Reid Vs Simandl

[Basshappi]

Well, lo and behold I find that I am now in a fledgling Jazz band! I have not had to read music in 20 years and I was never very good at it to begin with. However, I had decided some time ago (thanks in part to hanging out with you folks here) that I really need to get off my lazy butt and learn theory like a real musician! This band just makes it imperative!

 

I have a copy of Rufus Reids book The Evolving Bassist that was given to me by my teacher. Over the years I have read it a few times but only recently have I begun to actually STUDY it! Also, I have decided that I should expand my collection and there are many great suggestions in the forum which I want to acquire.

 

My specific question concerns Simandls book. I know that everyone praises it (as I recall my teacher did too), so today I went to the store to pick up a copy and spent 30 minutes reading through it. However, it seems to me that Reids book covers all the same information. Am I missing something here? Should I go ahead and study the Simandl book also, or do you feel that Reids book will serve?

 

I realize that it is only $20 and I could just buy it (and quit being so anal ). But if it would be money better spent to buy a book that would complement the one I have rather than (seemingly) duplicate it, I would rather do so.

 

What do you folks recommend?

[JBFLA]

For $20, it's more than worth it.

 

I've got both; it was required by my teachers (separately) to have them. I bought them in the late 70's/early 80's. Even now (when I feel my reading skills are slipping - due to neglect), I'll close my eyes and pull out whichever one I come in contact with first.

 

I think there's enough difference between them to make it worthwhile....and more than enough in the variety of lessons to keep things fresh.

 

...Can't have too much of a good thing, eh?

 

JBFLA

[Dave Martin]

I'd get the Simandl too, as well as the Simandl Etudes. But that's probably because that's what I learned from.

[jeremy c]

I have both and many more books.

 

There is nothing as thorough as the Simandl book.

 

Someone needs to write a book like this for electric and/or for jazz players.

 

Maybe it'll have to be me.

[Basshappi]

Jeremy I'll buy your first copy

[MartinJ]

Originally posted by jeremyc:

...

Someone needs to write a book like this for electric and/or for jazz players.

 

Maybe it'll have to be me.

Put me down for copy #2.

[Wally Malone]

I have both as well. Jeremy, a new bass related career, you may be able to retire from teaching (not teaching bass of course), referring to your school gig. You could have different editions for extended range basses. Just think of the different positions something could be played on a nine string (F# to Bb).

 

Wally

[bc_dup1]

Someone needs to write a book like this for electric and/or for jazz players.

Does anyone have any thoughts on Joel Di Bartolo's "Serious Electric Bass" in this context?

I've owned a copy for some time but haven't really spent lots of time with the exercises - I'm starting to get a better sense of how it might help, though. I'm awaiting the Reid book from Amazon (along with the John Goldsby book that DaveBrownBass recommended in another thread). I'm intending to get Simandl also but if there's a big overlap with Reid and/or Bartolo I might delay ordering that until I've put in some work with the others.

 

BTW Jeremy, you can put me down on your customer list as well.

[Pernax]

Originally posted by Wally Malone:

You could have different editions for extended range basses. Just think of the different positions something could be played on a nine string (F# to Bb).

 

Wally

And what about different editions for beginners and advanced players. The "newbie book" could begin with a chapter where Jeremy would give the reader hell about his/her use of grammar and punctuation ...

 

Seriously speaking I'd make sure that one copy would end up on this side of the Big Pond. Go for it J!

 

-Pernax

[Dave Martin]

Originally posted by jeremyc:

There is nothing as thorough as the Simandl book.

 

Someone needs to write a book like this for electric and/or for jazz players.

I dunno - I've pleyed through the Simandl on electric bass - other than ignoring the bits about bowing and not using a third finger, it's still a good idea...

[...]

Simandl could totally kick Reid's ass. Oh, it's not that kind of thread.

 

Buy both, learn from both, feel the love from both. Then buy JeremyC's Big Book Of 'Lectric Fish - Gettin' Your Jazz On. Hits bookstands next August.

[SplitNick]

I kind fo find it strange that you would say that the two books cover the same info. I have the newest edition of "The Evolving Bassist" and it does not come close to explaining the fundamental techniques that are discussed in Simandl. I use the Simandl book for position playing, exercises and to further my orchestral ability. I use the Reid to develop jazz technique. If you get the Simandl, I think you'll understand the difference once you start using it, that is if you follow the position and fingering suggestions. But both books are great...They just serve different purposes and different styles of music.

[abaguer]

"I really need to get off my lazy butt and learn theory like a real musician! This band just makes it imperative"

 

It sounds to me like you want a book that explains theory, jazz theory in particular. I also have both books and find that Simandl really doesn't cover theory. It's great for reading and terminology and etudes but the Evolving Bassist might be better in that regard. I agree with all those who said Simandl is the way to go in learning upright bass reading and technique but if you're looking for theory I think EB is better.

[Iso-K]

Originally posted by jeremyc:

There is nothing as thorough as the Simandl book.

 

Someone needs to write a book like this for electric and/or for jazz players.

Well, I think there´s one book that comes close. About seven years ago my parents bought me this four volume book "Basova Gytara" from Prague.

 

It´s written in english, german and tzech and orginally made to be used in music conservatories in Germany. I have never seen a another copy of it. Mine´s printed in 80´s.

 

First book handles basic techniques and fingerboard knowledge (Positions, scales, different keys).

Second book concentrates on higher positions and some advanced techniques like double stops and harmonics. There´s also some duets for two basses and good number of etydes.

Third book is about improvisation and music theory.

Fourth book handles basic slap techiques.

There´s also booklet which has concertos arranged for piano and electric bass.

 

First two volumes have over 200 pages, thrid around 150 pages and last one under 100 pages.

[_Sweet Willie_]

Originally posted by Bumpcity:

Simandl could totally kick Reid's ass. Oh, it's not that kind of thread.

 

Buy both, learn from both, feel the love from both. Then buy JeremyC's Big Book Of 'Lectric Fish - Gettin' Your Jazz On. Hits bookstands next August.

I would buy an instructional book that Jeremy wrote. I would love to buy it if Jeremy used the title that Bumpcity has suggested. It would be even more of a pleasure if, say, Wally wrote the foreword!

 

I have the DiBartolo book and the Reid book. I have not made it far enough in either to offer reasonable critiques.

 

Also, I don't know about that Simandl-Reid ass-kickin' thing. Reid can hold his own. In a toe-to-toe throw-down, I'd probably take Reid. But, then again, it's not that kind of thread.

[bc_dup1]

One obvious gap in Di Bartolo is that he doesn't cover any rhythmic patterns so he won't help you read rhythms.

[SteveC]

I also have both. Get the Simandl book. It is a great book for everything from basics to extended position. I use that with my students, electric and upright. The Reid is a great book, too, but I would work Simandl first. I'm only guessing, but I bet you've thrown away $20 on something completely worthless with less thought than you've put into this.