Plug for bass bowing book

mozarwasagenius · #1 01-09-2008, 10:57 PM

I've been using this set of books/CDs + DVD for a while and tonight I realized (after being away from them) how great they are.

They are the Essential Elements 2000 series. Well written, great value, good for use with a teacher and decent recordings. I got them from Bob Gollihurs (excellent) site http://www.gollihurmusic.com/product...VD_CD_SET.html but I've seen them at music stores that cater to highschool bands.

This is geared more towards the beginner. Playing along with the recordings has helped my bowing tone/control tremendously.

i'll get off my soapbox

shostkontrabass · #2 01-09-2008, 11:10 PM

Wow, long ago when I started playing, my first book was Essential Elements for Strings! Except back then there was no DVD to follow along with.

Yeah, I love Bob's site. He always has everything in stock, he ships really promptly, and all of the reviews are written by him, so you know you are getting a player's perspective on the gear.

pdbass · #3 01-09-2008, 11:30 PM

You want to rock your world, check out the Zimmerman bowing book (red cover). You can get it from Amazon.com. You'll be on the first 2 pages for a month!

mozarwasagenius · #4 01-10-2008, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdbass

You want to rock your world, check out the Zimmerman bowing book (red cover). You can get it from Amazon.com. You'll be on the first 2 pages for a month!

I actually have it. Its just too advanced for me. I needed something simpler with a better focus on fundamentals (bow hold, note and positions). Zimmerman is a classic and I hope to get through it some day, but I also like to practice melodies rather than patterns.

koricancowboy · #5 02-03-2008, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mozarwasagenius

I actually have it. Its just too advanced for me. I needed something simpler with a better focus on fundamentals (bow hold, note and positions). Zimmerman is a classic and I hope to get through it some day, but I also like to practice melodies rather than patterns.

The patterns dominate most melodies you'll find. It is a treatise on string crossing which is fundamental. I am sure you have the ability to play it slowly. Do so and speed it up gradually like anything else. The first couple of pages will be on your stand for at least six months. It's supposed to be that way. Get into and watch how fast your bowing improves.