C Extension Ideas?

[adam ravitz]

I'm wondering if there is any sort of budget solution to c-extensions. I would like to add one to my bass, but am not sure that the bass is really worth putting an extension on (i mean... i think it is, but it is an eleven year old carved top bass, that i'm guessing is a student model from some maker i'm unsure about [the label in the bass says nothing of use]), considering what they cost. Has anyone ever made their own extension for their bass? I know that basscapos.com sells capos, and i have an old ebony fingerboard laying around, so this idea always crosses my mind, i also have Setup And Repair of the Double Bass for Optimum Sound: A Manual for Players, Makers, And Repairers by Chuck Traeger, David Brownell and William Merchant.
From what i understand buying an old, used extensions, usually would just result in headaches, since they're generally custom fit. And i know that nothing beats having one custom fit/built for you by a luthier, but they are always at least $1000. Any ideas besides tuning the bass down? I've been playing in drop D for the past two years but i don't think the open D sounds very good with the regular E string length. Any thoughts?

[PaulCannon]

Bass Extensions, Gated C Extensions - Slide C - KC Strings

How handy are you? You could buy the parts for the KC Strings extension and install it yourself. They're made of heavy brass, which I suspect dampens the sound a bit.

[Blaine]

Think about making a D extension, shorter fingerboard and you don't have to worry about fitting to the scroll.

[Jluvial]

I tune in fifths to avoid exactly this dilemma. If you're playing with one fifth already why not go all the way? The easiest way is to replace the E with a low B string and go from there. Otherwise making your own extension is going to take a lot of time getting the right length, stable, and tuning the stops right.

[neilG]

Originally Posted by Blaine

Think about making a D extension, shorter fingerboard and you don't have to worry about fitting to the scroll.

I'm not familiar with this. Can you explain and maybe show a photo? Thanks.

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by neilG

I'm not familiar with this. Can you explain and maybe show a photo? Thanks.

Here's a simple 'D' extension - it could be tuned to a 'C' if you're comfortable with the D-A-D-G tuning.