Sitting or standing when playing double bass.

[jazzyvee]

Im learning to play and would like to know the pros and cons of standing to play vs sitting. Most people ive seen tend to stand. I am currently doing that but i think my posture must be wrong as my left hand and lower back ache after a practice session. I plan to discuss with my tutor on my next lesson but wondered what you guys who play think.

[pauldo]

I stand.  A friend I haven’t spoke with in a long time would stand also... until college where he was ‘taught’ to sit. 

I will see if I can get in touch with him and discover his thoughts on it.

Perhaps try different height settings with the end pin and let you arm/ shoulders find their own happy spot. I was taught that the nut should be just above eye level, left elbow held high, etc....  Then watched Edgar Meyer play and realized his form is completely “wrong”.   


Guess that is why I’m not very good. 

[edwardofhuncote]

With apologies for crashing another of your DB threads this morning Jazzy...

I suspect you're experiencing that strange reality that kind of endears the instrument to those of us who play them... playing an upright bass is simply a very physical act. There are some things you can do to mitigate that. As in most things, your instructor is the best source for firsthand advice, but one thing I'll share;

Whether playing seated or standing, I was always taught to have the footrest adjusted so that the nut is at, or slightly above eye level. This keeps your arms and back in proper position. If I'm playing seated, I like a pretty high chair. It just feels more natural. Also to be mindful of the address of the instrument. Keep the left wrist generally straight. Keep the (vestigial on your Classico) rib of your bass tucked back there close to your ribs. This stabilizes the instrument, and keeps you in a comfortable playing position both at once.

Here's a picture of me cropped out from a New River Bound gig a couple years ago, that demonstrates surprisingly good posture and playing position. I look pretty relaxed here. 

[glocke]

Im learning to play and would like to know the pros and cons of standing to play vs sitting. Most people ive seen tend to stand. I am currently doing that but i think my posture must be wrong as my left hand and lower back ache after a practice session. I plan to discuss with my tutor on my next lesson but wondered what you guys who play think.

I just rented one myself so I can learn as well.  Right now Im practicing standing as I don't really a chair i think i can use for sitting. 

Im finding I can make it for about 30-40 minutes before I need to stop as it's a pretty physically demanding instrument.

What bass are you using Jazzy?  I rented a Shen88

Im also doing the "discoverdoublebass" site for lessons...Probably once a month I'll have a lesson with a real person to just keep me pointed in the right direction.

[jazzyvee]

Classico

[StefanieJones]

I played upright in a bluegrass band back in the 90s and could never get comfortable sitting. So, it was standing all the time.  In the end, I stopped playing bluegrass and sold it. Now I wish I hadn't.

[edwardofhuncote]

I played upright in a bluegrass band back in the 90s and could never get comfortable sitting. So, it was standing all the time.  In the end, I stopped playing bluegrass and sold it. Now I wish I hadn't.

Indeed, that's probably the last setting I'd try to play seated too, but only because of the nature of performing that music. A lot of it is just fast, up-tempo, so you'd be constantly leaned forward on any kind of barstool.

Never too late Stef... some bands are a little regimented, and need that upright, but no reason you couldn't take that Spoiler out to a good bluegrass jam. I used to know a couple players in Sea Girt, N.J. - I've since lost touch with the network, but one of them actually moved here to Virginia.

[StefanieJones]

I played upright in a bluegrass band back in the 90s and could never get comfortable sitting. So, it was standing all the time.  In the end, I stopped playing bluegrass and sold it. Now I wish I hadn't.

Indeed, that's probably the last setting I'd try to play seated too, but only because of the nature of performing that music. A lot of it is just fast, up-tempo, so you'd be constantly leaned forward on any kind of barstool.

Never too late Stef... some bands are a little regimented, and need that upright, but no reason you couldn't take that Spoiler out to a good bluegrass jam. I used to know a couple players in Sea Girt, N.J. - I've since lost touch with the network, but one of them actually moved here to Virginia.

I could't imagine using an electric bass for bluegrass! I supposed it's possible but I don't think I'd be the one to try it. 

[hankster]

I stand unless there’s no room to stand and I have to sit on my amp. I was taught to sit as a classical player but just never liked it.

[jazzyvee]

I have had a quick chat with my tutor as I haven't had any lessons for a couple of months and we are getting together early Feb so hopefully he can address my discomfort issues.

I'm just gonna hijack my own thread for a moment rather than start a new one.
How do you guys with Classico's organise your bass on stage?. With an acoustic double bass on stage I usually see the Jazz players lay it down on it's side. Clearly that is not possible with a Classico. I have a Hamilton KB550 Double bass stand which came with it and it's fine for holding the bass when not in use at home but I wonder if it has enough lateral stability to stay upright with an occasional know in the hustle bustle of small stage? Incidentally when I last saw Mr Clarke live on a small stage he had his DB strapped to the front of his bass cabs using what looked to be a long elasticated luggage straps hooked to the cab handles.