Sitting with the double bass

[@theDoubleBassics]

I've been sitting for 40 years. Switched to this stool last fall. It's teriffic! I found my way to sitting on the front right edge with the stool at an angle underneath....essentially the same as what you demonstrated. I sit lower than most bassists using a technique I learned from Mark Morton. End pin barely out, bottom of the bass just clearing the floor when in position, both feet flat on the floor with your back straght(ish). This gives you an solid foundation and complete control of the instrument without encumbering your arms at all. If I need to really drive a power note on the bottom string I actually drop my right leg back, knee bent and the foot rolled forward onto the toe. This is similar to what you described for a standing benefit. Sitting this low brings me in closer to the instrument with my torso and I get a slightly less veritcal angle on the string....something Rabbath was aiming for with the bent endpin. Make gravity more of a friend and less of a foe. Great content Jason! Love your energy!

[@doublebasshq]

Thanks for sharing--Mark is a great resource!

[@robertanderson3221]

In middle school I switched from violin to bass and started standing, then got an orchestra gig and had to sit, then saw Gary Karr standing and tried it over again. Now I stand (usually) to practice and sit when in the orchestra. I feel this spreads out any abuse from either position.

[@doublebasshq]

I agree!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

It's easier to play any instrument seated

[@tangelus]

I prefer the K&M stool. Very sturdy and adjustable. Folds well and I have attached a shoulder strap so I can make it from the car in one trip.

[@willb3698]

Eggsellent. I was introduced to the contrabass through Rabbath, so I don’t know anything but standing. And the bass is SO LIGHT on the thumb. People should definitely check it out

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Double Bass HQ Kolberg makes a Special Chair that'll work too, it's what I call a "Double Bassists High Chair" which is to accommodate the size of the Bass.

[@doublebasshq]

Very cool-thanks for letting me know!

[@viennesetuningchannel6101]

Thanks Jason, all very recognizable... for years i stood in the orchestra, even for 5 hour-long operas, because sitting hurt my back way more than standing. Until i figured out i was way more comfortable and pain-less when i had both feet flat on the floor, or both at the same height on the stool's rungs or pedals. It can feel nice for a while to have one leg higher than the other, if only because one leg can support the bass while you get the other one out of the way for the bow, but in the long run that was a back-killer for me. With lots of experimenting i found a good position with both feet parallel and my back straight (or as straight as possible). And indeed no back support, and sitting on the stool's edge. If at all possible, even a slight inclination of the seat (front edge slightly lower than back edge. The reverse is deadly for the back). Anyway, many thanks for the pointers. Each player will have to figure out a healthy way to sit (or stand, for that matter. I greatly prefer standing, for all the reasons you mentioned). I might be tempted to get one of these stools (from an ethically responsible seller...) for those occasions when, after Covid, the long rehearsal sessions and concerts come back. Thanks again, all the best!

[@doublebasshq]

Thanks, Korneel! It’s a journey for sure, isn’t it? It’s interesting for me to play around with sitting again after so many years of just standing.

[@jbordenbass]

Great video! I own that stool and one thing I think is worth mentioning: if you use the rung on it for your left foot, you're putting more weight on one side of the seat than the other, and the rubber that holds the seat up wears out over time. When I was in college (so putting a lot of use on it), after a few months you'd be sitting on a lopsided seat because one half would be sliding down the back while the other stayed put. The convenience of carrying that stool was a serious benefit, though.

[@doublebasshq]

Thanks, Jonathan! I was wondering about that myself in terms of the lopsided issue. I’ll monitor it over time on my end. I hope you’re doing well-got your podcast in the queue in about 3 weeks!

[@arbous65]

Thanks Jason. I think I will try the sitting position. I think at this point for me creating a habit of not squeezing my left thumb to the neck is more important than extra mobility for bowing.

[@doublebasshq]

It can help a lot! Positives and drawbacks for both approaches, I think.

[@kuru9157]

we need a video on ergonomics! it's a very important topic to discuss, and your videos are always very informative.

[@doublebasshq]

Sounds good-it’s on my list!

[@willb3698]

Trouble with “Ergonomics” is that what works for you, may cripple me. But I am all for a more “expansive” look at it.

[@lin_leaf]

i've been using this for around a year now, and it has worked very well for me.

[@doublebasshq]

Awesome-I’m glad this stool has held up so well!

[@glenns6645]

I have primarily stood since I started playing back in 1966. But like you, for a long rehearsal I will at least have a stool nearby and sometimes use it! The reason I don't sit is I notice my intonation is better when I stand. Is that a thing? I recently played with the Baltimore Symphony with seven other bassists and of course everyone sat, Most of them used blocks too. I should have asked about the block tihing but being an "upright" upright bass player I didn't think to do that. Thoughts appreciated on the block doo hickey thingy.

[@doublebasshq]

Thanks!

[@glenns6645]

Well, you're quite welcome. But I'm not sure for what. :)@@doublebasshq

[@alexandrossofianos2446]

I think rounded (and not quarter or ''mid'' quarter like this), mid height stool is the best choice for us!

[@patricktelfort]

Yes sir ergonomic! Let’s explore it.

[@doublebasshq]

Will do!

[@alex_chmiel_3]

I learned standing and played standing for 6 years and eventually my teacher convinced me to get a stool and I am never going back, all my students will sit. I prefer sitting infinitely more

[@TheBassguitar1993]

I love the videos of accesories.

[@doublebasshq]

Thanks-more to come!

[@herlenetalentscout4644]

Great musicianship, you play with confidence. 👌

[@doublebasshq]

Thanks!

[@herlenetalentscout4644]

@@doublebasshq Hi, I'm a talent scout at Sessions and love what you're doing. Would love to get you in front of our global audience of music fans. Are you interested? Our team sent you an email for more details. Let me know if you got it. 😊👌

[@AhernJon]

This stool is the best!!! I’ve used it for about 15 years also. The only issue is... and this a very small issue... the rubber is wearing out and needs replacing (by design)

[@doublebasshq]

Good to know it has lasted that long! I was wondering about that-thanks for letting me know. 😀

[@BankruptBassplayer]

Crazy, i bought a Bass stool on Monday.. and today i see this...cool!

[@doublebasshq]

Small world!

[@rdodelin1]

I bought an Odyssey "DJ" chair - approx 90.00. It is a little heavier and has limited adjustability, but feels very solid on most surfaces. It folds up well enough. I can cary it, my bass (with a wheel most times for classical gigs), and or an small amp(Quilter Bass Block and with an external speaker an (Ampeg cabinet with a Neo speaker) - sure I could make two trips, but what the heck. It is available through most on-line vendors.

[@doublebasshq]

Nice-that’s a good price, too!

[@lidiatomaszewska2016]

Great video, thank you! :) I would love to listen about different positions while sitting on the stool - I still haven't found the best positions for myself :(

[@doublebasshq]

Sounds good-I’ll work on something about that!

[@jamesgiles4061]

I’ve used this stool for 15 years - no issues.

[@doublebasshq]

Good to know!

[@gregoryf4186]

I used to stand, switched to sitting, now when I play standing my left thumb hurts really bad, I just like the mobility of the left hand a lot more

[@doublebasshq]

I hear you! Sitting is so helpful for making that mobility easier.

[@FongJazz]

I have the same stool and like it. The only problem I had was that the front edge of the cushion wore out because I tend to rest the edge of the bass on it (probably a bad practice). I ended up "reupholstering it" with some thin leather from an old leather jacket, adding some extra foam under the front edge.

[@doublebasshq]

Nice! I know that resting the bass on it can be common. Maybe not a bad thing, though-who knows?

[@nz1m]

One added point: When I sit my bass peg is one notch lower than when I stand... So I cannot switch between sitting and standing except between sets. Bonus point: Low E bass bowing hits my leg/body when sitting. So I either rotate the bass (left) to accommodate or briefly stand. Cheers // Paul.

[@doublebasshq]

Nice! I raise/lower the endpin quite a bit when I switch from standing to sitting. Thanks for writing!

[@caseyryder2119]

Great clip! The other bassists in my orchestra use these stools too...where do I go for the best price please? (Shipping to Victoria, BC Canada btw)

[@doublebasshq]

Thanks! I just ordered it off Amazon, so that’s probably a good option for you.

[@lindaslater6522]

Hi Jason! I play standing and am interested in learning to play sat down. I don’t see the link you mentioned with more input on bowing while sitting. Would you repost it or somehow direct me to it? Thanks!

[@doublebasshq]

I think this is the video I was talking about: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIrOmaR5f5pghbM I've also got this audio highlight episode I put together a few years back about standing vs sitting--might be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ_Sp3lojd2NqZY

[@lindaslater6522]

@@doublebasshq thanks Jason! I have seen the first link you sent but not the second. I’ll listen to it today on the ferry on my way to a bass ensemble at my teachers😊

[@williamgunter5199]

HELLO, I AM BRAND NEW ON THE BASS AND I FIND THERE IS VERY LITTLE INSTRUCTION IN TERMS OF FINGERING TECHNIQUES AND CONDITIONING. ESPECIALLY IN SPREADING THE FINGERS IN THE LEFT HEFT HAND.,AND FIRST, SECOND AND FOURTH FINGER EXECUTION. i AM HAVING AN AWFUL TIME IN THAT 12 & 4 APPROACH....ESPECIALLY MY PINKY WHICH IS VERY WEAK. WHAT CAN I DO TO DEAL WITH THESE PROBLEMS? THANKS, BILL

[@doublebasshq]

That's a good idea for a video--I'll try to put something together, and I hope that you're enjoying getting comfortable on the bass!

[@glenns6645]

Okay so the bass stool which you have arrived today and I also purchased a classical guitar foot rest. Question is, which foot do you use it for? Question from someone who stood while playing for 56 years.

[@doublebasshq]

I use the footstool (or the rung on the stool) for my left foot. This gets the bass into a good playing position for me. I hope you enjoy the new gear!

[@glenns6645]

@@doublebasshq thanks for that confirmation. I practiced with it last night and figured that out. It's actually virtually impossible to use its for the right foot.

[@rdodelin1]

Regarding ergonomics, has anyone used the Alexander Technique? I don't know enough about it, but a fellow bassist here in DC teaches it.

[@doublebasshq]

It can be very helpful!

[@pampurrs88]

Hi Jason, I really love your stuff. I'm a bass guitar player transitioning to double bass. I bought a really nice chair, but just can't seem to get it adjusted right. What height do you recommend for the seat?

[@doublebasshq]

I like to have a little bend in the knees, but not too much. For me, the seat is about pelvis height. I hope that helps!

[@pampurrs88]

@@doublebasshq that helps a lot. Thank you Jason!

[@GAK1atatt]

One difference between sitting and standing is you have to hold your right arm up against gravity when sitting for either pizz or arco which puts stress on the back muscles. When you stand your arm hangs to it's natural length or close to it. I have a stool but I rarely use it for long (like 2 or 3 minutes) as a jazz player. I can dig in better when I stand. In orchestra it's great for long tacets while sections rehearse and I'm not playing. Besides, my former boss, Houston Person, said, "I don't trust a bass player who sits."!!

[@doublebasshq]

“I don’t trust a bass player who sits” - I love that quote! 😀 Definitely positives and drawbacks, right? Thanks for checking this out!

[@gsarchet]

As a pit player--especially long operas--must sit. However, 40 years of sitting can be hard on your lower back--with the right leg 'distended'. Watch out for Spondylolisthesis. Concert Design designed a special seat for me to help alleviate that condition.

[@doublebasshq]

Those Concert Design stools are incredible. We had a set in the Elgin Symphony, and I miss my time on that stool. I hope o you’re doing well, Greg-you rock!

[@DrewMcManus]

We have that same cat bed 😺

[@jamesgiles4061]

I use this stool - 15 years and still like new.

[@doublebasshq]

I had this great Wenger metal stool that lasted for like 30 years Left it behind in Chicago, but lots of good years on it for sure.

[@adamcohen7086]

Hi Jason, great stuff as always. I was wondering if you adjust the length of the endpin when going back & forth between sitting and standing. Thanks, Adam

[@doublebasshq]

Hi Adam! Yup-I basically have the endpin totally in when sitting and about 5 notches (8 inches?) out when standing.

[@veingemusikochdata]

You are mentioning how the lower body being in a locked position while seated can affect the bowing arm and also the problems with slouching and back pain. Quite common I guess. A problem for sure with playing seated is the risk of injuries coming from sitting still and doing the same movements over and over. People who sits in front of a computer all day can tell You all about that. Pain in the back, neck, shoulders or arms that just won’t go away. Injuries that can appear even if You have a perfect ergonomic posture. The problem is that it is always the same. I used to go for a bike ride after a long opera to start the blood circulation again. The computer people has of course dealt with this, they have gymnastics breaks and tables that can be raised so You can stand for a period. And then they have stools made for active sitting. Active sitting is when the stool lets You move the lower part of the body to get Your head balancing on the spine. I find active sitting perfect for bass playing, it is in fact much like standing. You are able to turn, take a ”step” sideways, back or forward and even ”get on Your toes”. I am currently sitting on a Swopper in the opera pit and I actually thank it when we finally reach the end of ”Die Meistersänger von Nürnberg”. Plus I can now have a beer instead of a bike ride. I know! I have the luxury of an orchestra job. Some of the active sitting stools are hard to move around to gigs, but my guess is that it will still decrease the risk of injuries if You have one where You spend most of Your time, the practice room, orchestra podium or pit. The Basics of Active Sitting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnOWiYupr6uKb6s The Swopper: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJnZeoF-jJ6hfZI Active sitting guide: ergonomicshealth.com/active-sitting-guide/

[@doublebasshq]

Thanks!!

[@michaelmarler7016]

14-30, heavy bass standing. 40+, light bass sitting.

[@pgrvloik]

way too much talking before the actual content past 8min...