Double Bass Starting Rabbath

[skatevu]

Dear fellow bassists,
I have been looking into starting rabbath method as an alternative to that evil orange book we all know as simandl. I can play up to the high c in TP. I see alot of people skip the first rabbath book and start with the second because it covers all positions, not just the first two. I can only afford one, so i wanted any opinions on which one i should get.
Thanks in advance,
Adam

 

[lloydjgoldstein]

Dear Adam,

The Rabbath Method is about two things. First and foremost, according to the man himself is The Art of the Bow. There is a comprehensive DVD available to learn the proper stance, setup and complete bow technique. Search 'Art of the Bow' and you will find it. This is the most important beginning to the study of the method.

Next step: The Art of the Left Hand. This new DVD came out this past year. Both DVDs feature Rabbath demonstrating every aspect if his technique using multiple camera angles. These are priceless teaching and learning tools. More important to start with than the books, because the Rabbath Technique is about how to play with ease, grace and ergonomic playing. What you play after that is up to you. The books will be very valuable after you understand and practice the overall approach to the technique via the videos. It is like having Rabbath in your studio. Buy them or steal them! Art of the Bow comes first!!!