Bass Slaps

[Ragingkirb]

Hey guys,

Does anyone have any specific info for the articulation "Bass Slaps"?

I know these are the slaps that are unpitched (as opposed to Bartok Pizz Snaps, which are pitched). I also know that Bass Slaps are done by slapping the hand down onto the finger board, but I'm still unsure about the details. Do the players pluck the string as if about to perform a bartok pizz and then slap the hand down at the same time it hits the fingerboard? Or do the players just slap their palms on the strings without plucking them? If it's the latter, then does that mean ALL of the strings are slapped?

Finally, how do you actually notate the slap (not the bartok pizz)?

Thanks in advance. :)

[shnurgle]

I believe the effect is created when the performer strikes the strings with the bow and then quickly pulls the bow away so as not to stop the strings striking the fingerboard. This is notated with an X notehead and the word slap written above the staff (non-italics).

[Ragingkirb]

Cool thanks Shnurg :cool:

Seems damaging to the bass if played at karate chop dynamics.

[shnurgle]

I don't think it's too bad. The bass is a BEAR of an instrument and can withstand a pretty decent amount of abuse. Sometimes I like to kick my bass at the bridge to give it a little "light rousing." Other times I use margerine.

[Counterpoint]

Yeh, Shnurg is pretty much right on the money. Listening to the articulation itself it also sounds like the players are muting the strings with their left hands so as to not produce a pitch.

Cool thanks Shnurg :cool:

Seems damaging to the bass if played at karate chop dynamics.

The fingerboard is fairly strong, but excessive playing in this style would probably put a few chips in it. ;)

Actually it's the bow that takes most of the damage thanks to all these 'alternative' playing techniques. Take Holst's "Mars" for example... in that one you play the whole first part of it col legno. This is holding the bow sideways or upside-down and hitting the wood part repeatedly against the metal strings (which eventually chips the varnish on your bow).

Keep in mind too that most pro bass players play with bows that cost thousands of dollars so you can imagine the intense hatred string players feel towards composers who use these techniques frivolously. ;)

There are some other fun ones too like hitting the bow against the music stand. The bass bow is one of the favourites for these abusive playing styles as it is thicker and more resilient than the other string instrument bows.

Actually bass bows are great in the sense that you can "play" almost anything with one. Endpins, music stands, table legs, car doors... If no noise is produced on the first attempt, just put more rosin on the bow and try again with more enthusiasm! :D

- Matt

[Ragingkirb]

Keep in mind too that most pro bass players play with bows that cost thousands of dollars so you can imagine the intense hatred string players feel towards composers who use these techniques frivolously. ;)
- Matt

Thanks for the input Matt. I've actually seen some players use secondary bows (most likely cheaper in cost) for effects if there is ample resting time to allow for switching. Most of the time this is during rehearsal; they are probably using their real bow during the actual performance.

[Counterpoint]

Thanks for the input Matt. I've actually seen some players use secondary bows (most likely cheaper in cost) for effects if there is ample resting time to allow for switching. Most of the time this is during rehearsal; they are probably using their real bow during the actual performance.

Yes, fiberglass bows are available at a much lower price and are ideal for these playing techniques. You can also get a 'holster' that attaches to the bass for more convenient bow swapping!

Hmm, I've also seen (and played!) a double bass whose body was made of aluminum sheets. It was great to play in a concert band with all the brass instruments around. "take that, tubas, now I have a shiny instrument too!" :D

- Matt