Double basses - C extension v 5 strings v neither

Question

This is a curiosity of mine. Each time I attend a concert, I look at the double basses to see whether they have either a C extension, 5 strings, or neither. For the concerts that I have attended in the UK, the answer seems to be mostly C extension. However, on TV or discs, I see 5 strings occasionally; I think (not claim) that this seems to be more common in Germany.

What are the pros and cons?

Is the extra string always C to just enable an octave below the cello or is it sometimes B to retain the spacing?

Also what music requires it or may use it? I have not noticed notes below the standard 4 string bass being used in concerts that I have attended but, of course, my musical tastes and powers of observation might be the explanation.

Answers on 5 strings bass guitars are also welcome. I get the impression that the extra string is more commonly B on these.

Answer 1

Five-string basses in orchestra would be tuned BEADG (from low to high). Another option, which would be used more for solo work, would be EADGC, with the fifth string being an additional higher string instead of a lower one.

There are a number of pieces that call for (explicitly or implicitly) lower notes than the typical 4-string bass can play. Schubert's 8th symphony has a falling bass line down to a low C in the cello score, but for the bass score, the last two notes, the D and C are written up an octave. Most recordings include the implied notes using either 5-string basses or basses with extensions. I've heard a recording of Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini in which there are clearly basses playing pizzicato on a low B. I imagine a lot of newer music takes advantage of this capability, as these basses become more popular and accessible.

Pros for extensions:

• Extended range while keeping the same neck width
• They can be retroactively added to 4-string basses with minimal modifications

Cons for extensions:

• More awkward fingering on lower notes, though some basses have special mechanisms to help deal with that
• Adding an extension requires drilling a hole through the scroll, as well as mounting the extension to the bass, so if it is ever removed, the bass will be marred

Pros for 5-string basses:

• Even more extended range down to B
• More natural fingering, just an additional string
• The bass is often designed with 5 strings in mind, so it is a more natural fit

Cons for 5-string basses:

• The fingerboard is wider, which may make for difficult fingering for those with smaller hands
• Bowing may be trickier
• Unless the bass is purpose built for 5 strings, it may not be large enough or have big enough components to fully support the low notes

Answer 2

I can't can't speak to double basses, but as for bass guitars

Answers on 5 strings bass guitars are also welcome. I get the impression that the extra string is more commonly B on these.

A 5-string bass guitar typically adds a low B, but I have heard of people using a high C instead. A 6-string bass guitar typically adds both a low B and a high C.

As for usage I see most 5 string players in the metal and jazz genres. Metal because they want the special effect of getting extra low notes. And jazz players like the extra option but tend to use it sparingly. Then there are quite a few people that think they want a low B until they realize that it usually sounds a bit floppy and muddy.

Most 6 string players I have seen have been jazz players that like playing solo or with busier chordal passages. The extra range gives you a lot more arrangement options. I personally kind of want a 6 string for this reason—I love playing solo using the upper range of the bass.

Answer 3

5 String Double Basses are becoming more popular these days because they've improved the design also they weigh less than a Bass w/ a C Extension.

Answer 4

I've also seen two types of extensions on electric basses:

The "Hipshot", which consists of a tuner with lever to drop the string's tuning by as much as a 4th (depending on string gauge):

(Image from hipshotproducts.com)

...and the much rarer Kubicki extension which resembles a shortened version of the extensions seen on string basses, though limited to a maj. 2nd:

(Image from thebassgallery.com)

I've not played either (5 strings since 1992), but the Hipshot seems less flexible as you have to keep your thumb against the lever.

The obvious disadvantages to the Kubicki extension are limitation in range and extreme rarity of existence.

Answer 5

I think 5 string Double Basses are becoming more common these days. Thomas & George Martin cleverly solved the playability problem of the 5 string Double Bass by making some adjustments to the setup which include making the neck & fingerboard a bit wider, having the B string hang off to the side, & increasing the overstand so that the top can be the same thickness, plus it puts the strings further away from the body for easier playabiltiy. How about a Hole-in-the-heart 5 string Double Bass based on a Hole in the Heart Violin to Viola Conversion?

A hole in the heart 5 string Double Bass would be where the function of the soundboard, between the action of the treble bridge foot and the soundpost is bypassed, this has the effect of reducing the amplitude of higher frequency resonances, and gives the lower registers greater sonority.

Answer 6

I can only answer referring to electric basses. As already stated, 5 string basses use either a high C or low B. The low B is more common, as the high C takes the bass into guitar territory. One of the reasons I prefer 5 string is that there is often no need to play on the first few frets, as a lower note is available on that B string. Occasionally, it's nice to finish a song on a root note lower than the usual E, though.

The 6 stringers are often used by jazzers, especially where there's no guitar player, to form partial chords.

As an aside, I used to play with an 8 string player - low F# to high F. Quite interesting!