super duper nOOb help with a bow

catphish · #1 03-04-2007, 04:39 PM

hey all,
I'm fairly to double bass, and I just got a bow. I've done a bunch of searches but couldn't find any threads on the basics of using a bow. Namely, how to apply resin (I got Pops), the basics of how to hold a bow (I got a french Glasser bow, which from my searches is appearantly garbage), andthe basics of how to move/apply pressure, position on the strings, etc. Also, general upkeep. Is there a FAQ here I'm missing maybe?

I'msure this has been covered ad infinitum, but I can't find it. Any websites for a beginer like me would also help. I'm using Smandle, but there's no technique in the book. I was taking lessons, but only pizz style, and recent work changes have prevented me from lessons now that I got a bow.

Thanks in advance.
-CP

reedo35 · #2 03-04-2007, 05:06 PM

This should be your first stop here-
BASS FORUM LINKS (Newbie Links): PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING NEW TOPICS

catphish · #3 03-04-2007, 05:43 PM

awsome...that's some great stuff. Most of it seems geared towards the "first purchase", but the Micheal Hopkins page has a lot of what I'm looking for.

I'll search more in depth now, but at first skim I don't see anything on how to apply resin.

JoeyNaeger · #4 03-04-2007, 07:45 PM

It's not too hard. Ignore how violin and cello players do it, our process is very different. Basically, place hair on the rosin near frog and give it a good strong down bow. You should see an imprint in the rosin after you take the bow off where the hair was. Do this no more than 3 times with pops, and only when you feel you need it. Try and get the bow warmed up by playing a bit before you rosin as well. This helps it grab new rosin I think, and often times, you'll find you don't need any.

catphish · #5 03-05-2007, 02:48 PM

that's all i need To know! thanks

jfv · #6 03-10-2007, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catphish

that's all i need To know! thanks

Thats like saying all you need to know to paint is stick your
brush in the stuff LOL

Rayzorx · #7 03-20-2007, 01:22 PM

Catphish,

For some videos on bow holds, go to YouTube, and search on Bassius. This guy's got several videos on French and German bowing, as well as right hand technique.