Double Bass How long's yer (endpin) rod?

[Freddels]

i can keep both feet comfortably on the floor or stuck out forward, almost holding the bass between my shins like a gamba, and have the bass directly in front, a la rabbath, and play unlimited amounts of time without tiring.

This is interesting. Are you using the bent endpin while sitting?

Could you post some pics of this, from different angles so that we can get a better idea of what you are doing?

 

[Don Higdon]

To state the obvious, there is no standard size or shape for basses or people, so all we can give Drool are approximate guidelines. Nut at ear or eye is one, but there are other considerations. You also want to be able to bow close to the bridge comfortably. Also,

I'm about five years down the road with DB, I'm a stander, and I have a history of back trouble even before the Big Bass came into the picture. And yeah, I've got some bass-related back issues -- nothing serious but I want to play until I cash out! I should get into some Alexander stuff...

Demon Rondo: It is vital that you not bend the spine to come forward or down to thumb position. You should hinge at the hips. Regarding the topic at hand, this meant that lowering the bass was better for my back, even moreso on a bass with high shoulders.
As for Alexander, I'm teaching now, but the commute to Winnipeg is a bit much. When you want to find a teacher, let me know.

 

[Damon Rondeau]

Thanks very much for the thoughtful comments, Don. I know we've got decent Alexander resources here in town and my teacher is plugged into that network. He's a big guy too and also has a history of back trouble -- he's had success in dealing with that. We've obviously spoken of the issue but never have delved into it very deep; I'd like to go deeper. He's a sitter and suggests I sit. I've tried both ways and my preference is to put the effort into making standing work better for me.

 

[Don Higdon]

Demon,
Instead of writing a treatise, I'll just say that I get to see alot of great orchestra players, there's a higher frequency of sub-optimum or even bad use of the back among players who sit.