Double Bass Low-C Stability

[Ashley Long]

Dear all,

I am thinking about having a low-C extension put on the bass being made for me at the moment but, however, I perform a lot of contemporary solo music and free improvisation which, from time to time, involves a lot of aggressive E-string work. I was curious as to how stable (tuning-wise) the extended length of the C-string actually is? The extension (should I decide to have it) will only have a gate on the E (nut) if you think that will affect anything.

Best Wishes

Ash

 

[Bob Branstetter]

My experience, both as an extension maker and as a player using fingered "C" extensions, is that the "E" with the gate/trigger closed on a well made extension is no less stable than an "E" without the extension.