AES Fine Instruments

Fingered C-extensions are built of solid ebony, carefully crafted around the bass' scroll. I do not cut into scrolls. Whenever possible, the extension is built in an easily removable manner, which facilitates string changing and packing in a hard case.

My favorite type of C-extension is the simple, fingered type, with a basic latch for the E. This type allows the player to adjust intonation to match the orchestra, and also to add vibrato at will. Several of my clients have requested extensions that will hold any note between C and E. For them I have built several with either a sliding "nut", or four seperate latches. The latches are adjustable for height and tension, and every extension is built with an adjustable nut at the top end, for proper intonation.

All my extensions are built of select, air-dried ebony. I feel the solid ebony extension has the strength needed to withstand years of constant tension, and the hardness to resist excessive wear. As ebony is a resource in short supply, I am careful to purchase it from certified sellers, and to cut it with regard to achieving maximum yield. Scraps ultimately become saddles, nuts, latches, and shims. Most basses will accept a C-extension. However, instruments with the scroll attached in the wrong plane, and those with extensive scroll repairs, may not. I never cut the scroll to install an extension--please don't ask.

This is a unique extension I made for a magnificent Lamy bass. It involved creating a sort of "dental appliance" that fit in the cat's mouth, and a "flying bridge" to hold the actual extension in place. There were no modifications made to the head other than the installation of a small screw to keep the "dental appliance" in place.

This is a recent chromatic extension I made for a fine modern Italian Bass. The body of the extension and all the actuators are solid African ebony, and the actuators are pressure-adjustable. The extension can easily be played either latched or fingered, as there is a smooth surface against which to put your thumb in the back. The scroll was left intact, of course.