Bowing a 5-string Dbs

[Contrabbasso]

I have a 5-string "high-C" double bass.
I have not looked at any study books for "low-B" 5-string instruments.
My teacher and I haven't talked about any differences in
bowing a 5-string.

Question?
Are there any major bowing rules or technique's to follow
when playing a five string double bass?."French style bow".

The middle string "in my case" is the
D-string. The bridge curve and string spacing certainly feel and play differently than 4-strings.

There's less room for bowing error. String spacing is only about 7/8" or so. It's hard to relax.
Relax to much and I find the bow "skating/slipping". It's hard to get the correct pressure and speed of the bow sometimes.
Then I get tense and the bow "digs in" or double stops occur.
With a lot of work I'm slowly beginning to relax with better control.

I love this 5-string bass, I just hope it doesn't take forever
to learn how to play well. It's great for jazz. I probably need to be patient and keep practicing. My teacher plays my bass
which is "Left-handed" slowly but without any bow error.

I'm about halfway into Simandl book1 and Bottesini part1 and other study material.
When I can play these exercises as intended on 4-strings then I try to use the higher "C" string for variation.
Anybody know of method studies I may be able to use with the Hi-5 string config.?

My current setup is:
-Left-handed USA made Upton Hybrid 5-string Dbs (Hi-C) string .
-Obligato Strings.
-String height approx. 8-11mm or so.(adjustable)
-bridge radius unknown. I had the bridge shape down a little at the E-string side (better).
-Upton Bass Workshop Double Bass Bow. Brazilwood SELECT. "French style". Black hair.
-Carlson Bass Rosin.

Thanks for your interest and input,
Contrabbasso

[anonymous12251111]

Just out of curiosity why did you go for a high string? I like them with a Low string for orchestra stuff. Just curious.

[Contrabbasso]

Originally Posted by Calvin Marks

Just out of curiosity why did you go for a high string? I like them with a Low string for orchestra stuff. Just curious.

I've been told that as a left-handed player I have little chance of finding a spot in an orchestra.
I'd like to prove them wrong but it is an obvious dilemma; however,
I hope to explore a fusion style of classical mixed with
latin, swing and other forms of music. The High-C string offers
"I believe" less large position shifts during solos and when
pedaling or playing along with a melody line.

Even my teacher is starting to really like the high-C 5-string.
It's just different and I hope to use it for it's strengths.
My lessons are focused on four-string technique for now.
I haven't seen any method books for Hi-5er's. I'll probably
have to create exercises with the help of my instructor.

Check out "Renaud Garcia Fons" using his high-C 5-string.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXt6htVi3C4

[anonymous12251111]

Oh, I know. Renaud Garcia-Fons is an incredible musician, and the high string works beautifully for him because he can solo like crazy! I don't mean to discourage you at all but I would still want to have a very good knowledge of thumb position on ALL of the strings because thumb position will contribute to your overall technique on the bass. Avoiding going up the g-string will only help you in the short-term.

[Contrabbasso]

Originally Posted by Calvin Marks

Oh, I know. Renaud Garcia-Fons is an incredible musician, and the high string works beautifully for him because he can solo like crazy!

If you watched the YouTube video you would see "Fons" playing his solo mostly in the "Thumb position".

"Calvin Marks" Avoiding going up the g-string will only help you in the short-term.

You must have not read my statement earlier.

"Contrabbasso" When I can play these exercises as intended on 4-strings then I try to use the higher "C" string for variation.

[anonymous12251111]

Oh boy, okay then! Good luck to you!!