Double Bass Cello Extension (just like bass extension)?

[JGAN]

Hey everyone,
So my friend just got a low-c extension for his double bass, and it is truly the COOLEST THING EVER It lowers his G-string to a C that is... 3 octaves below middle C I believe? You guys probably already know that though Anyways, I play a lot of more modern music on my cello, and some of it requires that I tune down, usually so that I have 2 G strings, 1 octave apart (A-D-G-G). This tends to take a good deal of time, especially during concerts, as it alters the position of all 4 strings on my cello.

Now, I am wondering if anybody has heard of cello extensions, or if anybody has instructions for making a bass extension? I'm a pretty good handyman if I say so myself, so I'm relatively comfortable working on my cello

Cheers,
JGAN

 

[robobass]

I don't think it's ever been tried, but go for it! Formal instructions are hard to come by. You would want to look at the Traeger book, and I would try to get a hands on look at some of the modern bass extensions which require no drilling and are removable. I can see it being a bit more difficult to make one for cello than for bass, though, simply because it would be so small. Also, The normal bass extension only adds two whole tones to the instrument. Some do add a perfect fourth, but they tend to stick out way beyound the scroll, and you would have to have your case altered. Lastly, Where will you get a string for it? Long E-Strings are available for bass because there are enough extensions around that there is market demand. This wouldn't be the case for you. Sounds like a cool idea though.

 

[MartinBorgen]

Also, FYI. The lowest string on a bass is E. The extension usually go to D, or C. Very handy when when you go furhter down the circle of fourths than Bb major...

 

[Matt Ides]

Why not a 5 string cello with the low F? I assume it would be easier to tune up a whole step and they already make the strings.

 

[robobass]

Are there five string cellos? Doing a conversion would also be an option, but again, can you get an "F" string? Going back to making an extension, you might be able to use a bass string. A standard A-III string might be too tight, but there are also "solo" strings for bass, designed to be tuned a step higher, so a B-III might be a choice. It is also possible to order custom strings, but I bet they're wicked expensive.

 

[JGAN]

there are 5 string electrics like the NS electric cello, which i have tried. i dont like it though; feels nothing like an actual cello :/ i dont think strings would be a problem though. i am trying to get my hands on a copy of chuck traegers book