dear Patrick

I've studied with Rabbath in Paris for 4 years- and am familiar with his method- I currently play in orchestra though, and have a big orchestral bass that I do things quite differently on.
One of the questions I have is this: He always told me to keep my thumb between the frog and the stick. Now I've been playing the bass for 13 years, and I still have a slight problem with my thumb moving, or being uncomfortable in this position. Recently I tried placing the thumb into the frog- you see what I mean? and I found it alot more relaxing a position, and I feel more in control of the bow. I still have the flexibility,
and as I plus, I have another inch of bow to use. Now, i know francois, and i don't think he'd care for the idea, but could it be because of the anatomy of his hands? They are a good centimeter bigger than mine.
What are your thoughts?

Thanks Patrick!!
Kspain

Can I buy into this one?

Try the end of your thumb on the small corner of the frog rather than in the corner with the stick. Push up at 45 degrees towards curled fingers on the other side with curved thumb to keep hand cupped. The thumb won't slip in either direction and you won't trap flesh between your thumbnail and the stick, The bow can pivot around your thumb in any direction. Keeping the thumb bent helps avoid the large thumb muscles tiring.

DP

dear Patrick

I've studied with Rabbath in Paris for 4 years- and am familiar with his method- I currently play in orchestra though, and have a big orchestral bass that I do things quite differently on.
One of the questions I have is this: He always told me to keep my thumb between the frog and the stick. Now I've been playing the bass for 13 years, and I still have a slight problem with my thumb moving, or being uncomfortable in this position. Recently I tried placing the thumb into the frog- you see what I mean? and I found it alot more relaxing a position, and I feel more in control of the bow. I still have the flexibility,
and as I plus, I have another inch of bow to use. Now, i know francois, and i don't think he'd care for the idea, but could it be because of the anatomy of his hands? They are a good centimeter bigger than mine.
What are your thoughts?



Thanks Patrick!!
Kspain

There is no question that hand size plays a major role in how comfortable any particular hold may be. I USUALLY advocate the thumb at the end of the frog. DP has offered an addition insight here. I think the MAIN thing is that you are flexible enough to play spiccato and sautillee as quickly as needed, AND can play a forceful staccato and spiccato (like in Beethoven or even Mozart), again with full sound and flexiblility ... all WITHOUT straining any part of your hand or arm. With this said, all people will approach the hold differently. I encourage experimentation. I have found for myself that playing a bow without the Rabbath bow-rubber thingy is simply not as relaxed, so I always use a bow rubber. This allows me to never GRIP in any volume or stoke. This means I stay relaxed and can play for many hours. I know that some players in Philadelphia love to have their thumb inside the frog (verses then end as I said above). It works for them! So, it is personal. The goal should be relaxed efficiency.
Ciao!
PN