1 mins
Alternative all-rounder
A carbon fibre bow for the young, versatile performer
CARBON FIBRE BOW
American bow manufacturer CodaBow has designed its new Escent bow to fill both a price and performance gap in its range. According to senior sales manager April Olkiewicz, in terms of materials and playability it is a hybrid between the company’s existing higher-end Marquise and its lower-end Diamond GX. It is not, however, ‘just a low-grade alternative’, she says. ‘The Escent has a clearer, more focused sound in comparison to the Marquise’s warmth.’
CodaBow has made the bow’s shaft from black, unidirectional carbon fibre and its own trademarked blend of plant fibre, with the aim of mimicking the grain structure of pernambuco and making the stick more supple. The architecture of its ‘Xebony composite material’ frog is completely new for CodaBow, with a shorter length and a smooth, more sloped contour for the thumb grip. These features are unique to the Escent range and ‘provide greater comfort’, says Olkiewicz. She adds that the bow has a central balance point that ‘allows for more consistency’ of sound, while ‘still being nuanced enough for professional players to use’.
FEATURED PRODUCT
The Escent contains no endangered or regulated materials and is particularly suitable for young professional violinists, violists and cellists who play multiple genres of music and want an inexpensive, flexible, ‘jack of all trades’ bow, says Olkiewicz.‘I love the fact that we now have something affordable that is still performs at a professional level.’
CodaBow Escent carbon-fibre bow from $995–$1,195 email bows@codabow.com web www.codabow.com
INSTRUMENT WAX
POLISH UP W.E. Hill & Sons has released a conservation wax to clean rosin build-up on stringed instruments. The company claims that the product, made from microcrystalline waxes and citrus oils, is non-abrasive and free from petrochemical solvents. It can also be used as a polish by luthiers and players alike.
W.E. Hill & Sons conservation wax £19.95 email violins@wehillandsons.com web www.wehillandsons.com
ENDPIN HOLDER
HOLD ON
Leatherwood Bespoke Rosin’s new hand-made, walnut timber EndPin Belay is an endpin holder for cello and double bass, with a rubber base and an adjustable leather strap that wraps around the chair leg. It features brass fittings and comes with a velvet carry bag and replacement adhesive rubber base.
Leatherwood Bespoke Rosin EndPin Belay £110 email rosin@leatherwoodrosin.com.au web www.leatherwoodrosin.eu