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Double Bass Fingerboard Thumb Rest

#21
mebusdriver said:
Playing the E string correctly has been a problem for me as well. I seriously never considered adding a rest until I saw this post. Great idea!! I might try this.
Click to expand...

If you're new to playing, it could be your technique. Attacking the E string string can be a problem at first. Depending upon the sound I want, I might use a flicking or rolling motion with my hand. And anchoring my hand with the thumb become less important than the weight of my arm.

I think "the rest" would be more helpful when you're digging into the higher strings and have the thumb solidly placed to deliver leverage.
 
#22
Thumpie said:
If you're new to playing, it could be your technique. Attacking the E string string can be a problem at first. Depending upon the sound I want, I might use a flicking or rolling motion with my hand. And anchoring my hand with the thumb become less important than the weight of my arm.

I think "the rest" would be more helpful when you're digging into the higher strings and have the thumb solidly placed to deliver leverage.
Click to expand...

I agree. Call me old-fashioned, but I shy away from such ad hoc re-designs of the instrument. With a conventionally set up DB and good technique, this should really be a non-issue as it has been for scads of players over many decades.
 
#23
I don't see the rest idea as an ad hoc redesign at all. In fact what I am intentionally looking at is the whole pizz technique of thumb/fingerboard relationship. Is the traditional design, shape, width, contour of the fingerboard ideal for a pizz intensive playing style? IMHO these relationships have not been addressed because of tradition. Obviously millions of players are doing just fine w/the current design. I do need better pizz technique, I think that might apply to many of us. I am not out to redesign anything, I am just enjoying the process of tinkering, looking intimately at something that seems obvious and seeing if it really works for me and can I make it better. I should add my day job is a muscular therapist. I deal w/ergonomics, injuries and teaching folks how to use their bodies in a more intentional way. These skills carry over to my approach to bass playing

drurb said:
I agree. Call me old-fashioned, but I shy away from such ad hoc re-designs of the instrument. With a conventionally set up DB and good technique, this should really be a non-issue as it has been for scads of players over many decades.
Click to expand...
 
#24
It is very much ad hoc if you consult the true definition of that term. I didn't intend a negative connotation at all. I've taken great pains to point out that such a solution wouldn't be for me, especially because there's no problem that I have to solve with regard to that aspect of pizz. For sure, I could be a better player, but that's something else. I applaud your ingenuity.
 
#25
Drub, thanks for clarifying ad hoc - learn something new every day! I might have to get a patent on the thumb rest call it the Ad Hoc TR! More humor and experimentation is needed. I want to see you DIYers get out your block planes and start making your own and reporting back. they make good kindling if you decide it's not for you
 

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