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Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

1047: Mike Gaisbacher on bowmaking

Our guest, Mike Gaisbacher, is a Nashville-based bow maker who specializes in bass bows. He started his journey in bow making in 2022 after graduating from Berklee in 2015 and learning how to rehair from Sue Lipkins. Mike has since dedicated himself to perfecting the craft, studying with experts like Sue Lipkins, Matt Wheling, and attending Rodney Mohr‘s workshops.

His work includes a remarkable project: a bow for Paul Kowert of the Punch Brothers, which is a copy of Edgar Meyer’s bow. Mike’s bows have also been played by Ethan Jodziewicz, Mark Schatz, and are featured in the Minneapolis orchestra. Learn more about Mike’s work on his website or Instagram.

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Thank you to our sponsor!

Upton Bass Rosin, developed by Gary Upton, boasts an excellent feel, response, and tone for double bass bows. Gary believes it’s the best bass rosin available. It’s appreciated by users like Blake Hinson from the New York Philharmonic for its quality and performance.  Learn more about Upton’s rosin, basses, and more at uptonbass.com.

  • theme music by Eric Hochberg
https://traffic.libsyn.com/contrabassconversations/Mike_Gaisbacher_mixdown.mp3

811: Patrick Staples on bowmaking

Patrick Staples is a bassist with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and has begun making bows recently.  We talk about growing up in Canada, moving to Los Angeles to attend Colburn and study with David Allen Moore and Paul Ellison, further studies with Tim Pitts at Rice University, and landing his job in Calgary.  We also dig into how Patrick got started repairing bows, getting into making bass bows, the lessons learned and experience gained from his bow making journey, and much more.

Enjoy, and be sure to check out Patrick and his excellent bow work on Instagram!

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Check out my Beginner’s Classical Bass course, available exclusively from Discover Double Bass.

Thank you to our sponsors!

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Contrabass Conversations production team:

  • Jason Heath, host
  • Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing
  • Mitch Moehring, audio engineer
  • Trevor Jones, publication and promotion
  • theme music by Eric Hochberg
https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/contrabassconversations/811_-_Patrick_Staples_-_6_16_21_10.12_PM.mp3
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