How do you use a bow then?

[bullmoose]

Thanks Don,

The tone has definitely setted down on long slow strokes, still getting the odd screech when doing faster (crotchet) runs in some of the exercises.
Still not sure when to re-apply rosin - don't want to overdo it if it's my technique that's at fault rather than my 'tools'. What would be considered normal given that I'm doing around 20 hours a week?
I like the playing in the dark idea - have been practicing scales with my eyes closed. I find that the mirror is great for reassessing posture & left hand/wrist position though.
For what it's worth, I'm still on page 16 of Simandl & each session I recap what I was doing before, before moving on (if I get time). I always start off with at least 45 mins. of doing my 4 scales (F,Bflat,G & C) as well as going up and down each string in turn chromatically in 3 'fret' groups i.e. 0,1,2,3,2,1,0 - 0,2,3,4,3,2,0 - 0,3,4,5,4,3,0 etc.. up to the octave and then back down again, checking at the 5th & 7th 'frets' with the adjacent string to make sure I'm still in tune if I'm not sure. I find this is doing wonders for my intonation as well as my ears - hearing each new starting interval against the open string.
I was formally trained on piano for 6 years so I'm aware of the benefits of disciplined practice. You can't blame me for being enthused though and wanting to rapidly get my double-bass playing up to approach my electric ability. It's such a fantastic (and admittedly very different) instrument where the simplest line or well placed note sounds like sex. Can't get enough.

Thanks for all your help guys.
Bullmoose.

[oldsaw]

OK, the fish is hooked. Now let's start reeling him in.

You can't have good intonation if your bow costs less than $________. And there is the matter of strings. You have do as I did to get better intonation, buy and try at least four new sets every year. By the way, any one interested is a set of barely used strings. Name the brand and I probably have it.

Mark