C-Ext. with Sliding Latch & fixed 'E'

I have started and posted on many Threads here about C-Extensions. In several of them I had POLLS as to the various types preferred. Without re-opening 'old news' Threads I would like to ask now who has actual experience with the Sliding Chromatic Extension with the Fixed 'E' Latch. Here is an example made by Arnold from his website. It's the first one shown; http://www.aesbass.com/extensions.htm

Here are the various Threads in which we have discussed this before or just Extensions and 5ers in general in case you want to re-read what we have gone over in the past few years.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=152793
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156592
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=3320
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=234845
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=363525&highlight=extension

I am currently considering a 'Sliding Chromatic' over the multi-key Chromatic Extension for a Bass I currently have in Restoration that is slated for an Extension.

After using mainly Chromatic Ext's. over the last two years of so I have a handle on how much time I need to switch notes when Capo Stops have to be changed quickly like in Beethoven's 3rd. for example. Those of you that own a Sliding latched Ext. or have used them, please respond.

Others may give your opinions if you like as well regardless of experience. I can't control who replies but I would like to hear mainly from those who have used them.

 

To Phil, the Slider can ( I think) also open and close like the other latches BUT, you only have one and can slide it up or down for each of the notes between E and C.

To Ike, I have only seen one ( I think) on a new bass that Arnold made about 2 years ago unless it was just a D-Latch. He could tell you which it was.

After using the Chromatics for awhile I think I might try this Sliding one on the next Bass. I like the ones Arnold makes the most as well as the one that Jeff made me.

 

Well that's how it goes then. I was just considering it as I have seen one or two but never really tried it. I guess I will just stick with the Chromatic and play safe. After all, it has worked out great for me and I have been able to play at least 90-95% of the notes written lower presumably for 5-string. Little by little I get faster flipping the Stops up there above my head and fingering it is just great now. I guess I will quit while things are going well 'down under' and not try to fix what isn't broke.

Thanks Arnold for making it clear.

 

I have seen it yes. But, I don't think it's fast enough. When playing parts that require rapid Capo stops to set the E/C-string you need to do it in a split second. Beeth. 3nd is a good example. The second half of the Allegro (in Eb) has 4 4-Bar sections starting on the E/C and the last note of each grouping in the 4th Bar each time is an Ab dotted half (3 beats, in 1) the first two times and a Bb the second 2 times. The first low note is a C, then Db then D and then Eb. Each time you play that longer note on the G-string you must jump to switch Capos up a half step each time. The tempo as I recall was moderately brisk.

I use this only as an example where you need to switch the Capos fast, real fast. The Bass part there is continuous with no rests at all there. I had to cut short that last note each time in order to change stops on the Ext..

The Capos on my Chromatic(s) and most of them are in tune enough to flip, tighten & play! On something sliding like that on the KC it looks like it will be slow to move, set and intonate each time. Correct me if I am wrong. I guess I would have to ask Orchestral players that use that exact model and see how it works for parts like I just described.

I continue to stress that the opinions that at least I will use to base my decisions on come from Orchestral Players that have used these on the Job. Playing them at home or in casual settings is just not the same.

 

When I am playing with the Ext. I have to be on a stool. I need the Bass rested in my body so my left hand is free to play above the Nut or change the Capo stops. When the Music is moving fast I just reach back at a glance and change quickly, flip and lock! The Ext. is mostly above my Eye level and over my head literally as well.

On my Extensions I have the tension adjusted so that the edge of my fore finger (ridge hand) in can knock all the Keys open from the E-latch to the C#/Db in a second. Then I can flip down as needed any Key I need.

Quick and easy use is needed for an Extension. The Conductor will not wait for you to find the note.

 

What bass was that, the 'nice one'?

I don't know of that many pieces that would have just one low note to play plus at some point you need that 'E' natural, possible. Building or rather designing an Extension as elaborate as the 'KC Slider' (sounds cool..lol) seems like a lot of work to play just one note. In that case, you might as well just de-tune down for the Piece. I did that last week. There were a few low notes here and there and although I practiced it at first with an extension and marked all the parts when to switch the Capos (as usual) I ended up bringing out a modern Italian I had without an extension. First off, it was outdoors and I will not let my classics get hurt in anyway. Secondly, it didn't matter all that much. Who would hear it? I get a louder more powerful sound up an octave anyway. It was Bernstein, Copeland and Rogers&Hammer. So, no loss there in my book on missing out something important. On one piece I de-tuned the E or Eb because it sounded right to me. Oh, and I played on Gut Strings as well, the real ones!

 

Thanks guys for the replies and opinions. I just got off the Phone with Arnold and it seems that for now, the Chromatic Latched Extension is the best way to go. I spoke as well with Jeff Bollbach who made a beautiful Extension for me as well and he does not have a solution either on the Sliding model.