Double Bass Schools of Double Bass Playing

[Mr. Jiggy Fly]

Hey there everyone.

I was reading a recent article on Roman Patkolo, and there was a mention of him not following any particular "school" of playing. Now, I had never really given much thought to it, but then I realized that I have heard of quite a few different "schools" of playing: Viennese, New Dutch, etc. The problem is, I cannot find any information on them (except for the New Dutch School, their is a very good website for that). What are the different schools of playing, and what does each one encompass. Thanks!

 

[TomGale]

Let me try. "Schools" usually encompass certain techniques more than others although most use all available techniques. Its easy to get caught up in just techniques and forget that the technique selected is only of use if it reaches that musical effect or goal. Any technique is always subordinate to the music. About 15 or so years ago, Dr. Mark Morton and I got together and found out we had very similiar ideas on playing and writing. We both used Simandl techniques about 85 to 90% of the time but there were musical challenges that needed more than just that. We both - apart from each other - added the 4 finger technique which had been around for over 100 years. To distinguish one from another, we called the 1,2,4 'closed hand' and the other - 1,2,3,4 - 'open hand'.
Meeting some challenges became easier when we added 1/2 step pivots to both techniques. There are also moments when it is musically necessary to use the thumb below the octave - not just starting at the octave.
When adding all that together, playing musically became so much easier. Mark suggested calling the whole package, The American School of Double Bass - America being a melting pot of many thoughts, ideas and many people. We didn't invent any of these things - we just put it all in a learning package that works. If you want more, try, ASODB.com.
Tom Gale

 

[Cory Palmer]

I am most familiar with the New York and Philadelphia schools of playing. When I say New York I am referring to the way that the New York Philharmonic plays. The Met is very similar to the way Philadelphia plays.

New York - very articulate, slow bow (usually not as slow as Philadelphia)

Philadelphia - long bow strokes, slower bow, very rich sound

 

[Mr. Jiggy Fly]

Thanks a ton both of you! I had no idea there were so many "schools".

Now, when I read the website on the New Dutch School, there were specific bow weights and strings, etc, that were used with the school. I assume that these other styles of playing are not as articulated as this, but I am not sure.

By the way, the website I am referring to is: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Cory, thanks for your info on those two types of playing. I had no idea that particular regions had methods of playing.

Now, if I could determine what MY school of playing is

 

[TomGale]

By the way, the website I am referring to is: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]


Thanks for the updated web. I see he recommends my method book on the "open hand" technique. I had forgotten that.
Tom Gale
asodb.com

 

[Mr. Jiggy Fly]

No problem. That's very cool that he recommends your book. Some good publicity