Standing/Sitting

[Richard Prowse]

Okay, along with what bow you choose to use (German or French), whether you choose to stand or sit while playing is one of the most defining decisions a double bass player makes. I know most of us do a bit of both, depending on the situation we are playing in. For me standing is the way to go. I've experimented with a lot of different sitting positions lately, but standing always wins out for me. Okay, sitting offers more stability. The main problem with standing is balancing or controlling the bass while you move around the fingerboard. I've also thought a lot lately about how some sitting positions slant the bass back more, making the bowed string closer to being parallel (well more like 45 degress really)to the floor and, thus, letting gravity help to keep the bow on the string.
After all of my experimenting, I still prefer to stand. Why? Probably because I feel I can get more physical with the bass, and get my body more involved with the music. Personally, I'm prepared to sacrifce a little accuracy for that.
I'd be really interested in all your thoughts on this topic.

[Nathan Parker]

Sitting is for Cellists.


But seriously, folks, I prefer standing. The jazz world seems to have more standers. I don't know how it is in classical-land, but I seem to see lots of folks stoolin' it over there. I like the angle that sitting provides, but I was just never able to get comfortable on a stool. Probably because I'm too fat for stools. That being said, there are many bassists who I admire and respect who sit while they play. Whatever floats your boat.

I should add that I do use a laborie end pin, which seems to bring the bass to an angle that is closer to sitting. I really like the way it places the bass, and I am hooked. I feel it allows you to get more weight in your left hand, although pizz might be a little more fatigue inducing. But, I haven't minded it. You should get a laborie endpin, Richard. Do it.

[Richard Prowse]

Originally Posted by Nathan Parker

I should add that I do use a laborie end pin, which seems to bring the bass to an angle that is closer to sitting. I really like the way it places the bass, and I am hooked. I feel it allows you to get more weight in your left hand, although pizz might be a little more fatigue inducing. But, I haven't minded it. You should get a laborie endpin, Richard. Do it.

Well Nathan, I thought about those end pins, but lately I think I prefer my bass more vertical. In the end I don't think having the bass on more of an angle really helped my bowing, although bouncing was easier. I know what you mean about the pizz being easier on a vertical bass too. Still, I'd love to give one of these end pins a go!

[Nathan Parker]

I encourage you to do it, Richard. I've heard people make a big deal out of drilling holes in the block and how scary it is, but when I talked to my luthier about it, she really didn't bat an eye at it. Not that big of a deal, it seems.

Don't think, just do. That motto always seems to work out well for me.

[Richard Prowse]

So you can't get one that fits in the existing hole? What if you don't like it?

[Nathan Parker]

In my experience, having the laborie hole drilled in the bass does not affect the tone of the bass when not in use. I still have gotz endpin for others to use when they play my bass, and I use it from time to time, and it sounds just like it did before the hole was there. Of course, if it does bother you, you can just have your luthier plug the hole, which is not all that hard, as is my understanding.

Just look at Matthew's thread about restoring that old French bass. If they can do that, plugging a nicely drilled hole is a jiff.