Double Bass Question for folks with a C-Extension

[pmad_bass]

What would be the most common notes called for below E?

e.g. Might one come across pieces that call for say Eb & D more often than those that call for C and C#?

I realize this may be difficult to quantify.


Thanks in advance.

 

[Lee Moses]

Interesting question. I would say I find myself playing the low C and D more than other notes. It obviously relates to the keys in which orchestral repertoire tends to be found, and they tend to be root notes that get placed below low E.

 

[pmad_bass]

I gotta imagine C is fairly common.

 

[CaseyVancouver]

Whenever I see a Bach piece coming up there are always lots of low C,D’s
(the other harmony instruments cello and viola are tuned C,G,D,A)

I don’t have an extension but will put on a low C and G to play this next week.

 

[SAlcott]

For that passage, I'd just capo the extension to D and play the C up an octave.

 

[BassFalcon]

What are you trying to find out, what’s your real question? Are you getting an extension made and want to know which capos to get because you don’t want a full set, are you trying to figure out a tuning or set of string gauges to avoid buying and installing an extension? Give us more info and you’ll get better answers.

 

[pmad_bass]

What are you trying to find out, what’s your real question? Are you getting an extension made and want to know which capos to get because you don’t want a full set, are you trying to figure out a tuning or set of string gauges to avoid buying and installing an extension? Give us more info and you’ll get better answers.

My bass has a scroll graft, such that it will not accommodate a full c-extension w/o cutting. Kinda weighing options as to if a variation on a theme (i.e. D or even a C# extension) would be *somewhat useful.

 

[BassFalcon]

Ah ok.
Have you considered 5ths tuning? That would get you a low C with no modification, apart from maybe a setup. I got no idea on how to accommodate an extension in that situation, but 5ths tuning could be an easy way out. Hipshot also makes a D-tuner that’s similar to a fine tuner on your tailpiece.

 

[Lee Moses]

My bass has a scroll graft, such that it will not accommodate a full c-extension w/o cutting. Kinda weighing options as to if a variation on a theme (i.e. D or even a C# extension) would be *somewhat useful.

IMO, if you get an extension that doesn't go down to C, you'll regret it. Unless you have a particularly unusual scroll graft or a particularly valuable bass, I'd just go ahead and cut.

 

[pmad_bass]

IMO, if you get an extension that doesn't go down to C, you'll regret it. Unless you have a particularly unusual scroll graft or a particularly valuable bass, I'd just go ahead and cut.

I'm thinking I surely would (still) have low C envy for sure. lol

Staying put for now but now but still thinking about.

This bass will be my main bass/possibly my only bass if I sell my Kolstein. My plan on keeping the Kiolstein was that it would be set up with spiros (as it is now) for non classical endeavors. I believe it would take an extension...so I do have that as an option if I opt to keep it. I had thought about getting an extension on it before I opted to search for a new bass. If I do end up keeping, I could

 

[SAlcott]

My bass has a scroll graft, such that it will not accommodate a full c-extension w/o cutting. Kinda weighing options as to if a variation on a theme (i.e. D or even a C# extension) would be *somewhat useful.

I'm not clear on the problem here. My German bass has a grafted scroll and a C extension that didn't involve cutting into the scroll.

 

[Don Hergert]

It's not unusual with neck work for the scroll to be nodding too far forward. While I definitely don't come close to qualifying as a classical double bassist, I have been very interested in, and researching the possibility of an extension on my DB. Yes, I have extension envy, but I'm not interested in cutting the scroll...

Most of the no-cut extensions require that the scroll lean back far enough that the string height over the extension is reasonable for fingering. If the scroll nods too far forward, the angle of a no-cut extension ramp would cause the string to be too high. My DB has that scroll situation, and I've heard of a few "normal" wooden DBs that do too. It's a common enough situation that some extension manufacturers specifically mention this on their websites.

For me, I've resolved this occasionally by simply tuning the E down to C. It isn't the best solution, but it gives me an idea of how my DB would sound.

 

[Sean Riddle]

I don’t have an extension but a 5 string bass. I played Appalachian Spring last night and it most often used C and Db, but D natural and Eb were also used at several points. Personally I’ve found D, C, and Eb to be the most common sub E notes I’ve found in the orchestral repertoire I’ve played.

 

[Leif Dering]

I wouldn't try to do a D or C# extension. Just go for the C. I know a jazz player with a D extension and it's neat, but having the C really helps in orchestra when it's called for.

Fifths tuning is another option, but I'm personally not a fan- I found that it wound up being so much extra movement to play a lot of the rep and having to re-finger entire symphonies messed with my head a lot. I bailed out after a week and a half.

As for cutting the scroll- it's not practiced much anymore but in your situation I can see why it's necessary. Unless you have a very high value, historic instrument I wouldn't let that be the main reason not to get an extension. If I remember right, when mechanical extensions were the only options, a vast majority of them cut into the scroll and although it doesn't look pretty, those basses still sounded great.

It all comes down to how much you want/need the low notes. I got an extension because I got a bonus at work and felt like it, but there's pro players who don't have one and get by just fine.

 

[Bruce Calin]

I mentioned in an old post about the first time I experienced a c-extension up close when my principal and stand partner played a low Db in the Hindemith piece "Mathis der Maler". It was literally earth-shaking(or at least floor-shaking). I suppose Db is the least common note but it was something.

 

[ILIA]

I mentioned in an old post about the first time I experienced a c-extension up close when my principal and stand partner played a low Db in the Hindemith piece "Mathis der Maler". It was literally earth-shaking(or at least floor-shaking). I suppose Db is the least common note but it was something.

C#/Db is definitely my least used extension note. After that, the other three are about equal in use, more-or-less.