Double Bass Which rabbath book?

[AMUNC]

So now that the amount of rabbath material is growing even more(though not any cheaper), I become more and more interested. I tried bringing it up to my teacher, the only one around, and he tore me to bits about the incorectness of rabbath.

So now to my question: which book or dvd is best to get if i can only get one? I'm thinking that I won't use the third as much, i already know my scales very well and would like to learn more directly related to his technique (especially the crab technique, that really intrigues me) and some of his etude/concertos.

 

[chicagodoubler]

The first book is almost entirely 1st position with Simandl fingerings. It's a very good book, and is quite challenging to play well, even for intermediate players. The second book is good as well, though there's quite a leap between the two.

The third one is the one most college level, aspiring professional players work out of. It's an exhaustive advanced study, and is used by tons of players who don't get into the pivot, bent endpin, crab, or any of the other business that turns people off from Rabbath.

FOR THE RECORD and please, can we all scream this from the mountain top.. the "controversial" aspects of Rabbath's technique and philosophy are a *miniscule* portion of his printed pedagogy. You guys and your teachers and Betty White might have issues with some of what Francois teaches, but to deprive yourselves of one of the most significant pedagogical resources from the last century to spite him is just plain foolish.

Adam, sorry about the rant. To answer your question- you have to commit to a teacher's method in the beginning. What books would he have you work out of? Have you mastered all those?

If you simply must, then buy book 1- it's a wonderful addition to anyone's library, and having an entire book in 1st position allows you to really focus on tone and bow control. Don't bring it to lessons if it's going to cause friction. An angry teacher is rarely what any of us need in life.

PS- book "Solos for the Double Bassist" is full of lots of wonderful music.

PPS- you know your scales very well? Remember, many of us who are full time professionals still spend an hour+ on scales every day. Don't make the mistake of failing to fall in love with the basics! We are, after all, bass players.

 

[AMUNC]

Oh of course i understand you point of view comletely. I have "mastered" books 1 and 2 of simandl, well become very fluent in it. Also, I too spend an hour or more on scales a day, i just thought that the third book was some kind of scale resource. I must have misread other posts. But thank you for your input. Do you have any views on maybe using one of his dvds? Particularly art of the left hand? I am a very curious german player, so his bow technique might not be as helpful, but you never know.

 

[KStewart]

Hi Adam,

I'm a working bassist (mostly american roots music and theater work) that has never had a proper orchestral lesson/teaching in my life until last week. Originally I had bought, and planned, on studying out of Simandl Vol I. But, over the years I've heard so many good, and bad, things regarding this method, so I had my doubts. (I should add that my personally goals for my playing are not to be in an orchestra per se, but to sharpen my bowing/soloing skills and know the fingerboard very well, especially thumb position.)

My teacher (who just so happens to be a friend and knows my playing/learning curve pretty well) subtly showed enthusiasm when I mentioned Rabbath's Vol I. Me personally, I've been reading as much as I could find about Francois, watched everything there is to watch of him on youtube, gasped at the prices of his books, dvd's, cds etc. the past months.... basically, I'm a Francois Rabbath FAN NERD! His approach, fingering ideology and bow technique amaze me. He seems like a very laid back teacher as well. Real. Not militant. I am a fan especially of the different fingerings and 'less' positions on the fingerboard.

Well, turns out my teacher is also a Rabbath fan and highly suggested his books for me and my personal playing goals.....but, he left the decision up to me on what book to keep studying out of. Honestly, the strict discipline of Simandl left hand technique scared me a bit. So, I bought Rabbath's Vol I, started into it on my own yesterday. Yes, it's all first position.... but I need that! Both for getting my fingering going in the right direction, and for strengthening my (weak) bow technique. (I also switched from German to French bow, mainly because that's what my teacher plays.)

You are lucky that you have already mastered Simandl I & II because you can jump in on any Rabbath book and use it. Me, if I looked at Vol II or III it would look like arabic or some language non-familiar. Way over my head....for now. If I were you, I'd buy what you can of Rabbath's while you can (and while he's still living among us) and learn what he's teaching. If your teacher isn't open to it, maybe try and show him some of Francois' youtube videos, especially the 7 part where he is teaching a class in Germany. Amazing stuff.

François Rabbath at HfM Berlin - 1 - YouTube

For me personally, I can't wait to get through open string exercises!

Here's a video that might help you with your decision. Rabbath method. German bow.

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cheers

ps. wish I could get back to France soon. Would love to get a personal session with the master himself.