E-BOW - E-Bow Plus - Hand Held Electronic Guitar Bow

I knew of the e-Bow, mostly, from Stuart Adamson (The Kids, Big Country). I play a lot of amplified Scots, Irish and Northumbrian folk music-influenced rock and, when going to gigs, I kept thinking the fiddle players were off-stage until I saw what looked like a clunky pick being used.Time, work, three children etc. passed through my life and, as a treat (?) for my new husband, I recently bought the e-Bow PlusThe e-Bow packs a lot of power for such a small device and, as such, needs a gentle touch to get the best out of it.I comes with a very comprehensive DVD and tutorial to demonstrate what it's capable of but, like most things musical, you get the most out of it by experimenting and playing, playing, playing.Increasingly sensitised to sound of the e-Bow, it's good to see how often they are used nowadays.It's small and, unlike most equipment, is very portable... it's also fun using it on a steel-strung acoustic guitar.

When I get it right it produces a sustained toned note with occasional harmonics.fingering on the fretboard makes soft note changes (best produced by hammer-ons, or slide ups, no plucking or strumming).There is a definite knack to making a note with it, and I haven't yet become good enough to use it in any kind of performance or recording. However the sound is mesmerizing!It hasn't worked on any "wound on" strings, it only works for me on solid strings such as A & E on mandolin and B & E on Guitar metal strings.It is a fascinating concept and a lovely sound when it works, especially with vibrato.But overall I must say I'm a little disappointed that I wont be able to use it for slow ballads and slower melodies for the months it may take me to master the technique, if I ever do master it. and it certainly will never do for faster tunes.Also the price seems high for what is a small, hand held, battery operated, magnetic resonator, ehich is very tricky to use on two strings.

Wasnt disappointed

I already had relevant battery (9v) read the truly easy to read instructions in seconds and was using it within a few minutes.Have tried it on a number of guitars: seems to work best with Humbuckers but I am still experimenting as coaxing some of the effects described on web is still "work in progress".The warnings about turning down volume are key: this gets LOUD.I have been playing guitar for many years and at a high level and always find that a new stretch makes for overall improvementI have used it in a gig setting without difficulty (beyond finding a place to keep it handy).

Great piece of gear for creative experimental playing , I plan using it in conjunction with slide next,

Stopped working after 12 gigs and Amazon has no returns policy, so £100 wasted. The build quality is comically cheap and flimsy so I will not waste another penny on an EBow. If you really must have one, go to a proper music shop that has a warranty, and don't waste your money with Amazon like i have.

A handy guitar gadget for those bagpipe like tones ( see- Big Country)Haven't used it much, good quality .......I'm happy !

If you want to play the haunting sounds on U2’s “with or without you” or Dave Bowie’s “heroes”, this is for you. Easy to use and a great sound. If you’re thinking about it, just do it. You won’t be disappointed.