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Double Bass C Extensions in Alberta?

M

Mitch911

Dec 29, 2015
24
2
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#1
Hi fellow bassists

I'm looking to get an extension on my bass. I've done some research but I'm not really sure what to do as my province isn't very good for bass gear at any degree.
A few questions, if you don't mind:

1) I feel like I would have to fly with my bass somewhere to get an extension put on... As a student, this isn't the most ideal thing. Is it possible to take measurements, buy an extension from Upton or somewhere, and have a local luthier install it?

2) Is there anyone that does this type of work in Alberta (Canada)? Or are the only options the big cities? Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal.

Any other advice would be awesome.
Thanks!
 
#2
Any good luthier can fit an extension, IF they've done it before. If not, you don't want your bass to be their first attempt! It's not difficult, but there is a lot to consider. My beautiful keyed extension was made by Pete Barnaby and fitted by the excellent Martyn Bailey. He's done many extensions, and that's the first question I'd ask. I'm sure Upton or someone can sell you the extension.
 
#5
Ok, two local possibilities you could check out:

1) Jim at Bella Music http://www.bellamusic.ca/ Jim's a fine craftsman who did a excellent job of my set-up...dunno if he has done many extensions but if he doesn't do them he will likely know where to send you.

2) Evidently the folks at PJ Tan Violin Shop work up uprights: Invalid Link Removed

If the above bear no fruit let me know and I'd be happy to ping my instructor Jan Urke, Principal Bassist with the ESO and a guy who plays next to folks with C extensions a couple times a week. :)
 
#6
Neil Pye said:
Any good luthier can fit an extension, IF they've done it before. If not, you don't want your bass to be their first attempt! It's not difficult, but there is a lot to consider. My beautiful keyed extension was made by Pete Barnaby and fitted by the excellent Martyn Bailey. He's done many extensions, and that's the first question I'd ask. I'm sure Upton or someone can sell you the extension.
Click to expand...

This has come up before. I think it's bad for the bass community to exclude a luthier who has not made an extension before. Every great extension maker once did his first job, right? As long as the guy does his research, is transparent about what he plans to do, and seems honestly interested in the project, then why not give him a chance?
 
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#7
That's fine, give him a chance on your bass by all means. I want the guy to understand the job and the many pitfalls before he starts. Making the extension is the easy part. Fitting it is where the skill and experience come in. Some basses have scrolls/pegboxes that make it next to impossible, or need other work to make it possible. I would rather not have anyone experimenting on my bass, using my money to do it. There is lots of skill and experience out there, it would be crazy (IMHO) not to make use of it.
 
#8
Neil Pye said:
T
There is lots of skill and experience out there, it would be crazy (IMHO) not to make use of it.
Click to expand...

That said, the title of this thread makes it fairly clear that the OP is trying to track down this skill and experience in Alberta, Canada... and as such we may not be as luthier-flush as other parts of the world are, perhaps. It may be that the OP will have to be someone's "first"... unless he's willing to ship the bass somewhere. :)
 
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#10
Neil Pye said:
Fair point, but I'm sure there must be someone who's done it before...
Click to expand...
Neil, I don't understand why you are so opposed to the idea of letting a luthier do his first build. In modern construction, the only invasive procedure is drilling the "thru-hole" (if even that), cutting the nut, and maybe a few screw holes. Besides the nut, which is not really an issue, everything else need not be done until the job is almost complete. If it doesn't seem like it's gonna work, then the drilling can be called off, and I think the luthier would not ask to be paid, or at least not paid in full. Something might be worked out beforehand. In any case, it's not like you risk having your bass irreparably damaged in the process. Because of my particular niche in the bass world, I have come into contact with many first time extension builders. In no cases was there a disaster. In many cases there was brilliant success.
I might add that on both sides of the pond there are innovative young luthiers who have made very nice extensions on their first try. At the same time, there are established extension builders whose work, while getting the job done, is dated, and simply not as slick.
 
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#11
I'm not opposed to the idea, if you want to do it, go for it. I wouldn't want someone experimenting on my bass with my money and time, that's all. Especially not if there's a luthier around who knows all the potential pitfalls and can avoid them. Just my opinion. Not trying to tell anyone what to do. OP asked for advice, I gave the best I could, from a position of experience.
 
#12
Chuck Schifflett in High River, AB is quite good. I have brought him a couple of acoustic guitars and my upright bass and he knows his stuff. He often does work for bassists in the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Nice guy too. IMO he is the go-to bass luthier in Alberta.

His website doesn't seem to be working. Maybe he's too busy doing real work to bother updating it.

charles shifflett guitars - Google Search
 
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