C Extensions
The C Extensions I build are designed to highlight the lines of the scroll, not to compete with it with lots of heavy shiny bling.
My preference is for a simple ebony or dark hardwood stick, with black hardware. I never cut into a scroll, and rarely if ever use screws to attach the extension, preferring to use string tension only to keep everything in place.
My current lever design incorporates separate adjusting nuts for height and for tension, which allows for simple fine adjustment by the user to cope with different string diameters and tensions. I use a special spring washer to provide smooth movement.
The simplest extension is a stick and one lever for the E. Other levers can be added as needed.
For some closeup images, see the C Extension Gallery .
Custom levers added to an existing C extension stick by Neville Whitehead, on a bass by John Lott 1.
Fingered extension with sculpted ebony stick.
Additional levers can be added at a later date.
Sculpted ebony stick; smooth, black, streamlined and well-fitting, does not overpower the original scroll shape and texture
"retro" style acetal levers, each with smooth and variable tension and height adjustment
Simple all-black drilled extension
Simple drilled extension in Vouacapoua wood, ebony, and black hardware.
Non-drilled extension with three rollers, threading onto E tuner.
Decorative non-drilled 2 roller extension threading onto E tuner.
Simple drilled C Extension with one latch. Predrilled for other latches to be added later.
Unique curly decoration on this ebony C extension.
Strong full ebony C extension for this Hawkes Panormo scroll. Latches are in acetal to eliminate changes in tension due to climate.
Front view of a full extension.
Robust extension threading onto E tuner, for large Hawkes Panormo bass.
The thick ebony stick is easier to grip with the forefinger and thumb than a thin extension.
Drilled extension in Vouacapoua wood, ebony, and black hardware with complete set of levers.
Ebony Non-drilled Extension with two levers, threaded onto E tuner.
In addition to building new extensions, I also clean and service existing extensions, including those using the popular basscapo hardware.
