Fingering matters

B
I prefer to shift position before the end of a line

 

Whatever works best for you. How about not using a open string.

 

Just me: B, pivoting the thumb between Eb(1) and F(2). I feel that pivot is easier to be precise when I change fingers during the pivot. If I played F(4) - pivot - Gb(4), I'd need to control myself not to play audible slide. Sliding is okay, but sparingly. I can't really play Db and Ab major scales with classic Simandl fingering, it gets exhausting quickly.

 

I would use "B" since that would be the "correct" fingering on a Db major scale- at least that's how I was taught

 

B

 

I'd do B unless the next stop was Ab on the D string, in which case I would probably play the Gb with 1.

I think I can count on one hand the number of places where I do the 4-4 shift, one of the simandl etudes is the only thing I can think of offhand.

 

I would do option b). I personally tend to avoid ascending 4 - 4 shifts and descending 1 - 1 shifts when possible.

 

b), given those two choices

But, if this line actually came up while playing, I probably wouldn't use the open string.

 

From those two options, B to ascend, and A to descend.

 

I say get comfy with both, but B is likely what i would do, although my actual line would likely be Db Eb E F Gb.

 

Pivoting is flimsy for a solid, quarter note walking line. A shift is worth it for stability. I wouldn't recommend ANY pivoting for jazz ensemble playing. In a fast solo it might prove worthwhile.