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Base Extension Double basses originally had 5-7 strings and could play notes as low as C (32.7 Hz). Modern basses have four strings with the lowest note being E (41.2 Hz). Both modern and historical music, however, contains notes in this C to E range. The E string is now extended to accommodate the lower range. Bassists are, at present, faced with two alternatives. They can finger notes on the extended fingerboard directly and awkwardly, or they can use existing mechanisms which are noisy, cumbersome and unattractive. Other project members: Regina Cheung, Sapna Augustine

Our design allows the bassist to play the low notes as if they were positioned along a fifth string.

The force applied to the keys by the bassist's fingers is transmitted to variable "loops", where the E-string is actually constrained, by means of nylon cords. Conceptually, the mechanism is not unlike a bicycle handbrake.

The tension on the string served to hold the extension in place.

The mechanism used to return the keys to the unpressed position.

The mechanism used to constrain the string as if a finger had pressed it.

Copyright Jim Gouldstone 2004