Franz Simandl

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Franz Simandl

Franz Simandl (1840 - 1912) was a double-bassist and pedagogue who is remembered most for his New Method for the Double Bass, 30 Studies, and more advanced collection of studies, Gradus ad Parnassum. All three of these works are still in use today and are available in a number of competing critical editions.

His approach uses the first, second, and fourth fingers of the left hand (actually, the third and fourth operating together as one digit) for stopping the strings on the lower register of the instrument and divides the fingerboard into various positions.

The second volume of the method looks at the use of thumb positions using the thumb, first, second and third fingers, to play solo, high register work and again dividing the fingerboard up into a concept of positions. The second volume also delves extensively in to the playing of harmonics.

Simandl's "New Method" of playing (over a century old now) is still the keystone of classical double-bass technique, but modern adaptations of, extensions to, and challenges to New Method doctrines are acknowledged.

Simandl studied at the Prague Conservatory with Josef Hrabe before becoming the principal bassist in the Vienna Court Orchestra. His pupils include many of the leading bassists of his time such as Theodore Findeisen and Ludwig Manoloy, who came to New York City and was the teacher of Herman Reinshagen, former principal bass of the New York Philharmonic.