As a classically trained double bassist with more than 30 years of experience — and someone who has always played with a French bow — but now living in Germany felt like the right moment to finally learn the German bow technique. At the same time, I had been curious for years about trying a high‑quality carbon fiber bow. With the CodaBow Infinity, I managed to explore both worlds at once.
First Impressions & Playability: I tested several bows at Thomann, initially planning to stay under the 500€ range. But the moment I picked up the Infinity, the difference was immediately clear.
The bow feels exceptionally well balanced, sits naturally in the hand, and offers a level of precision and control that stood out from everything else I tried that day. Even as someone transitioning from French to German bow, the Infinity felt intuitive and stable, with a clean response across all dynamic levels.
Sound & Articulation: tonally, the bow delivers a clear, focused sound with excellent projection. It may not have the same richness or complexity of overtones as my Pernambuco French bow — which is significantly more expensive — but the Infinity offers a clarity that is extremely useful for daily practice, orchestral work, and technical refinement.
Articulation is crisp and reliable:
- Spiccato feels controlled and predictable.
- Legato lines are smooth and even.
- Low‑frequency response remains stable without becoming muddy.
- High‑register passages speak quickly and cleanly.
For a carbon fiber bow, the tonal consistency is impressive, and the bow maintains its character regardless of humidity or temperature — a practical advantage over wood.
Build Quality & Craftsmanship: visually, the bow is beautifully finished. The craftsmanship is clean, the fittings are elegant, and the overall construction feels premium. The stick has a refined look, and the attention to detail is evident throughout. It gives the impression of a tool designed for serious, long‑term use.
The Negative Note! — and Why I Still Give 5 Stars: after about three months of use, the mother‑of‑pearl slide covering the hair knot at the frog began to lift. At the Thomann Service Center, they discovered that the knot had come loose and the bow needed a full rehair.
I left it for repair, and although the work was done under warranty, the process took almost two months, which was longer than I expected.
That said, I am convinced this was an isolated incident — simply a matter of bad luck. The bow is too well built, too consistent, and too refined for this to be a systemic issue. Now that it’s back home with me, everything is perfect again, and I’m enjoying it every day.
Final Thoughts: despite the small setback, I can confidently say that the CodaBow Infinity German bow is an excellent investment. It offers stability, precision, clarity, and a level of craftsmanship that is hard to match at this price point. For daily practice, technical work, and even professional use, it is a bow that inspires confidence and delivers consistent results.
I’m genuinely happy with it — even a bit in love with it — and I would choose it again without hesitation.
A solid 5‑star product.