Double Bass Holding theDB

[Andy Mopley]

When holding the DB, in a standing position, I have seen images of people holding the instrument somewhat in front of their hips; others, somewhere in line.

http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html

Is it simply a case of "whatever feels confortable" and makes you sound the best you can?
Another one of these "ongoing experiments" we DB players go through, periodically?

Thanks for reading!

 

[neilG]

Is it simply a case of "whatever feels confortable" and makes you sound the best you can?
Another one of these "ongoing experiments" we DB players go through, periodically?

Yes.

 

[Violen]

I used to sit exclusively. Now i stand primarily unless its going to be a 3 hour gig. Then i still sit. There are benefits to both, and trade offs. I really like standing better now.

 

[MikeCanada]

The article you linked points out that there are multiple ways to stand, and none of them are perfect. Moving the bass more in line or in front usually means that you are accommodating one hand while making a compromise with the other. Something else to consider is how the rest of your body needs to move to make that possible, as you will likely have to bend or twist somehow regardless to where the instrument is.

Where you instrument is facing also changes, as some bassists have it almost at 90 degrees to their torso facing in, where others will have it completely parallel or even slightly facing out. While basses are more omnidirectional than say trumpets, you generally want it facing your audience. This can be a problem if you play like Jason's fig. 2 in a "traditionally" configured orchestra.

It does tend to be a bit of an ongoing experiment for some of us to find a way to be most comfortable without compromising our sound. Eventually you find something that works best for you with your current technique and instrument, and stick with that for a while. Since basses and bassists come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and what might be a fantastic posture for you could be impossible for the next guy, it really comes down to finding something that works for you.