HELP!..Balancing the bass whilst standing and bowing in thumb pos

[callus]

Hi,

I'm really trying to get my thumb position stronger and am doing scale exercises with the bow. Unfortunately I haven't got myself a good stool yet so am doing it standing. (i know not the best to begin with). When bowing i dont have the (r/h) thumb providing support for the bass and so am struggling to find the best way to hold the bass when going into the thumb position. I want to remove any balancing with the (l/h) thumb as possible. I have been trying to rock back on my right leg to let the fingerboard rest on my shoulder and seems to work, but still think it could be better.
Can anybody offer their advice on thumb (whilst standing and bowing). I've also been trying different end pin heights. I will be investing in a nice stool soon.
Cheers

[LM Bass]

Hi Callus,

You're probably going to get asked this question first, so I'll just jump in!
Do you have a teacher? Some bass playing problems are not well solved via internet. . . Okay, now that I've said that!

The way I learned to play is to never rely on the Left hand thumb to hold up the bass, ever. Your idea of having the neck cradled in your shoulder is a common solution that a lot of bass players employ -not me though! I was taught to leave the bass vertical as much as possible, and in thumb position the bass actually leans a bit forward into my fingers.

Here is a video of Gary Karr playing exceptionally well, as always.
It might give you some ideas of one way of playing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfB3x4eOAHY

[callus]

thanks for your advice LM bass.
I must admit that i'm mostly self taught. i've had a few lessons from players in sydney, but have had trouble finding one that i enjoy going to. it seems really hard to get a good bass teacher. I also find that everyone has there own way, as you would expect, so it is about finding it right for me... i just needed to see what things other people did. I've tried your technique of leaning it away from me and pushing it towards the strings. i still had balance issues, however i might try again.
Thanks for the link. i will check it out now.
cheers