bent end pin

[loon784]

Hi all

I bent my end pin. I 've straightend it a few times but it keeps bending. I'm tall so I'm on the sixth notch (about a foot). All the replacements I see for sale include the plug. I don't think I need to replace it. Can I just get a new rod? The only one I see is the carbon fiber rod at Upton, is that ok to use? Any good? Any one know who sells a long notched steel one?

[Eric Hochberg]

Any of the bass shops advertising here should be able to get you a replacement pin.

[robobass]

What is the diameter of your pin? If it's 5/16ths, like the crappiest ones are, a new one will just bend again. You should really upgrade to a Goetz or something. Also, an endpin doesn't need to come from a bass shop. A local machine shop might be able to cut you a piece of hardened steel rod with a pointed end in the right diameter for the same or lower price. They would charge extra for notches, but you don't really need them if it's just plain mill finish - unplated/unpolished. They could also thread the end so you could stick with your plug.

[bassteban]

I'm 6' 2" w/a 3/4 bass; much of my end pin is exposed.
I recently replaced the solid-steel wobbly wonder w/a hollow(I believe it's aluminum, although my repair guy said it's stainless steel)one that's a good 1/2"-5/8" OD. Very stiff, even at near-max height, & very secure. Worlds better than the old POS.

[vejesse]

Hopefully this image works. It's an endpin assembly we designed and made in house. The rod is centerless ground 1/2" stainless steel. After you install a new endpin, if you still bend the 10mm rod have someone make and install a 1/2 one like what was suggested earlier. Sound dampening issues aside it's one solid unit.

[shadygrove]

Originally Posted by loon784

... The only one I see is the carbon fiber rod at Upton, is that ok to use? ...

I haven't used a carbon fiber rod, but if I was going to switch to one I'd get the entire assembly. Most end pins with steel rod use a set screw to hold it in place and that will dig into the carbon and separate the fibers.

[Phil Rowan]

If you wanted to go the carbon fiber route, you could always have KC Strings make you one at a height specified by you. For these you don't need to have the whole housing replaced, because the bass actually rests on the wooden part of the endpin, while the cf rod goes into the bass to keep it in place (you do tighten the screw, though not to the same degree as you would w/ a regular steel endpin).