How high is your bass?

[Richard Prowse]

I was thinking about the balance thing too. The difference I have been experimenting with is probably less than two inches (yankee measurement), but seems to make a huge difference. I agree with your not liking the half position too high. This was the reason why I started experimenting again; I have EPs on and my strings are a little high at the nut - which doesn't feel ideal when walking (jazz). One disadvantage of having it too low is the need to bend more in the high positions - at my age my back needs to be looked after. A young guy like you, Ken, wouldn't have that problem!

[Sam Sherry]

I came up in the Karr school -- I started studies with Leland Tolo, "the other guy" at Hartt when Gary was there and Gary & Tolo were kind enough to let me hang around some master-classes even though I was a rank beginner. I'm sure Gary would chuckle to see my posture now.

Gary's approach to bass-height is part of a deeply worked-out ergonomically-based postural system which is all about maximizing the available musical palette, maximizing muscular efficiency and minimizing risk of injury.

I was taught to play low-F with the first finger pointing at my eye.

Different basses would be adjusted to different heights in order to achieve that result. Consequently, any pictures of Gary with the bass "looking high" are a better reflection of the size of bass than of any desire to "make it high" to project or otherwise.

There are no doubt many others who can speak with real authority about Gary's physical approach to the instrument. I'm just a dubber as we all know and may well have it wrong. All errors are mine; please don't blame Gary, Tolo, Ken Smith or anybody else.

[Richard Prowse]

Originally Posted by Sam Sherry

I came up in the Karr school -- I started studies with Leland Tolo, "the other guy" at Hartt when Gary was there and Gary & Tolo were kind enough to let me hang around some master-classes even though I was a rank beginner. I'm sure Gary would chuckle to see my posture now. Gary's approach to bass-height is part of a deeply worked-out ergonomically-based postural system which is all about maximizing the available musical palette, maximizing muscular efficiency and minimizing risk of injury. I was taught to play low-F with the first finger pointing at my eye. Different basses would be adjusted to different heights in order to achieve that result. Consequently, any pictures of Gary with the bass "looking high" are a better reflection of the size of bass than of any desire to "make it high" to project or otherwise. There are no doubt many others who can speak with real authority about Gary's physical approach to the instrument. I'm just a dubber as we all know and may well have it wrong. All errors are mine; please don't blame Gary, Tolo, Ken Smith or anybody else.

Thanks Sam. Great insightful post!
One question though - when the finger is pointing at the eye (on low F), can this be achieved by the bass being on an angle (sloping towards the player)?

[Richard Prowse]

Originally Posted by Richard Prowse

Thanks Sam. Great insightful post!
One question though - when the finger is pointing at the eye (on low F), can this be achieved by the bass being on an angle (sloping towards the player)?

I've just been trying out the 'finger pointing at the eye' thing and it falls into place with what I've been working on with balance. Hence, I think I'll go with the slightly lower height. Thanks Sam and Ken for your input. I also watched this Gary Karr interview today (it's in four parts) and loved what he said when asked why he was so popular in Japan!
Ciao

[Sam Sherry]

Originally Posted by Richard Prowse

One question - when the finger is pointing at the eye (on low F), can this be achieved by the bass being on an angle (sloping towards the player)?

There are a million ways to play the bass, but that's not consistent with Gary's system as I know (knew?) it.

A basic component of Gary's system is the notion that if the bass is standing by itself the player does not need to use muscular energy (or mental attention) to keep the bass standing. Using Gary's system begins with standing the bass up straight and stepping up to the bass.

Again, all errors are mine. Play on!

[Richard Prowse]

Originally Posted by Sam Sherry

There are a million ways to play the bass, but that's not consistent with Gary's system as I know (knew?) it.

A basic component of Gary's system is the notion that if the bass is standing by itself the player does not need to use muscular energy (or mental attention) to keep the bass standing. Using Gary's system begins with standing the bass up straight and stepping up to the bass.

Again, all errors are mine. Play on!

Interesting. I used to take that approach - the upright bass - until I watched Edgar Meyer in video clips. I'll go back and fool around some more with my bass. I really believe in comfort and relaxation.

[Matthew Heintz]

Originally Posted by Sam Sherry

There are a million ways to play the bass, but that's not consistent with Gary's system as I know (knew?) it.

A basic component of Gary's system is the notion that if the bass is standing by itself the player does not need to use muscular energy (or mental attention) to keep the bass standing. Using Gary's system begins with standing the bass up straight and stepping up to the bass.

Again, all errors are mine. Play on!

Volkan studied with Gary and leans the bass. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CnhA6NIdK0. This doesn't contradict Sam; just shows that players that have studied extensively with Gary have different approaches. For my part, I think that it depends on the particular bass's center of gravity and size.

[Richard Prowse]

Originally Posted by Matthew Heintz

Volkan studied with Gary and leans the bass. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CnhA6NIdK0. This doesn't contradict Sam; just shows that players that have studied extensively with Gary have different approaches. For my part, I think that it depends on the particular bass's center of gravity and size. By the way, isn't Richard Prowse a good looking guy!

I just watched the clip. The first thing I noticed was his very long spike - but the 'finger pointing at the eye' thing was still happening! Oh, and thanks for the compliment about my looks.

[Matthew Heintz]

Originally Posted by Richard Prowse

I just watched the clip. The first thing I noticed was his very long spike - but the 'finger pointing at the eye' thing was still happening! Oh, and I meant to compliment you on your looks.

Why thank you!