Endpin

[sbain]

I am looking for a bass player who would be willing to test a new endpin for me and give me feedback as regards performance.
I am based in Sheffield UK

[Bassic Karma]

What kind of endpin?

[sbain]

Hello Bassic Karma
Thankyou for your reply. I did not give much information did I!
I had a request from a bass maker to produce titanium spikes.
The size is non standard at 16mm and 20mm diameter. The 16mm will probably turn out to be the optimum.
This thickness of bar is large but the weight is not too bad.

How this material benefits and enhances the tonal qualities of a bass I do not know. This area is notoriously unscientific.
However this guy is sufficiently convinced and I am by the same token curious to test the theory.

I produce cello endpins with a traditional steel spike. Carbon fibre has become very popular. It is very light and stiff but some feedback I got was that it seemed to dampen resonance.

I would be wary to compare cello and bass as they have different levels of vibration. It is only a gut feeling but my opinion is a metallic spike is better.

The standard 10mm spike looks very skinny by comparison and the reason for such large diameter titanium is to reduce vibration in the bar.
I hope this has not become too wordy and has made some sense. If you are able to give me any ideas or opinions that would be very helpful as I am feeling my way on this project.
Stewart

[Bassic Karma]

Yea you were pretty vague, but no worries. I measured the endpin that I'm currently using, it seems pretty basic although its 10mm so I don't think that a 16mm or 20mm would fit, unless I am not understanding you completely.
If it helps I have a "Wan Bernadel" bass, found here
http://www.stringemporium.com/bernadel.htm

I just don't know if your endpin will fit in my bass? Haha.

[sbain]

You would need a new housing bored out to 16 or 20mm. A complete new unit.
If the tonal advantages to having a titanium spike are significant then it's worth doing.
There are implications to having a large bore. If you have a bass wheel that would need to be adapted.
As I indicated I am just exploring the issues at present

[RCWilliams]

We had some titanium cello end pins made that made an amazing difference in the sound of the cellos. they were quite flexible, but the difference in sound seemed worth the wiggle.

[sbain]

Thankyou for the comment about the titanium cello spikes. This venture for the bass has revived my efforts for the cello.
8mm is the norm for cello however an increase to 10mm would not be out of the way weight wise and might eliminate some of the wiggle. Very helpful thanks

[ynot]

Sbain
I am a luthier and bass player. I have installed several ebony endpins and find the are quite pleasant. They are 17mm in diameter and are a direct fit to the end pins I like to upgrade to. The results are more volume and less thin sound. The installation of a larger end pin will improve regardless of pin used the 10mm is not complementary to sound. I have even used ash drumsticks that are better sounding than the spindally small end pins.
Till the music fades
ynot

[ynot]

Sbain
I neglected to say I would be interested in hearing your end pin since I sold the ebony out of my personal bass it is easy to change in and out o
I using a steel 17mm that came with my endpin till I can turn a new one. End pins definitely can make a difference in sound. I have seen many cheap steel pins and the just don't support or sound good. A 10 NM ebony 7 inches out of the end is pretty unstable also look forward to chatting about this
ynot

[swingingoodtime]

sbain,

My bass uses a 16mm endpin; I currently use a solid CF pin, but have a steel (tube) and a wooden (drumstick) pin on hand as well.

I've been meaning to do a decent audio comparison between them at some point (with possibly some kind of waveform analysis but buggered if I've thought that one through fully as yet), so would be happy and interested to throw yours into the mix as well. The only caveats are:

- It'll have to wait at least until mid-Jan '11 &
- I'd like to put all 4 results up on to TB for all to benefit from the 'findings'.
- I live in Australia, so postage costs may be a consideration (although possibly just one-way, if you're willing to trade one in exchange for the information?)

What do you reckon?