Hard To Beat Quality At This Price
Carmen is TPG’s top-of-the-line carbon fiber bow. The styling is understated with maroon and black braided carbon stick. The nickel silver inlaid frog, TPG monogrammed ferrul, and three-part button with matching abalone eye all scream premium build. But it is the nickel silver tip that blew me away. Traditionally, the tip which covers where the knot in the hair is wedged into the tip of the bow, is made of faux ivory. I have broken more than one of these faux ivory tips. It’s all too easy to bump the tip against a music stand, wall, or stand partner (the worst!). I don’t see why all bows aren’t using a nickel silver tip. It fits in seamlessly with the look of this bow but also offers a functionality that I love.
When you are considering upgrading your bow do your homework on the construction, materials, and comparable products in that price range, but what is most important is how the bow feels and responds when you play. Where these bows are hard to find in stores, I’m going to do my best to help! Thankfully, The Piano Guys website says that they offer a money back guarantee so if you purchase the bow and do not like its performance you aren’t stuck with it!
I spent several days playing each bow. I had a long conversation with Steven Sharp Nelson on what went into bringing these bows to market. I highly suggest you checkout the back to back review where I play all 4 bows back to back and compare them to my two wood bows. Also check out the review videos for Luke, Ziggy and Bruce Lee before you go all in on any of these bows. Each bow has different strengths and excels in different playing styles and playing situations.
Pro Tip
Try to find equipment that offsets your weaknesses. If you are a naturally coarse, aggressive player look for equipment to mellow your sound. If you are always being coaxed to play out more, seek out equipment that really amplifies your sound.
- Weight 80 grams (on my unofficial scale)
- Solid core carbon fiber composition (no fiberglass or graphite)
- Silver plated winding
- Custom red & black braided stick
- Nickel silver tip (cool and functional)
- Three-part button with matching abalone eye
- Custom flamed abalone pearl slide and nickel silver signature
- Custom fully-lined ebony frog
- Monogrammed ferrule
- Premium plush grip
- Premium Stallion horsehair