The Double Bass with Thomas Martin: The German Bow

Thomas tells us about its historical origins in the underhand grips of viol bows and the early Dragonetti-style bow popular in the nineteenth century, and demonstrates how to achieve good technique in the bow hold and arm motion.
#kontrabas #contrabas #kontrabasso #contrebasse #contrabbasso #contrabajo #cello #violin #viola #luthier #orchestra #contrabass #woodworking #bassporn #doublebass

[@zerothree332]

Both bows sounds beautiful in your hand. Thank you Mr Thomas for sharing your knowledge with us. God bless you and your team.

[@thebadcellist]

Thanks for these videos! I'm glad someone else mentioned the bow grip as a lever. The German bow grip is a class I lever, where the fulcrum (the fingers in the frog, with the first finger on top) is between the effort (the crook of the thumb joint pushing up) and the load (the hair pressing down on the string). The French bow grip is a class III lever, where the effort (first finger pressing down) is between the fulcrum (the thumb in the frog) and the load (hair pressing down on the string). Perhaps it's worth mentioning that a class I lever is more efficient. The mechanical advantage is more than 1. With the class III lever, the mechanical advantage is less than 1.

[@tomek9966]

Tomas here too...O man... what a technique You have Sir... Thank You VERY much for such GOOD tutorial!!!!

[@mjbass0221]

That's a great sound!

[@woutmoerman711]

Thanks for this video. I once held a dragonetti bow you once owned and what a wonderful beast it was. I like how you emphasize how many correct ways there are to hold a bow and that it's a matter of schools and opinions what is considered right.

[@ThomasGeorgeViolinMakers]

We are glad you are enjoying watching our videos :D

[@jamesjamerson1537]

Way cool demo of the Dragonetti bow Tom. Way to go. If you took the hair out and put in a blade, the lads in the shop could make use of it building your nice instruments. I think Tom's correct. Utilizing the first finger on the top of the bow is very effective or as he says, "can do a lot of talking." Most of the Berlin Phil bassists use this. Of course, Streicher and the Viennese players use the first finger primarily along with the ring finger inside the frog. Seems like the first finger on top along with the thumb creates kind of a hybrid style.

[@alanhope8971]

To me, the German bow sounds much much better. It sings more, and has a greater presence.

[@AaronApanui]

I think it has more depth and richness than a normal French bow hold, though it generally has less power. But a powerful sound isn't always the best.

[@davelines]

What is that exquisite bass that you are playing?

[@francem.124]

Is a strad german bow good?

[@wazzap500]

The intro sounds great

[@eliasgomez9712]

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