1/4 Kay bass, endpin too short!

[babyjo]

One day, I was browsing the 'musical instruments' section of craigslist. I found what was listed as a 3/4 bass for $250.00. I replied and got a call back a few hours later. I was told that the bass was actually a 1/2 bass. I thought about how this solved the portability issue and promptly agreed to meet to look at the bass. The bass included a bag and bow and had a nice rosewood tailpiece and fingerboard. I examined the bass the next day in order to decypher its age and origin. Stamped inside was H10 followed by a serial number. It turns out that it is a 1949 Kay H10 1/4 size bass. This bass plays fantastically. there is, however, one small problem. The endpin does not extend enough. I have to put the bass on a small riser to elevate it. I have not been able to find a long endpin for a 1/4 Kay. I am looking for some suggestions, as I really enjoy gigging with my new pint-size bass. I need the endpin to be about two inches longer. I think the endpin width is 10 mm but i'm not sure...the length sticking out from the body is about 4.5 inches. Sorry to mix standard and metric in the same paragraph. Has anyone else encountered this problem?

[crowsmengegus]

Congrats on the new pint size bass.

When you say the length sticking out of the body is 4.5 in, do you mean that is as far as the endpin will extend (pretty short...)? So you need about 6.5 in sticking out?

A few ideas:

-Trim a drumstick to desired length and stick it in there.

-Buy a metal dowel from the hardware store of desired length and diameter. File a notch in it for the stop screw and maybe put a rubber something on the end.

-Get one of these from Gollihur. The stock Kay/Engelhardt is 1/2" diameter rod, though I think some are smaller. If yours is 10mm these ones won't work unless you replace the whole assembly. If you replace the assembly, you might need a luthier.

Hope one of these helps. Let me know if I misunderstood your measurements.

[babyjo]

Thank you for your help. The metal dowel sounds like the best option. I will let you know how it works out.