Do you need an extension on your double bass for orchestral excerpts?

► Orchestra Chops: The Complete Collection: courses.discoverdoublebass.co...
This interview with Joseph Conyers (Philadelphia Orchestra) is all about double bass extensions, including whether you need one to play orchestral excerpts, how to practice without an extension, and when to consider getting one. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
TIMECODES:
00:00 Introduction
00:28 Do you need to have an extension to play excerpts?
02:24 Extensions and gates
04:00 Adapting when playing without an extension
05:30 At what point does it become mandatory to have an extension?
05:59 When should I get an extension?
MORE FROM JOSEPH:
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Interviews: discoverdoublebass.com/interv...
Lessons: discoverdoublebass.com/lesson...
‪@josephconyers7854‬
IG: @weatherclef
Please note, the bass Joseph is holding in the video is Geoff’s bass. You can find out about Joe’s bass ‘Norma’ on his Instagram page.
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#OrchestraChops

[@JohnHancotte]

As a non-orchestral player with a Shen, I like the idea of a Hipshot extender type mod. Dropping to low D could be useful in jazz or pop. A band I’m in plays Hit The Road Jack in Ab so having the low Eb would be nice. I detune it manually depending on how much time I have.

[@nickkellie]

This is wonderful Geoff!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks so much Nick and best wishes from the U.K! :-)

[@brandontaylor3252]

I played with various orchestras for 20+ years now in the US and I've yet to play a concert with another 5 string player. It's shocking how one sided the numbers are. I find there is a distinct difference in tone between the two. The C extension is a more direct sound that cuts through the orchestra where my big 5 sounds like the low notes on a pipe organ. Personally I like the sound of both in a section. Both basses have certain passages that are problematic but I've found when I have a difficult spot on the 5th string it falls naturally on the extension and when the extension players look like apes swinging from the trees with their arms in the air I have simple, standard fingerings and it balances out.
I think Joe's feelings about 5s being uncomfortable is very fair if you only play 4 strings. 5 strings generally have a slightly narrower string spacing and a slightly lower arch to allow for all 5 strings to fit comfortably. You have to learn to minimize your movement more to eliminate the unintended double stops but once I got used to that I found that I was using my energy more efficiently, especially when moving the bow from string to string. The irony now is that when I sit in and play someone's 4 string bass my hands start to hurt because all the movements are more exaggerated due to the wider spacing. It actually makes my huge bass feel small in comparison. 😄
Anyway, thanks for your videos. I love having another place to nerd out over basses.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

That's great to hear your experience on this. I would love to spend some time with a 5 string and learn more about them.

[@nicgundy]

I'm one of the few in the states that use a 5 string (since owning one for 5 months now)!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

That's so cool to hear. I be the audience love those low C notes!

[@nicgundy]

@@DiscoverDoubleBass I gotta join an orchestra first though.

[@EmmettArmwrestles]

Which state?

[@davidbteague]

I love this discussion. But ...
My bass is tuned in 5ths and that's a whole 'nother kettle of fish ... er ... problems.

[@guilhermefreitas5970]

Red Mitchell Tuning?

[@davidbteague]

@@guilhermefreitas5970 CGDA, 8vb cello. See Joel Quarrington

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

I love 5ths tuning and am sure it’s a topic we will cover in a future video.

[@guilhermefreitas5970]

Witch is the best? 5 strings or extension?

[@davidbteague]

Both?

[@antoniosarzi3636]

If you're German, 5 string. 4 string plus extension is probably the best

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

I think it’s a personal preference as both can be amazing when well made and set up.

[@davidbteague]

I tune my bass in 5rhs, CGDA 8vb the cello. . I get the best of all possible worlds. I get the low C, it easily accessible, and the resonance of 5ths tuned instrument.
I use Quarrington pivoting.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

@@davidbteague sounds like a great approach. Really cool to hear.

[@Oscaraha]

Question: is it common to just tune drop D or something?

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

You can get a device by Hipshot which helps with this, but they are not that commonly used. They can be a good fit for the occasional note.
The vast majority of players use an extension for 5 string.

[@sammoon2499]

if anyone knows the amazing solo during the beginning i would highly appreciate it!!!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

The DDB introduction music is part of a piece which is included in an upcoming course. We plan to share a video about it soon.

[@ghitaciprian]

I use 6 string d-bass ahaha :D no joke

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

That's awesome!

[@ghitaciprian]

@@DiscoverDoubleBass thankt you, the same, not into playing that much lately as I am into trading but not all is lost, hopefully I will make a youtube video with it, also a 6 string bass guitar, from there I-ve made a 6 string d-bass custom order, C-G-D-A-E-B

[@ghitaciprian]

@@DiscoverDoubleBassI had been playing on an extended bass 4 string in 2006 in Spain, interesting