Double Bass Stool Selection for Orchestra Teachers
Sit or stand? I prefer my students sit. Which bass stools are best for your students?
A stool is an essential piece of equipment for your double bass students. While some bass professionals advise standing while playing, I’m a fan of having students sit so that they have an easier time steading the bass and usually have less fear of dropping it.
The number one priority when choosing a stool is that it is ADJUSTABLE. Students must have the height of their stool adjusted so that the seat is set to “the height of the bottom of their back pocket.” I use this terminology as to avoid saying butt or buttocks. A back pocket usually comes to the bottom of the buttocks and this is the perfect height.
The stool should allow the player’s right foot to be flat on the ground, and the left foot to be placed on the “ring” or “rung” of the stool. The left leg cradles the bass and helps stabilize it while sitting. Stools should be stable and have legs that are wider than the seat itself.
In my classroom, I have about 10 bass stools. They are adjusted to several heights to accommodate different sized players. The stools are numbered so that a player can associate themself with a numbered stool and continue to use it daily. Consistency is important!
I recommend a heavy-duty stool that is meant for classroom/industrial use. Stools found at local retail stores aren’t usually meant for school use and definitely are not OSHAA approved. They are usually meant for light-duty, residential use and just won’t hold up in the tough school environment.
The steel stools I use have adjustable legs. The stools can be configured to have a seat height from about 25” to 31” that fit most middle and high school students. There are shorter versions and taller versions as well. Some stool options include padded seats or back rests. This is up to you, your students and your budget. The stools I purchase range from around $60-$75 each.
Here are a few links to ones I’ve purchased and recommend.
- Adjustable metal stool with wood seat: https://amzn.to/44F8QYa
- Above with padded seat: https://amzn.to/3RcujVD
- Above with padded seat and backrest: https://amzn.to/44Cg5Ac
These stools are strong, stackable, and lightweight enough to take with you on field trips or other performances. (The ones with a backrest are not stackable). It’s important for double bass players to use stools that are strong and fit their body proportions, and comfort preferences. The right stool can greatly enhance a student’s playing experience and contribute to better performance and improved technique.
I know there are a lot of different opinions about wether bass players should sit or stand, and I am simply discussing my experiences. I’d love to hear yours! Use the comments below!
Watch the short video…
About my purple shirt in the video… I am a “trusted adult” at my school for Sources of Strength, a nation-wide program that strives to prevent adverse outcomes by increasing wellbeing, help-seeking, resiliency, healthy coping, and belonging. Sources of Strength moves beyond a singular focus on risk factors by utilizing an upstream approach for youth suicide prevention. If you are interested in learning more about this wonderful program, visit https://sourcesofstrength.org/
Please support my charity, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, by making a donation. https://supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.participant&participantID=2833292
#bassstool #doublebass #orchestra #schoolorchestra #stringteacher #orchestradirector #orchestrateacher #sittingwhileplayingbass
Stay in touch by