C Extensions in New England

mjt0229 · #1 04-02-2010, 07:05 AM

I've been meaning to put an extension on my Arvi since I got it. In Seattle, I was having a hard time finding a luthier who was interested in doing the work. Now that I'm in Boston, it seems comparatively like an embarrassment of riches. I searched around and didn't find any specific recommendations for people do do them here, although I know of a few shops in the area that will.

Anyone have experience people in the New England (Boston) area they'd like to share?

Alternatively, if I missed an obvious thread or post, let me know...

robobass · #2 04-02-2010, 07:48 AM

There are three shops in Boston on my links page who all do regular (and good) extension work.
http://www.basscapos.com/installers.html
Check them out.

arnoldschnitzer · #3 04-02-2010, 10:47 AM

Jed Kriegel in Medford (my former workshop assistant for 4 years).

Michael Hartery of Boston Bass Works in South Boston.

anonymous02282011 · #4 04-02-2010, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arnoldschnitzer

Jed Kriegel in Medford (my former workshop assistant for 4 years).

Michael Hartery of Boston Bass Works in South Boston.

Both of these guys do great work.

I've known Mike for about . . . hmm . . . 12 years. Great guy, excellent workmanship. If you search here there was a fellow DBer who he did a C extension for I think.

anonymous02282011 · #5 04-02-2010, 11:01 AM

sorry, I was thinking of the lions head extension he did. here it is:

Lion's Head Extension

Eric Swanson · #6 04-02-2010, 01:05 PM

I have worked with both Jed Kreigel and Michael Hartery. All experiences with both of them have been ideal.

I haven't had extensions done by either of them.

I recommend them both, based on very positive, repeated experiences working with them.

Call them both and see what they say. They have both consistently provided thoughtful, skillful, and talented insight and luthiery.

PM me for phone numbers if you need them.

mjt0229 · #7 04-02-2010, 01:50 PM

Thanks. I'll give them a call and see what folks have to say. I think the google found me a TB thread with the Jed's phone number.

mjt0229 · #8 05-25-2010, 08:11 AM

I ended up taking my bass to Jed Kriegel. He did a spectacular job with it. In addition to the C-extension, he built a new saddle to reduce the breakover angle (and thereby reduce the pressure on the top, which is extremely thin). He also planed the fingerboard, did some work to improve the bridge, set a new soundpost, and fixed the side bumpers (they were too short).

The woodwork looks great and the bass sounds big and even. I'm finding as I practice that all the details in my playing are exposed (including both my strengths and weaknesses).

I put up some pictures here.

Ken McKay · #9 05-25-2010, 03:17 PM

That looks like TOP quality work!

Lolo617 · #10 06-11-2010, 12:42 AM

Funny - I'm in Seattle, and I just went to Boston to get work done!

Michael of Boston Bass Works knows his stuff, and was patient with my tweaking requests.
He's does great extensions - I've tried them. That's my next step. This trip, I got a new fingerboard, a scalloped one that is higher on the G and D than it is on the A and E. He cut a bridge to fit it better, and it feels like a new instrument.