Slipping Extension Stop

emilio g · #1 05-27-2009, 06:47 PM

I have an E stop only on my extension, with a leather pad where it touches the string. Worked great for about a month, but now the stop slips open. If I put a tiny bit of water on the leather, it holds, but I really don't want to have to carry around a cup of water everywhere.

It was adjusted about a week after it was put on and the leather pad wore a groove, so I don't think its too loose. Seems as if there's not enough friction between the pad and the string (spirocore).

If its worthy of a trip to the shop, I'll just have it looked at when I go to have my summer soundpost put in, but any DIY tips/tricks would be great!

robobass · #2 05-27-2009, 07:09 PM

Proper closure isn't especially reliant upon friction between the leather and the string. It's mainly about angle. If it's slipping open, the angle was probably not set correctly - maybe too much forward rake. Another issue could be rigidity of the mount. Unless you want to start bending and fooling with the mounting bracket yourself and therefore relieving the installer of his responsibilities, it seems best if you return to the shop and have THEM make it right!

CPike · #3 05-27-2009, 11:10 PM

What brand/type of string are you using? I swapped out my usual orig flexocor to try a Permanent and all my capos started slipping. Went back to the flexocor and the slipping stopped. I've also noticed that capos can chew up the winding on Obligatos.
Chris

emilio g · #4 05-28-2009, 02:03 AM

I'm using a Spirocore and don't have any experience with other types of low C strings.

I got curious and messed around with the screw that holds the stop to the mount. With some experimentation I found that if it is too loose, or too tight, it starts to slip. Somewhere in between, there is a middle ground where it holds just fine.

bejoyous · #5 05-28-2009, 06:03 AM

With my bass, during the late spring when the humicity and temperature go up, the strings rise a bit putting more upward pressure on the capo. This causes the capo to slip open occasionally.

Also, maybe the leather has finally got a groove worn into it. Next time have the luthier file one in before you take it home.