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Double Bass Which Extension

Whick type of Extension?

  • Total voters
    39
#21
I must agree whole-heartedly with Pete. I do prefer the "look" of a single-latch extension, in its simplicity, however the practice of that simplicity gets quite tiring. On top of the difficulties fingering the sub-E notes in time (as mentioned by Pete), intonation becomes quite difficult, too, when manually fingering; hearing an accurate pitch in such a low register becomes rather frustrating. It is the sort of dilemma that the actual player can not hear quite as well how out-of-tune his low Db is, but the rest of the section hears it quite well. Most of the issue of tuning with the sub-E notes works itself out with equal tempered chromatic stoppers. Nothing disrupts the exciting apex of full bass section slamming a low D than the note being uncomfortably out-of-tune.
Just a thought...
 
#22
Ok Pete. let me ask you this... When you have an occassional note below E and don't have time to open the E latch and close it where ever, can you open the E and finger the note without the other latches getting in the way? Can it be used either way? Closed or open like a single latch?

Also, do the other latches make any noise regardless of what position they are in?

And the Third and last Q for now; If I am getting a 5-string down the road anyway, would the 5er be better for moving passages and use the single latch Extension when it would be usable or do you still think chromatic is the only way to go?
 
#23
Q: When you have an occasional note below E and don't have time to open the E latch and close it where ever, can you open the E and finger the note without the other latches getting in the way? Can it be used either way? Closed or open like a single latch?

A: If I have a passage coming up with, say, a D, I open the system to the D before the passage starts. The key is always preparation for the upcoming passage, which is really pretty easy. And yes, the four (or five) chromatic latches all work the same as a single latch on a (totally) fingered extension.

Q: Do the other latches make any noise regardless of what position they are in?

A: Not on my chromatic extension. I can't speak for others. It's probably obvious, but you shouldn't bother getting any extension unless it's being done by someone who knows what s/he's doing. Mike Shank made mine, and I'm going to have him put one on the Pfret too, after this latest experience. I know other luthiers also do good versions, all of which vary somewhat.

Q: If I am getting a 5-string down the road anyway, would the 5er be better for moving passages and use the single latch Extension when it would be usable or do you still think chromatic is the only way to go?

A: Good question. If I were sure I were getting a 5-string in the foreseeable future, I might try to tough it out with the fingered extension. I suspect that a good 5 in the hands of someone who knew how to play one would always be better for moving passages than any other option (except maybe a 4 tuned in fifths). But there's a big difference between a five and any four. Some people never get used to the five-string setup, and others thrive on it. I haven't given a five a serious look yet, but someday I will.

I will say, though, that in my opinion a chromatic extension is a far better option than a fingered extension as one's ONLY access to the low C, unless you're very good and willing to put in a lot of time practicing sub-E fingering (as some do).

Good luck.
 
#24
Pete, let me expand on the first question. > You close the D in advance but you also have to play an Eb or even a slow moving part with 2 or 3 notes on the extension and CAN'T use the latches.......Ok?.. Now... Are the latches in the way in any way what so ever as to play it as if they weren't there like a Fingered Extension? Can you play it either way?

I have played both a Mechanical Ext and a Fingered Extension for a few years each back in my early days.. And with no Problems with each...

I have never used the other two types in the Poll.. That's why I am asking...... I know how to finger notes on an Extension...

Also, I know how to play a 5er. I played 5str Elec. since 1985 on a few gigs and test all the Basses we make here so the notes are NOT a problem at all. As a matter of fact, I just returned moments ago from my second Symphony Concert with a Borrowed 5-String German Bass. I was trying it out to see if I want to convert my Morelli/Pfret. to a 5 or maybe just buy this one.

It turns out that the Morelli will get an Ext. and I will have Shen Make me a 5 for the occassional uses it will get. My 800 7/8 sounds fantastic after only 3 years. It just doesn't sound old and sweet like my Gilkes or Martini. For the Orchestra, I think a Shen 5er will do just fine with a little break-in period.

I just need to 'pull the trigger' on which Extension I will go with. My Mystery Bass will also get one as well but wont be done for some time. I will know by then weather to dupe the Ext. I have then or go the other way... which ever way that is at the time...
 
#25
I don't find fingering the notes above the stopped capo to be any harder than with a non-chromatic fingered extension. I imagine that might vary too from extension to extension, but if you get one that's well-designed it shouldn't be a problem. The whole point of the chromatic extension is to give you flexibility about what is your "open" string. Above the stop you choose, it works the same way as any fingered extension.

Ken, you need to play one of the good ones. It's the only way you'll see what I mean.
 
#26
I recommend a fingered extension. For stopping other notes on the extension, I use a guitar capo. It's quick to put on, stops the string completely and you can guarantee that it's in tune (once you figure out where to put it), which is not always the case with installed capos.
 
#28
I have no means of providing pics; sorry. I can't remember the brand--it was just something I picked up at a guitar store. I expect that any good-quality capo would work. Some folks prefer a banjo capo, as it is smaller than a guitar capo. You can clip the thing over the extension when you're not using it, so it's right there when you need it.
This is not original with me, by the way. I got the idea from some Oregon Symphony guys.
 

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