extend and keep the family tradition
thriving. Here we have some really great bows made by Uwe and
daughter Cindy.
More about the Dürrschmidt bows and our exclusive models:
First about the German models. One
thing we never want to do is tell the Germans how to make their
German bows! We simply confirm our desired weight and balance
points, but let them go 'do what they do'. You'll see three
levels of German bows and 3 levels of French bows. These
too, as just about every good German bow out there, follow the
famous Pfretschner German bow in length, weight and feel.
(Notice the frogs have a slight roundness towards the bottom.)
If you measure from the very tip to the butt end of the pernambuco
stick (not included the tightening adjuster), they are 28 3/16" and
with the adjuster, the complete length of bow is 30 9/16".
Notice too, small little things like the beautifully upgraded
Abalone mother of pearl slides on all of their bows made for us!
These tend to weigh between 137-142 grams. All of our special order Dürrschmidt bows
have an octagonal shape.
There are 3 distinct levels here. You'll
notice that with Dürrschmidt, he will designate his 3 levels by how
many stars are stamped on his bows. First, all of his bows
have the family crest (coat of arms) stamp on the frog. Then
above the frog he will stamp "Otto Dürrschmidt" and depending which
level will have just a plain stamp with no star, then a 2 star and 3
stars designate is best, highest grade.
What's the difference between the 3 levels?
They ALL have the same quality workmanship, all use good quality
pernambuco. The weights are similar as well. What makes
them different then? Before makers select the pernambuco to
make a bow, they test and grade the quality and density of the wood. This is VERY important. Only the best bows
can be made using the highest quality and most dense wood. The most
desired pernambuco only comes from a small part of the pernambuco
tree, whereas most of the other wood in the tree (still quite good),
will be designated for less expensive models. So each level
here (just the brand alone with no star, a 2 star and then 3 star)
will have been graded accordingly in the beginning stage.
Also, the fittings and types of metals used will only go on the best
bows. The quality/density of the pernambuco wood makes a
huge difference in material cost and quality of performance.
The 3 star bows are made with the BEST pernambuco wood.
With a higher density (harder) wood, the maker can make the bow more
supple and more responsive by having a "skinnyier" bow without
having to sacrifce the weight (ie. more dense, means heavier).
This way, you have the fullness of sound (for the biggest, fattest
sound with the desired weight) but with a super supple and
responsive bow. It doesn't get any better than that!
Here's the 3 star Pfretschner model Dürrschmidt bow. Steve
(owner) likes some to have the nice Sterling ring around the
adjuster. $1,845 (Of course, we ship
bows out for trial. Read about our bow trial policy.) Order
the 3 star Dürrschmidt bow here.
Otto Dürrschmidt 3-Star German bow, $1,845
A 2-Star Dürrschmidt German bow, $1,295
Quality pernambuco, Otto Dürschmidt (no star) $950
Otto Dürrschmidt French Bass Bows
Most French bow players will often notice that
our all of our French bows (regardless of maker) are different and
better than any other comparable contemporary French style bows
offered around the world. This is Steve's (owner),
speciality. For decades, even while the Germans have the best
workermanship and quality, their French bows more resembled long
German bows, with French frogs on them, rather than what one would
normally expect on a really great French (Sartory) bow. Our
makers have been super receptive and have gladly modeled and copied their
bows to the great French masters: A slightly wider hair width,
shorter in length, weights that average between 134-140 and similar cuts
and balance points as the French masters. Also, important for balance is the length
of bow at the butt end, after the frog length. On the most
expensive French Vigneron and Sartory bows, they tend to have a more
normal shorter length, extending after the frog. They look better
(like a French bow looks!) and the fulcrum balance in the hand is
way more balanced this way. Like the German models above,
these too come in the 3 distinct price levels. The length from
tip to butt end (without adjuster) is 26 5/8" and with the adjuster
included, 27 1/2". These are the same exact lengths as the
longer Kuhnla models (that we also offer) and the famous Sartory bow
models that were made by now retired, Reid Hudson. These
French bows are beautiful! Steve here again: "It's the
small things like a nice finish (chestnut brown), the beautiful
Abalone pearl underslide, and most of all, that 'feel' that we all
look for in a good bow....they work!"
How to try one of these now? We now have
the largest selection and range of bass bows found anywhere in the
world. With such a range and selection, it is not uncommon for
a player to ship 1-3 bows to try. Once you find the one you
like, you then ship the remaining bow(s) back. Customers pay
shipping both ways here.
Otto Dürrschmidt 3-Star French bow, $1,845
2-Star Dürrschmidt French bow, $1,295
Quality pernambuco, Otto Dürschmidt French (no star) $950
For International customers delivering outside of
USA:
While we normally like to offer free
shipping to USA customers, international is a bit more tricky.
Here, the shopping cart will automatically calculate the charges
for you. Usually, this works quite well, but if you
encounter any problems ordering, simply email us and we email
you back the exact cost before your purchase.
Special
package only available with bow purchases:
We offer this special packaged deal when buying a new bow from
us! Here you can select and include your bow case color and
choice of rosin. Read about our special bow accessory packages here.
Bow
Packaged Deal |
Price |
1. String Emporium Deluxe Bow Case and Rosin, $60 |
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