Lion's Head Extension

Casalini · #1 01-16-2009, 09:25 AM

Hi all,

I own a very nice Italian bass, made by Fausto Casalini, from 1925, with a beautiful lion's head on top. I've wanted to put an extension on it for a while, but never found anyone I felt safe with working around the head. Last year, I met Michael Hartery, of bostonbassworks.com, and had him do some basic set-up. He works with each player and their instrument on a case by case basis, which is refreshing, because most luthiers have their own set-up protocall and when its done, they just give it back to you. We fished out the set-up I wanted. The minute positioning of the bridge and sound post details have a big effect on finer, older instruments, as they are much more sensitive. Sorry for the rant...point being, I had him do the extension I've wanted, and my bass has never sounded better. The aesthetic of the work is also awesome. The extension is completely removeable by loosening the extended string. The only alteration on the head is the hole drilled for the string. Check it out.

Casalini · #2 01-16-2009, 09:33 AM

Here's the bass before the extension.

dmusic148 · #3 01-16-2009, 09:39 AM

So, the extension is carved to fit around the lion's head? Wow.

drurb · #4 01-16-2009, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casalini

Last year, I met Michael Hartery, of bostonbassworks.com, and had him do some basic set-up. He works with each player and their instrument on a case by case basis, which is refreshing, because most luthiers have their own set-up protocall and when its done, they just give it back to you.

Seems like a great job and folks have fine things to say about Michael-- BUT, in my experience, what you say about "most luthiers" is not true at all. Not even close. Not if you really mean "luthiers" as opposed to non-specialized woodworkers in mass shops.

Casalini · #5 01-16-2009, 10:12 AM

Ok...thanks...

kurt muroki · #6 01-16-2009, 10:55 AM

beautiful job... not to be a downer, but i only wish (probably not possible) that he didn't have to drill the scroll. It's sad to permanently alter such a beautiful carving in any way.

Ed Fuqua · #7 01-16-2009, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kurt muroki

but i only wish (probably not possible) that he didn't have to drill the scroll.

If the cat ever takes the extension off, you could put a little flag in there...

salcott · #8 01-16-2009, 11:20 AM

Here's another way of doing a lionhead extension-pretty slick. I don't have an issue with the hole for the string-it can easily be fixed to invisibility if the extension is removed.

http://www.aesbass.com/extensions.htm

Paul Warburton · #9 01-16-2009, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

If the cat ever takes the extension off, you could put a little flag in there...

See, see Ed? See how they IGNORE true humor?
Now you see how I must feel.

1st Bass · #10 01-16-2009, 01:50 PM

I was just thinking that with his head wrapped around the fencepost like that, the cat looks as if he's in pain. Maybe is is just that anthropomorphism kicking in again... :-)

Treyzer · #11 01-16-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

See, see Ed? See how they IGNORE true humor?
Now you see how I must feel.

Alas poor Paul,

True genius is rarely recognized in its' own time...or something like that

Jake deVilliers · #12 01-16-2009, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

Now you see how I must feel.

For god's sake PEADUBB, get a grip on yourself - everything's not always about you!

PS FOOKWAH rocks.....

robobass · #13 01-17-2009, 07:08 AM

It's always a bit of a shame to cover up a nice carved head, but here I think the nicest part of the carving is still visible. You could always take the extension to a woodcarver for some decorative work to make it fit better visually. A snake? An antelope hoof? In the meantime, it looks like a very well thought out and well executed extension!

Eric Rene Roy · #14 01-17-2009, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casalini

...Sorry for the rant...

No problem...don't apologize!

But on your rant...and maybe this is best as a separate thread...I think "setup" is just the first step in the process...but the one most players stop at. Let me explain how I view it.

I think a good solid setup that is technically correct and completely functioning is what you are referring to as, "most luthier's have their own set-up protocol and when its done, they just give it back to you."

To your statement...I would agree (to some degree).

I would however view this as a solid foundation to build upon.

I think the next step...and it is best done within a few weeks of picking up the instrument (if not the same day), is to do some playability adjustments. This might take one session or several.

The last step is tonal sessions or voicing the instrument. This is when every minute detail of the setup is tweaked and honed until every last drop of sound is out of your bass (and hopefully matching that magic you hear in your head). This is best done in multiple sessions making one change at a time. Let the instrument get used to the change and play it in a bit to see where it needs to go next.

As a side note, all of the steps above will be a waste if your instrument is not physically in top condition. I wouldn't waste anyone's time doing a voicing session if the bass was in need of repair.

Casalini, your bass is beautiful and I am glad to see a player taking these last two steps of the setup process. Not many do. Enjoy.

Ken McKay · #15 01-19-2009, 08:56 PM

...good to see Mike gaining a good reputation. He loves the bass!

Eric Swanson · #16 01-20-2009, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casalini

Hi all,

...Last year, I met Michael Hartery, of bostonbassworks.com, and had him do some basic set-up. He works with each player and their instrument on a case by case basis...

Glad to hear of anothers's positive experience with Michael Hartery.

While my bass is more modest, my experience was equally satisfying. Congratulations; it looks lovely.

jposekany · #17 01-26-2009, 04:18 PM

I agree with Kurt-it is sad that you had the scroll drilled into. When I was in the market for an extension for my instrument, I learned that there seems to be two "camps" amongst the luthiers who do extensions. One thinks that a hole doesnt do anything to the value of the instrument, and the other is the opposite. I decided that I didnt want to alter my scroll. Since my instrument is a valuable one, I decided to have Mario Lamarre make an extension for me that is completely removable and doesnt alter the scroll in any way. He never tried it before, but was able to route the string to the side of the scroll. I am very, very happy with his work. He is an amazing artist. I hope my photo attaches to this post (first time doing so). he is worth the money and the wait, I promise you!

arnoldschnitzer · #18 01-26-2009, 04:32 PM

What keeps the extension on the scroll with the string pulling it to the side like that? Is there a screw? I agree, Mario is quite an artiste!

Jake deVilliers · #19 01-26-2009, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arnoldschnitzer

What keeps the extension on the scroll with the string pulling it to the side like that? Is there a screw? I agree, Mario is quite an artiste!

It doesn't make sense to not drill the scroll for the string but to drill it for a screw. I think that if the back of the extension was convex to match the groove on the scroll, the tension of the string would just hold it there.

Sexy little French latches, aren't they?

arnoldschnitzer · #20 01-26-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

It doesn't make sense to not drill the scroll for the string but to drill it for a screw. I think that if the back of the extension was convex to match the groove on the scroll, the tension of the string would just hold it there.

Having built over a hundred C extensions, I can tell you that if the string pull is to the side, the extension will have trouble staying put. This is especially the case with old basses where the volute fluting has worn and rounded over.