Extension -- Effect?

[Katie Long]

Scaffolding is an informal term we use over here! No offence intended!

I should admit that I do really enjoy chromatic extensions as long as they are keyed (the ones where you don't have to reach). It is difficult with the 5 strings to find a string that doesn't sound just like a rumble or a drill or something.

Paul was saying that if you get the right string, the long belcanto, the new evah pirazzi or the permanents (? not sure if it was permanents or flexocore) that the C can be really great. It's a matter of finding what suits you and your bass I guess.

[Arnold Schnitzer]

In my opinion a well-made extension gives the truest rendition of the lowest notes. That's because the extended E string has a speaking length of 51-53 inches. It is well established that the double bass is actually too small for its deep register, and it's also well-established that longer strings are better at producing low notes (hence the awesome bass strings on a concert grand piano). I'm speaking about tone and timbre here, not ease of play.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Katie Long

Scaffolding is an informal term we use over here! No offence intended!

I should admit that I do really enjoy chromatic extensions as long as they are keyed (the ones where you don't have to reach). It is difficult with the 5 strings to find a string that doesn't sound just like a rumble or a drill or something.

Paul was saying that if you get the right string, the long belcanto, the new evah pirazzi or the permanents (? not sure if it was permanents or flexocore) that the C can be really great. It's a matter of finding what suits you and your bass I guess.

Katie, can you play the single storm 16ths on the keyed extension? Also, how clear does it sound on a 5er? With practice, the fingered/Chromatic extension is the most versatile. Also, you can lock any note you want and change your low string so that the left hand is free to shift.

I think that no single style Low model method is best, just different. I though have found the Fingered/Chromatic Extension to be the best and easiest to use over all as well as the best speaking sounding low notes.

You would have to play one for about a year and try all the various works on it before you can really judge its merits. Reaching back is the easiest part I think. Fighting the sound or hardware or extra strings is more of a drag to me. I have used them all to date and my mind is made up.