When should you use vibrato on double bass?

check out the complete videos that I used:
• Tchaikovsky: Romeo and...
• Mozart: Eine Kleine Na...
• Scott Dixon, Koussevit...
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intro song by Eric Hochberg - erichochberg.com
TIMECODES:
0:00 - intro
0:15 - vibrato in the bass section
1:47 - Berlin Philharmonic excerpt
3:25 - more on vibrato in the bass section
4:28 - lone bassist in an ensemble
5:47 - New Century Chamber Orchestra excerpt
7:39 - as soloist
9:03 - Scott Dixon solo bass excerpt
podcast appearances from bassists featured in this video:
• 436: Anthony Manzo on ...
• 550: Scott Dixon on re...

[@markrodriguez2859]

Thanks for the help im the only bass in my school and getting help is hard

[@doublebasshq]

You bet! Let me know any questions you might have!

[@michaelanderson001]

Thank you very much for addressing my initial dilemma. Your response has given me the guidance I was looking for. I will start using vibrato when practising my scales and take it from there. However, it will not be as vigorous as some of the cello players I have seen on tv at the Royal Albert Hall Proms.

[@doublebasshq]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brokenelectronics3665]

This was an interesting video. When I first started as an orchestral bassist, most section players virtually never played vibrato, at all really. Maybe about 20 years ago, conductors started to ask for it in specific passages. In today's world, it's a lot more common. Still, I think your advice about keeping it understated is good, and I would add, when in doubt, don't vibrate. As far as chamber orchestra and solo playing, I think you were right on.

[@doublebasshq]

Thanks for your perspective!

[@dannymokelke8543]

I would love a video about the “uni-finger” technique you were talking about!

[@doublebasshq]

For sure!

[@anderslasson3465]

Me too!❤

[@anderslasson3465]

It would be very nice with a video on this wider double-finger(?) vibrato variant.
After seeing your video, I feel that I have some basis for choice of vibrato amount in my orchestra. Great! Thanks!
BR, Anders

[@doublebasshq]

Great suggestion! I’ve got that “uni-finger” vibrato concept in my “next up” idea folder.

[@DAngelotti]

Being married to a vocalist, she has recommended thinking of how a singer would approach it. No singer would go directly into a heavy vibrato without a little straight tone in a more subdued piece for example. They would allow the note to gradually open.

[@doublebasshq]

For sure!

[@drjazzproject]

on the last video where Scott plays solo, I noticed an interesting design of the endpin on his double bass.
could you tell me more about this design?

[@doublebasshq]

Scott's using a Rob Pin - cool device! One of these days I need to do a deep-dive video on endpin options: basscapos.com/robpin.html

[@drjazzproject]

@@doublebasshq Thank you very much for your answer, I'm thinking of building something like this myself!)

[@anderslasson3465]

Thanks again for the video.
A related question: How much vibrato during pizz?
And how much open strings during pizz?
BR, Anders

[@anderslasson3465]

Maybe something for the ideas folder?

[@doublebasshq]

Good question!

[@doublebasshq]

Great idea--just added it to my folder!