Removing an Extension -Cosmetic and Practical Results?

PRUNEFACE · #1 03-03-2011, 08:37 PM

I need to have my mechanical extension removed. Almost every lever has broken off (-_-) and it is really frustrating me. Parents say they wont purchase another extension at least for a while and I need another bass for school as well because the other's neck is too small. I dont know what to do other than take the extension off of the Kolstein and buy a non-extended E (which is muchh cheaper than the alternatives.)
However, I noticed (well not noticed recently, but the first day I got it post-extension-putting-on) that the scroll had a hole drilled through it. I did not realize that this would happen. Is there any recourse to having that ridiculously ugly hole there after I remove my extension? (heck, even for after I put one back on!)
Finally, is there any discernible change in sound going from extension to extension-less?

Thanks. Alot on my plate right now.

fdeck · #2 03-03-2011, 08:43 PM

Perhaps some pics would help diagnose whether there's a quick and easy fix, such as temporary conversion to a fingered extension.

PRUNEFACE · #3 03-04-2011, 01:44 AM

Therein lies a large problem at the moment. No money for tuat unless I decide to get a new school bass. Two things I truly need with the music Im playing but parents are being difficult. Will take pics in the morning.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdeck

Perhaps some pics would help diagnose whether there's a quick and easy fix, such as temporary conversion to a fingered extension.

PRUNEFACE · #4 03-04-2011, 06:43 AM

Going to go take pictures now.

PRUNEFACE · #5 03-04-2011, 06:52 AM

Here are all the pics of the extension and scroll work.
This one is the only exception. Its of the breaking -_-

And the final pic of that entire side of the scroll:

fdeck · #6 03-04-2011, 07:05 AM

Here's what I wonder: Remove the mechanical bits, add a single capo at E, and you've got a probably workable fingered extension. You might still want to get rid of the extension at a later date, but at least it gets you back in business. I suppose you could ditch the extension and have a new nut fitted.

Note that I'm a pretty decent mechanic and handyman but not a real luthier.

As for the hole, AFAIK it's an alternative to an earlier method of installing extensions, which involved lobotomizing the scroll. There must be plenty of formerly extended basses out there, and a luthier could easily make the hole vanish, but anything you do during the school year should be oriented towards keeping you in business playing.

PRUNEFACE · #7 03-04-2011, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdeck

Here's what I wonder: Remove the mechanical bits, add a single capo at E, and you've got a probably workable fingered extension. You might still want to get rid of the extension at a later date

As for the hole, AFAIK it's an alternative to an earlier method of installing extensions, which involved lobotomizing the scroll. There must be plenty of formerly extended basses out there, and a luthier could easily make the hole vanish, but anything you do during the school year should be oriented towards keeping you in business playing.

Well, this is a no win-win situation. I honestly can't afford anything right now because I am in the process of replacing my school bass with a bigger bass with my own money... Not cheap.
But at the same time I cannot have my primary bass without an extension. This is just frustrating.

Eric Hochberg · #8 03-04-2011, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRUNEFACE

Well, this is a no win-win situation. I honestly can't afford anything right now because I am in the process of replacing my school bass with a bigger bass with my own money... Not cheap.
But at the same time I cannot have my primary bass without an extension. This is just frustrating.

Slow down, young man. I didn't have a second bass until I was 55 years old... You need two basses now because...?

Sell the Shen, get your extension fixed up with one or more fingers, and then buy a second bass with what's left. If not enough,
keep saving. Doesn't the school have a bass you can play on?

PRUNEFACE · #9 03-04-2011, 08:13 AM

OK; two basses because:
One needs to be kept at school. I (and my parents... I wonder who has more weight with their opinion... hmmm...) don't want to risk ferrying my Kolstein back and forth everyday on top of having to leave it in the bandroom. We've had destroyed 12k tubas before...
AND one will be used during marching season (outside.) Don't feel comfortable with my Kolstein outside in Florida unless it is absolutely necessary.

Eric Hochberg · #10 03-04-2011, 08:20 AM

Maybe you can leave it in the music directors office, you shouldn't be the only one sacrificing here if the bandroom isn't safe. Have you explained the situation to him? It is a hassle bringing a bass back and forth, but that's what we do (and the "risk" is part of it, but you just be careful and get insurance)...might as well get used to it now, and get a good wheel.

PRUNEFACE · #11 03-04-2011, 08:29 AM

Well I am actively considering doing that for a few weeks (albeit in the music library... which has less foot traffic than the office BUT still quite a bit :/ ) BUT that still leaves the whole marching band pit situation where I need another bass to use that I feel more comfortable with outside. Edgar Meyer is the only person I can think of that (appears) to use a nice bass outside.

Eric Hochberg · #12 03-04-2011, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRUNEFACE

Edgar Meyer is the only person I can think of that (appears) to use a nice bass outside.

Well, I'm another one, and have been doing it with my Wilfer carved bass since I got it in 1978. Very little repair work over the years. What about the Ravinia CSO bassists, Tanglewood, and all the countless other outdoor festivals, including jazz festivals worldwide? The bassists are for the most part playing really good instruments.

You buy an instrument to play, a well made bass doesn't need to be babied to the extent that you can't use it when needed, IMO.

PRUNEFACE · #13 03-04-2011, 08:43 AM

Well I ALWAYS use my Kolstein for performances and for all rehersals/practices outside of school.
I just dont think that even if I was comfortable with bringing the Kolstein to school that my parents would be. At the moment I don't have a reliable way to bring the bass to and from school (we have a Volvo but often one of my parents has to use it... my grandmother takes me to school still as parents are refusing to let me get my license). Just a large number of variables. While I would LOVE to be able to bring my Kolstein to and from school each day and sell the Shen to fund some modifications (you must remember that thread haha) for the Kolstein itself and then some left over.

davpal · #14 03-04-2011, 10:40 AM

Why don't you just get the extension fixed? It looks like those "washers" are only soldered on... it seems that whatever method was used is inadequate for the stress they are under... so find a machinist to work out a better way of attaching them. You did save the parts?

Blaine · #15 03-04-2011, 11:24 AM

i'd remove the metal stuff and put the metal capos on like bill merchant uses. you can get them directly from the guy who makes them, forget his name.

robobass · #16 03-04-2011, 01:15 PM

Blaine · #17 03-04-2011, 01:41 PM

Now I remember!

fdeck · #18 03-04-2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRUNEFACE

Well I ALWAYS use my Kolstein for performances and for all rehersals/practices outside of school.
I just dont think that even if I was comfortable with bringing the Kolstein to school that my parents would be. At the moment I don't have a reliable way to bring the bass to and from school (we have a Volvo but often one of my parents has to use it... my grandmother takes me to school still as parents are refusing to let me get my license). Just a large number of variables. While I would LOVE to be able to bring my Kolstein to and from school each day and sell the Shen to fund some modifications (you must remember that thread haha) for the Kolstein itself and then some left over.

In that case, they can afford to get your bass fixed, with the money that they're saving on car insurance!

1st Bass · #19 03-04-2011, 02:57 PM

The tuning pieces can be repaired-- silver-soldered or welded, whichever is most appropriate. Probably the former. It is hard to tell in the photo, but it looks as though the thumb-piece and shaft are two different metals. Shouldn't cost much at all.

CPike · #20 03-04-2011, 05:17 PM

Just a couple of reactions/observations, pruneface, take it for what it's worth or ignore...

You say you "cannot have my primary bass without an extension". Well, you may not want to, but you can. It's not an absolute necessity, no matter how much you've grown accustomed to having it. I spent the first 20 years of my career without one, and I have at least a dozen of fine colleagues whose careers continue to flourish without an extension. I guess what I'm saying is, adjust your criteria of "want" and "need" to something more realistic and rational and you might experience more flexibility in finding a solution.

Why use a DB in a marching pit?!? Your profile indicates you play EB; why not just play that? Do you really think there's going to be a vast discrepancy in tone production when your in a stadium, outdoors, with a marching band?

.cdp