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Orchestral Technique [DB] Exploring technique on the "classical" double bass, from Beethoven to Bottesini


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  #1  
Old 02-10-2007, 02:20 PM
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stool height?

I am looking for a stool to use when playing classical upright bass. I am 187 cm tall (about 6 feet 2 inch I beleive). Do you have any recommendations on an appropriate stool height?

BR,

Anders
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  #2  
Old 02-10-2007, 03:44 PM
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I found that the measurement of the inseam in my pants is the same as my ideal stool height.
  #3  
Old 02-10-2007, 05:00 PM
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I am 6'4" and I find that a 29" stool is not only adequate but comfortable. Much shorter and I start having problems with my right knee impeding playing. Any taller and I am not sure it would be comfortable for a long period of playing. I am using the left leg on the rung, right leg on the floor approach to sitting, so if you do something different like two feet on the floor, take that into consideration.
I have an adjustable stool so I experimented a lot with height and positioning before settling on what I do now.
Good Luck!
  #4  
Old 02-10-2007, 07:29 PM
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I stand while playing, but sit on the stool to rest while practicing and during rehearsals.
  #5  
Old 02-10-2007, 11:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AndersLasson View Post
I am looking for a stool to use when playing classical upright bass. I am 187 cm tall (about 6 feet 2 inch I beleive). Do you have any recommendations on an appropriate stool height?

BR,

Anders
Sorry to give this answer, but you should probably just try different things and see what works best for you.

I would also encourage you to be open to shorter stool heights. Your first instinct will probably be to go for a stool that is higher than optimal.
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  #6  
Old 02-11-2007, 12:22 AM
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I'm 6'2" and for me, This stool is perfect. However, since I sit cello style, that may not mean much. I think Theo's suggestion might be best after all.
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  #7  
Old 02-11-2007, 07:03 AM
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Here is a link to one that folds AND is adjustable for height.

http://www.qwikseat.com/
  #8  
Old 02-15-2007, 01:09 PM
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Konig & Meyer make a really good adjustable stool.

Although I'm not in this category, many taller players I know sit with two feet on the ground (probably what you're talking about, Francois)- therefore no foot rest. Although I use a foot rest, I try to get as evenly balanced/centered on the left and right cheeks as possible. I don't think it's a good idea to get your weight too much to the right when sitting.
  #9  
Old 02-24-2007, 08:24 PM
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In my opinion

a very tall stool is best. I don't have it handy to do a measurement, but I'm about the same height (6'2") and I try to have the stool so that I'm almost standing. I had to customise a stool I had to make it higher.
I don't know how else to make it so that I don't hit on my right leg when I bow on the E sring unless my right leg is almost straight.
Maybe someone here could point me to a photo of someone bowing the E and sitting low to help me visualise.

But yeah, just try stuff.
  #10  
Old 02-25-2007, 01:13 PM
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photo?

I would be grateful if someone could post a photo when sitting on a lower stool. I am myself a converted cello player, and I find the idea of a "cello stool position" tempting. Does anyone have a picture showing how you play URB with bow sitting on a low stool with booth feet on the floor

Thanks in advance,

Andrés
  #11  
Old 02-25-2007, 02:08 PM
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Photo

Quote:
Originally Posted by AndersLasson View Post
I would be grateful if someone could post a photo when sitting on a lower stool. I am myself a converted cello player, and I find the idea of a "cello stool position" tempting. Does anyone have a picture showing how you play URB with bow sitting on a low stool with booth feet on the floor

Thanks in advance,

Andrés
something like this?

Last edited by bassist14 : 04-12-2009 at 12:36 PM.
  #12  
Old 02-25-2007, 06:49 PM
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As long as the player in the photo does not have to contort to play a long bow on the E, it looks ok. My legs are far too long to sit that low.
  #13  
Old 02-28-2007, 03:28 PM
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Is it just me or does his bass look a little on the small side?
  #14  
Old 03-02-2007, 05:58 AM
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I know players taller than that guy who sit lower. They position the bass more centrally, almost like a cello but still a little turned. I don't think that there's ONE WAY to sit with both feet down; it's important to try different things to find out what suits one's own body (As Brian said, "You're all individuals")
  #15  
Old 03-02-2007, 12:45 PM
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thanks

Thanks guys. The low stool height was new to me. The picture and comments were very good. It seems that I will have to find a variable height stool to find out what feels good (I will start looking at the garage-sales and flea markets for that). And get more lessons on URB.

Best regards,

Andrés
  #16  
Old 03-02-2007, 01:59 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dgelting View Post
As long as the player in the photo does not have to contort to play a long bow on the E, it looks ok. My legs are far too long to sit that low.
You can turn the bass by moving your left knee outwards. Try it, it might do the trick for you.
  #17  
Old 03-05-2007, 06:42 AM
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  #18  
Old 03-05-2007, 07:03 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Whitla View Post
that´s the one in my pic
  #19  
Old 03-09-2007, 06:44 AM
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Originally Posted by lloccmttocs View Post
Is it just me or does his bass look a little on the small side?
THIS is a small bass i think

Last edited by bassist14 : 04-12-2009 at 12:36 PM.
  #20  
Old 03-27-2007, 09:34 PM
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Actually, that bass player is Dutch, notoriously the tallest people in the world. He's like 9"3', the bass is 3/4 size, and the piano and the mic stand next to him? They're actually 10 feet behind him. It's like how the filmed the Lord of the Rings.

But seriously, as they might say in the netherlands, der bass ist puny.

And it is Amsterdam.

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