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Double Bass Playing with a stool

S

Skabasskid

Mar 6, 2011
179
6
#1
When I first started playing DB about 10 months ago, I had consistent back pains, (I have terrible scoliosis [sp?]), and hand cramping in my left hand. However, about a month ago I started playing with a stool, and these problems, along with many technique problems have cleared up like magic. However, I feel that it's a bit taboo for bassists (especially a 6' 4" bassist) to use stools. Is this just a strange taboo in my area or is this really an issue that I'll face going into college next year?

Also, good stools to purchase?
 
#2
It's not taboo, it's mandatory in orchestra. Using a stool is optional in solo playing, and if anyone tells you otherwise, just tell them you don't have the option.

Yes, there is a bit of an attitude around this in some areas, but seriously, if you're in pain and having technique problems, fix them any way you can.
 
#5
PaulCannon said:
I'm 6'5" and I sit in orchestra. It's hardly taboo, nearly every professional sits.

If you want to spend some money, the best bass stool on the market is [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. Absurdly expensive, but very comfortable.
Click to expand...

Very, very comfortable, but also incredibly heavy! You can't really lift it for more than a few yards with one hand..

An alternative high quality comfortable and customisable stool, which is more easily transportable, is [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. You can add the backrest and a footrest if you want, and it's adjustable from crazy-low to crazy-high.
 
#10
I spray every moving joint (that's quite a few!) and also the metal plate on the underside of the seat - basically anywhere I think may produce any noise! Put down newspapers before you start and wear old clothes, the WD-40 tends to go everywhere!
 
#12
I've had a K & M since Christmas and It's a great investment for practicality in height and comfort; however, since the stool weighs 14 lbs and my bass is not very light either, It's been a burden on my back. I've had to adjust by taking two trips (one for bass and bow, the other for the stool) to stop from throwing out my lower back. But, I have had back problems since before I knew what a bass was, so It is probably different for everyone.
 
#17
Sitting is a great way to alleviate problems that occur from the navigating the block position to the upper ranges. The bow probably doesn't work as easily if one were to stand, but it is a sacrifice that I have been comfortable with so far. That being said, there are quite a few players that have great success with standing while playing solos, so I would say do what suits you, and try and get comfy!
 
#18
Only MONKEYS play with their stools, geez!

But on a serious note, to the OP, Ska Kid, Scoliosis is a serious issue when dealing with playing the bass. Before you embark on studying more bass, see what you can do to take care of it now! I developed a 29 degree curve in my spine during my last growth spurt, when I was around 12/13, and was told that unless it got worse surgery was too drastic a treatment and there were no other options to treat it.

I played this way for 14 years, until my wife recommended I see if a chiropractor could help. I had been told by several physical therapists that chiropractic treatment could not help my scoliosis, it was too late to correct it, and that I just needed to keep doing exercises to help balance myself out. HOWEVER, last fall I found a chiropractor in NYC who was able to correct my scoliosis around 10 degrees! My spine curved to my left, so it was my bow arm that suffered because my right shoulder was considerably higher than my left. Because of leaning that way I always had trouble to let my bow lay into the string, because my right arm did not swing freely. It was better sitting than standing, heck, I tried so hard and could NOT play standing.

However, the chiropractic treatment I had helped considerably and playing the last 8 months has been SO much easier, and because my bow is free I'm able to easily pull a completely different kind of sound, much warmer and freer.

So, SkaBassKid, or anyone who has scoliosis, don't just try to work around the problem, explore treatment options, and while there are many naysayers of chiropractic treatment, I found a chiropractor that helped me and my playing beyond what I thought was possible
 
#19
Speaking of Scoliosis, I play sitting and have been getting back pain for a little while now.

But the thing is, it's inconsistant. Some days, I won't have much pain at all or even none, but other days I can get a pretty huge amount.

Does anyone have any tips or tricks to how to get rid of back pain while sitting? Any sort of help would be greatly appreciated.
 
#20
A Spotless Mind said:
Speaking of Scoliosis, I play sitting and have been getting back pain for a little while now.

But the thing is, it's inconsistant. Some days, I won't have much pain at all or even none, but other days I can get a pretty huge amount.

Does anyone have any tips or tricks to how to get rid of back pain while sitting? Any sort of help would be greatly appreciated.
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Scoliosis is not fancy word for "back pain." It's a medical term for abnormal spinal curvature. Do you suffer from scoliosis specifically, or are you just experiencing pain?

There are so many causes of back pain, it would be pointless to try and diagnose you online. You should see a certified physical therapist (not a chiropractor, for now) and bring your bass with you. There could be something about your posture, or the general health of your back and abdominal muscles.

You could also try yoga, pilates, alexander technique, and swimming.
 

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