Double Bass FreeRange extension don’t go down D

[Barcza]

I just bought a Hi-Shot FreeRange extender! It can not goes down to D for, only just a half step, down to Eb! I tired experimenting with the screw, but cant unsrew more…

 

[16fuss]

Do you have a steelstring?

 

[Barcza]

Do you have a steelstring?

No, I have neylon core Obligatos!

 

[Don Kasper]

It can not goes down to D for, only just a half step, down to Eb!

It's probably getting hung up as it passes over the Bridge...
Can you 'tug" on the Eb to pull it down towards D?
There is a tremendous amount of downforce and friction in that "E" slot on a Bridge.
IMFO, of course.
Good Luck.

 

[Barcza]

It's probably getting hung up as it passes over the Bridge...
Can you 'tug" on the Eb to pull it down towards D?
There is a tremendous amount of downforce and friction in that "E" slot on a Bridge.
IMFO, of course.
Good Luck.

I’ll try!

 

[16fuss]

It’s possible, the Obligatos stretch too much.

 

[Barcza]

It’s possible, the Obligatos stretch too much.

This is a 1,5 year old Obligato, maybe thats why?

 

[Mark Gollihur]

This is a 1,5 year old Obligato, maybe thats why?

Strings with a steel core will work much better with the FreeRange; you may find that strings with nylon or synthetic cores have a considerably smaller tunable range when compared to steel strings. Shortly after the initial product release, with some input and assistance from us, Hipshot extended the range of the units to allow for more tuning ability for synthetic strings. All of the FreeRange Xtenders now in stock at Gollihur Music are this newer model! However, some strings still probably will not work well. See the list below, which is not all-inclusive.

You DO NOT use a string set designed for a bass with a "C-Extension" - those strings are extra long, and that extra length is not needed (and in fact, is a problem when installed on an otherwise "regular" bass).

Also note that strings without ball ends (like Velvet strings, which have loops, and gut strings, which usually have knots) will not mount into the machine on the FreeRange Xtender.

Strings NOT RECOMMENDED for use with Detuner:

• D'Addario ZYEX Strings (core too stretchy, limited range)
• Innovation Strings (all) (core too stretchy, limited range, slug-end on some models does not fit into detuner securely)
• Kolstein Heritage Strings (core too stretchy, limited range, string wears prematurely)
• Pirastro Evah Pirazzi, Evah Slap, or Obligato Strings (core too stretchy, limited range)
• Thomastik Dominant Strings (core too stretchy, limited range)
• Velvet Strings (do not have ball ends)
• Gut Strings (may not have ball ends, detuning may cause premature wear)

 

[Barcza]

Strings with a steel core will work much better with the FreeRange; you may find that strings with nylon or synthetic cores have a considerably smaller tunable range when compared to steel strings. Shortly after the initial product release, with some input and assistance from us, Hipshot extended the range of the units to allow for more tuning ability for synthetic strings. All of the FreeRange Xtenders now in stock at Gollihur Music are this newer model! However, some strings still probably will not work well. See the list below, which is not all-inclusive.

You DO NOT use a string set designed for a bass with a "C-Extension" - those strings are extra long, and that extra length is not needed (and in fact, is a problem when installed on an otherwise "regular" bass).

Also note that strings without ball ends (like Velvet strings, which have loops, and gut strings, which usually have knots) will not mount into the machine on the FreeRange Xtender.

Strings NOT RECOMMENDED for use with Detuner:

• D'Addario ZYEX Strings (core too stretchy, limited range)
• Innovation Strings (all) (core too stretchy, limited range, slug-end on some models does not fit into detuner securely)
• Kolstein Heritage Strings (core too stretchy, limited range, string wears prematurely)
• Pirastro Evah Pirazzi, Evah Slap, or Obligato Strings (core too stretchy, limited range)
• Thomastik Dominant Strings (core too stretchy, limited range)
• Velvet Strings (do not have ball ends)
• Gut Strings (may not have ball ends, detuning may cause premature wear)

Thank you for the detailed answer!
I have an Obligato string with a ball end, but it has a nylon core.
I think my extender is an old model, since I found it in a shop at a good price because it had been in stock for a long time.

 

[Mark Gollihur]

Thank you for the detailed answer!
I have an Obligato string with a ball end, but it has a nylon core.
I think my extender is an old model, since I found it in a shop at a good price because it had been in stock for a long time.

Could be. But even the newer ones with more "throw" don't really do well with synthetics.

With one of the original ones and an inexpensive steel E string, we were easily able to get a drop consistently down to a low C, and even a B.

 

[Barcza]

Could be. But even the newer ones with more "throw" don't really do well with synthetics.

With one of the original ones and an inexpensive steel E string, we were easily able to get a drop consistently down to a low C, and even a B.
I was actually thinking about switching to metal strings anyway.

Yeah! I was actually thinking about switching to metal strings anyway.
Thank you for the help!

 

[DoubleMIDI]

Synthetic core strings stretch about three times as much as steel core strings.
I once measured how much of the string slips over the nut when I tune down a minor third.
I‘m not sure if I posted the results on Talkbass, but I think I did. It seemed that nobody was interested then.

 

[Barcza]

Synthetic core strings stretch about three times as much as steel core strings.
I once measured how much of the string slips over the nut when I tune down a minor third.
I‘m not sure if I posted the results on Talkbass, but I think I did. It seemed that nobody was interested then.I never would have guessed.

I never would have guessed.

 

[Mark Gollihur]

Synthetic core strings stretch about three times as much as steel core strings.
I once measured how much of the string slips over the nut when I tune down a minor third.
I‘m not sure if I posted the results on Talkbass, but I think I did. It seemed that nobody was interested then.

Trust me - we ALL appreciate your extensive efforts!