Make your C extension easier to tune with PTFE tube

[jmears]

I have a fingered C extension where the string passes over a wheel at the top, then wraps around the scroll on the outside and passes into the front of the peg box. It passes through a flexible plastic tube around the scroll.

A problem with this is that there is lots of friction as it passes through the tube around the scroll. This makes the string very hard to tune. I have to give the tuner many turns before the pitch changes, and then it has typically jumped past the point I want. Not good in the usual 12s you get to tune in a symphony orchestra.

I have managed to improve this by replacing the tube with PTFE (Teflon) tube which is used by electronic engineers, chemists and modellers. I managed to buy a small amount on ebay for not very much. This is very very slippery (hence the reason it is used for non-stick coatings on frying pans etc) and flexible enough to bend around the scroll. I replaced the plastic tube with this.

The result is that the C string is now much easier to tune. Not as easy as the other strings, but very much improved.

The PTFE tube cost me £9, it took about 20 minutes to replace the existing tube.

John

PS does anyone know of tailpiece tuners, like violin fine adjusters, designed for a bass? Do they work?

[dchan]

Not a totally related post here.

I know a bassist who uses Oak rosin, soft. He had trouble getting the rosin out of the box once, so he decided to cut off a square of Teflon and put it in the lid to keep the rosin from sticking to the lid. He hasn't had trouble with the rosin since.

[Dr Rod]

Originally Posted by jmears

does anyone know of tailpiece tuners, like violin fine adjusters, designed for a bass? Do they work?

I used to have the Tomastik tailpiece, it's made of metal and it has fine tuners on every string.

The tuners worked very well, and in spite of its weight, the tailpiece made the bass sound nice and dark.

It's a great product.

[robobass]

A luthier in Holland named Rene Zaal makes one. It looks just like the fine tuner for violin but way bigger. PM me for contact info.

[kurt ratering]

thats a sexy looking machine! but isnt that much brass heavy?

[robobass]

Originally Posted by kurt ratering

thats a sexy looking machine! but isnt that much brass heavy?

It ain't light. 103 grams.

[bejoyous]

The tuners that are on the scroll already are fine tuners. The rest of the violin family should have them on their scrolls if you ask me.

[dchan]

Originally Posted by bejoyous

The tuners that are on the scroll already are fine tuners. The rest of the violin family should have them on their scrolls if you ask me.

I think the worm gear assembly would put too much weight on the scrolls of cellos, violas, or violins, and would probably affect their sound.

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by bejoyous

The tuners that are on the scroll already are fine tuners. The rest of the violin family should have them on their scrolls if you ask me.

Like these? As Drake said, the weight is quite a handicap.

[forester]

Originally Posted by bejoyous

The tuners that are on the scroll already are fine tuners. The rest of the violin family should have them on their scrolls if you ask me.

Knilling "perfection peg" internal planetary, smooooth as silk.

[fdeck]

Originally Posted by forester

Knilling "perfection peg" internal planetary, smooooth as silk.

Have you tried them? I am intrigued.

[forester]

yes..many times,they are a joy to use..smooth and fluid.
they do not work on the principal of wedgeing or snubbing in the peg holes. the internal planetary works as a torque multiplier and provides effortless pull,and a seemingly infinite fine adjustment. string tension cannot overcome the gear reduction so it stays put at the point where it is stopped.

[jmears]

Any else struggle to tune the E string with a C extension? Solutions/tips welcome.

John