KC Strings extension, Self-installed

[javabird]

Are those the Italian-style Sloane machines? If so, the wingnut-shaped pegs don't look nearly as strange in context on a bass as when they're laying on a table. (I've seen them for sale at conventions but never actually installed on a bass before.)

[.matthew e wengerd.]

yes, as a matter of fact, they are. at first i did not like them, but they have surely grown on me since i got the bass.

[Sam Sherry]

A pal took a Stenholm off his bass and let me try to install it on mine. What a pain in the backside!

The Stenholm has that giant blob of epoxy covering up the side of the scroll. Well, that blob means that you can't use a saw to adjust the curve to your bass -- you're using file and router/shaper. DEFINITELY not for the faint of heart.

Ultimately, the Stenholm just did not cut the mustard for jazz. No surprise, really: My sound comes from my fingers, not from metal spikes with rubber tubing glued on to the end of my fingers.

Although I have a terrible case of C-ness envy, I had to choose between completely ravaging the Stenholm or going back to the drawing board. I chose the latter, leaving me with a split nut and a screw-hole in my peghead as a souvenier.

At least it gave me an excuse to adjust the soundpost. The Brown Bass is growlin' again!

[Dr Rod]

Originally Posted by .matthew e wengerd.

The thead is old but I have a question.

From the pictures it looks like the extension could be easily taken off, and put back on. I have a custom made truck that is very snug, there would be absolutely no room for the extra inch or two that protrude above the scroll. Am I right?

Also, how do you tune the individual clamps? how do they move?

[.matthew e wengerd.]

I think it really depends on how much travelling you're talking about. You'd risk stripping the wood where the screws attach the extension to the bottom and cheek of the pegbox.

Additionally, the whole thing's just a pain to put on and re-string.

Each gate's distance from the fingerboard and lateral position can be adjusted once it's nut on the side of the extension is loosened. The thing that stinks is adjusting the height of the gate causes the risk of it moving and faulty intonation.

[Dr Rod]

Originally Posted by .matthew e wengerd.

I think it really depends on how much travelling you're talking about. You'd risk stripping the wood where the screws attach the extension to the bottom and cheek of the pegbox.

Additionally, the whole thing's just a pain to put on and re-string.

Thanks Matthew

I was hoping that it could be removed by losening the screws that screw onto the brass whilst leaving the L brackets on the wood, but I guess those are not accessible.

I would be travelling about 4 times a year.