CodaBow Diamond NX Violin Bow

Sweet, clear tone without much bow sound.

To be fair I should play this bow a few days before writing a review, but I'm really excited and just can't wait. I usually play bluegrass and country music so most of my bows are ones which sound good for it, robust and brassy when played assertively but lacking a little in sweetness when played smoothly, and with some bow sound especially when played on steel strings. I've found Holstein pernambuco bows to fit in well for that sort of music. But musicians change. What prompted this buy was my observation that some of the singers I play with have been singing more and more slow, harmonious gospel music and at home I like to play slower types of traditional music so I was looking for something sweeter. Once this bow was rosined I pulled out some Katy Adelson arrangements and discovered that on "Drunken Sailor" it is just as responsive as my old bows, or more so. Moving on to "Skye Boat Song" I was astonished! I've never heard that tune played so beautifully, especially in my own living room. At that point I just started improvising what I remembered of McLean's "Vincent" so I could concentrate on listening to the beautifully sonorous tone. All the "country" quality of the Del Gesu style fiddle and steel strings was suppressed. This bow is middling in weight and feels (as advertised) a little tip heavy. I didn't measure the balance point but guessed it to be about six to eight inches from the button. It is neutral in stiffness (maybe a little softer than my Holstein three star bow) and suppresses nearly all of the bow sound. It appears to also mute some dark overtones but doesn't make the instrument sound pinched.

Great Bow

Ordering from Fiddlershop is always a pleasure. The Codabow is excellent.

Massive upgrade!

My teacher suggested CodaBow for my next bow, and I wish I had bought it earlier than I did! It plays beautifully and makes playing so much more enjoyable. Also, shoutout to the Fiddlershop crew for throwing in some free rosin. The Holstein Reserve worked better than the other ones I had ready. :)