Usage..
How I use it really depends on what I have to play and how much time I have to set the capos. If there are several various low notes I keep it open all the way or maybe close it to E or something else till I have to go lower. If It's only one lower note on occasion I might leave it set to that or keep the E closed and open to the other note as needed.
There is no set way how to use the extension. Just get all the notes played on time and in tune. That's the job! If you have a 5-string then the notes are always there BUT, that 'B' String is in the way on occasion so one has to decide which way he wants to go to 'get down'.
My stand partner has a fingered Ext with just the E closure. He doesn't seem to be playing as many of the low notes as I do especially when I can pre-set an Eb/D#, D or Db/C# as needed.
After using only a 4-string, 4-string de-tuned, 4 w/fingered Ext, 4 w/chromatic ext and a 5-string, my personal choice has become a 4-string with Chromatic Extension as the best all around 'one Bass does all' kinda thing!
This week we are doing a Pops Concert of Movie Themes with 2 tunes that NEED an Electric or Amplified Bass being the Theme from Rocky and a Disney Medley. The Traps/Drums are across the stage from us and the Tymps are behind us. It's one huge Bass Arpeggio when we all try to play time. I suggested bringing my Amp and 'hooking-up' and the Conductor agreed. Yesterday we rehearsed it with me using an Amp playing 2-3x the volume of the other 3 Basses but the Drums, they got softer and decided to LISTEN to where the beat actually IS. In a situation like this I pull rank 'time-wise' either with my fingers, verbally or both. Being the most experienced Rhythm Section player in the Orchestra I make it my job to put the time in order between the Conductor and myself at times like this.
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