Hipshot Freerange bass extender

[JPJ]

So, playing in a female-fronted Americana trio, I thought it would be nice to have a low D available to me to widen out the tonal palette. When our own @olihayhurst advertised one of these on this very forum I couldn’t resist. When we were an electric band I used to do the same trick with the d-tuner on my fretless Tony Franklin precision bass, so I knew what to expect but I have to say I am pleasantly surprised by the accuracy and stability of tuning as you from E to D to E again. The supplied Hipshot instructions made installation easy, including trimming back the silks on the E string to clear the bridge. First gig with it will be this Saturday afternoon and I am looking forward to unleashing the low D on the unsuspecting passing trade at Billy Bootleggers in Newcastle upon Tyne. 

[olihayhurst]

Excellent!

[NickA]

Often wondered why double basses have those ugly extensions instead of a drop tuner.   No need after all!

 

Tho orchestral music often goes low C, requiring C, G, D, G tuning which is a bit of a fingering nightmare and would need detuners approaching those on a zon hyper bass. 

 

5 string maybe the way to go.

[itu]

Good looking, but a pricey unit. 

[JPJ]

9 hours ago, itu said:

Good looking, but a pricey unit. 

Yes on both scores, but fortunately I was able to pick this one up pre-owned on here. Used it tonight in rehearsal and the low D is just monstrous. Oh and the tuning stability is spot on going both ways. Funnily enough its also had a positive impact on the low E string which appears to be speaking much clearer now 🤷‍♂️