Left Hand Pain + French Bow Question

Nami · #1 02-08-2007, 03:59 AM

Hi,
I'm new to DB and just started off working with Mr. Simandle's book.
He's sure a one tricky buster with all those E# B# and those notes tricks, but my question in not related to that.
I got a rented Plywood DB. I don't expect it to sound good, or even normal, it sounds like crap. But the main thing about DB at this point is a good & right technique, which i doubt i can get playing this thing.
The action of the string is not great, you can stuck your finger between them and the fingerboard in the upper register.
And it's not all, i almost can't play the D string alone when not playing an open string because its in the same hight as the A and G!
It's Painful to play the DB like that and i feel like my left hand gonna fall. Is it normal when starting or is it bad and i should do something about it?

2nd question is about French bow holding.
I feel like my index finger gets all the hand "run" to the left and then i lose my grip, is there a way to work on that thing to stop? And i also wanted to ask how far should the index be from the 2nd finger, i feel like my finger is too far and i don't have something to look at and confirm my holding.

Sorry , i guess those questions are here every second day but i haven't found answers yet.

and sorry about my bad English.
Thanks,
Gal.

nickbass · #2 02-08-2007, 05:23 AM

I think you need the help and advice of a teacher if you're at the beginning of your work with Simandl. It'll save a lot of time (and possible physical problems) in the long run.
Teacher could also advise about correct string height etc.
Good luck with it!
Nick

Lovebown · #3 02-08-2007, 06:00 AM

Yep sounds like you need a teacher to help you out with the bow technique. You should probably consider getting your own bass, or talk to the people you rented the bass from if they could pay a good setup on it. Take it to a luthier who knows what hes doing and get the everything properly adjusted. good luck!

Nami · #4 02-08-2007, 07:13 AM

Don't worry i got a teacher, but He's playing German bow and i just wanted another opinion.
And buying a double bass is not that simple here.
I won't BUY a DB that does not have ebony fingerboard. and the simplest DBs here with ebony are 2.5k and i can't get money now.

but thanks anyway
Gal.

robbielink · #5 02-08-2007, 07:36 AM

You're dealing with the hardest part about starting out on bass - finding an instrument with a good setup. Since it's a rental instrument your options may be limited but really, the most important thing here is that the instrument be properly set up. If the strings are too high at the bridge and/or at the nut you are not going to be able to develop good hand position and you may cause injury to yourself in trying to play. At any rate, it's not going to be pleasant. Likewise, if the arching of the bridge doesn't allow you to play one string at a time, your bowing will be frustrating and cause tension. I think the most important thing here is to get help with the instrument. See if your teacher can recommend someone who is good at bass setups and see if the rental shop will allow you to get the work done (or maybe they can do it - but probably not). This is the most common problem for people starting on double bass - finding a half-way decent instrument that is playable.
As for the bowing - it's hard to tell exactly what your problem is from your description and someone would have to actually see you play to know for sure. Many teachers are able to teach both bowing styles but some are not. French bow can be particularly painful if you're not holding it correctly. If you feel you're not getting good help from your teacher you should try and get a few bowing lessons from a french style player - hopefully your teacher would not object if you explained and maybe could recommend someone.
Just a few pointers, though, that might help. The most common french bow problem is choking the bow - gripping it too tightly. As far as finger spacing goes - "some" space is required but how much depends on your hand and where you hold the bow. Make a basket with your hand and let the weight of your arm hold the bow to the strings - don't try and press it there with hand pressure except for articulation. No pressure on the thumb except for the very slight amount required to balance out the lift of the first finger. The thumb is merely a fulcrum in the balancing act of keeping the bow perpendicular to the string.
I hope these thoughts help some but really, you need someone there working with you directly on this.

jsbarber · #6 02-08-2007, 07:43 AM

If your teacher plays and teaches with the German bow, then I recommend that you stick to that for now. You have enough on your plate without self-inflicting that problem. You can learn French bow later, if you're still interested.

Jim

Nami · #7 02-08-2007, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsbarber

If your teacher plays and teaches with the German bow, then I recommend that you stick to that for now. You have enough on your plate without self-inflicting that problem. You can learn French bow later, if you're still interested.

Jim

I think you're right. My ex-teacher (3 lessons) taught me French bowing but he was bad teacher so i think i will change the bow style.

Thanks for the insight.

And robbielink, the problem is that the bass is rented from my ex-teacher. And actually i can't say i left the lessons because he will take my DB. And there is no other place to rent here DBs. I guess i have to find a way to tell him about it.