Compositions/songs that require a low c extention

Stingrayz · #1 09-13-2006, 07:51 AM

Hello all,

I am about to start playing the double bass, and i was wondering what songs/compositions require a Low C extension to play.. also, what basic level of playing are these compositions... So would a beginner like me need one ?

Thank you

Snakewood · #2 09-13-2006, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stingrayz

Hello all,

I am about to start playing the double bass, and i was wondering what songs/compositions require a Low C extension to play.. also, what basic level of playing are these compositions... So would a beginner like me need one ?

Thank you

For a beginner the need of an extension is quite low. Many composers take advantage of notes lower than contra e, such as: shostakovich, r. strauss, beethoven, prokofiev, etc. You'll also find a lot of boroque music with lower notes because the tuning of the double bass was very different.

sforzando6 · #3 09-15-2006, 04:54 PM

There aren't really a lot of solos for any level of playing that require a C extension. A lot of orchestral parts use notes below E, though.

PaulCannon · #4 09-15-2006, 05:49 PM

Even on a professional level, an extension is never necessary, although occassionally requested for specific things. Still, it's fun to have.

In any event, a beginner shouldn't ever need one. It's not until you're playing orchestral repertoire on a fairly advanced level that it can even be worth the money.

Stingrayz · #5 09-17-2006, 02:00 PM

Hello all,

Thanks for the replies.

Is there a way to completley remove the C extention ? what i mean is to remove any trace it had on the bass ( drilled scroll etc.)

Thanks

tbassist4 · #6 10-20-2006, 12:04 AM

I personally do not have a C extension, but it is possible to remove it mostly, I'd think. Since you must replace your current nut with a new one to put it on, you can remove the extension, and place on the old nut, or a new one. As for the screw holes, that's quite a bit tougher considering that there is no wood in that place anymore. I don't quite know how to approach that problem. I can think of several ways, but I do not work with wood myself. Maybe someone with some luthier experience would like to comment? Has this really been done before? I hear of them being put on all the time, but I've never heard of them being taken off.

As far as having a C extension goes. I'm in my senior year of highschool, and I never expected to see a part that needed it until I got into college or played in a community orchestra of some type, but we'll be playing with the choir and band for our christmas concert, and one of the pieces is Gustav Holst's Christmas Day. There is a section that goes to a low Eb and D. It might just be the arrangement that we have, but still.

I would still say that you do not need one quite yet. It was a rarity that I came across a part at the highschool level that has such notes at all. I'm just planning on octaving the notes, which you can do if you for some reason do find a piece. I do however hear that they're becomming more popular. My bass teacher has one, and uses it for a few pieces. So, really only go by need, and once you get it, don't take it off, you can still play the bass normally. Haha, after that long winded thing, I would say do not get one yet.

mcnaire2004 · #7 10-20-2006, 09:43 AM

If you have a C don't take it off. Just because you don't need it just yet. Though they are right that it is not a requirment it is prefered if you have it to play the low notes. Don't remove it. You have the power. It's a cool thing to have. It's best to keep it now and not have to pay to put it on later. Besides it would cost alot to remove any trace of it. First you'd have to fix the sliced and driled scroll were the extention goes and strign goes. Then, you'd have to replace the nut which isn't a problem. But keep it.