Double Bass German bow seated.

[Hank Hirsh]

Hi
do German bow players sit down? when i play the E string the bow wants to hit my knee. i tried playing with my daughter's french style violin bow and didn't encounter the problem.
i have tried various angles and distances without much satisfaction. different angles seem to affect my intonation (which, as a beginner isn't so good anyway) and i am wondering if i really need to adjust everything i practice to the stool technique, thus creating a whole different situation.

i bought a stool and am wondering if i should return it.
i welcome any thoughts.

thanks
peace
hh

 

[nathanmcnathan]

I sit when I play, and I use a German bow with no problems. Your problem is probably steming from how you position the bass. Although there are many different ideas on how to play seated, I usually hold the bass with my left knee supporting the bass by the ribs, and with my right leg extended to avoid hitting it with the bow.

 

[Andrew McGregor]

Also, dropping the bass away a bit with your left leg helps to get a bit of clearance.

 

[Hank Hirsh]

Thanks guys. at least i know i am not committing some travesty in tradition. i will keep at it. thanks again for your responses.
peace
hank