Endpin Specialist

MaxJohnson · #1 02-25-2013, 03:38 PM

We all know there are luthiers that specialize in specific instruments, and there are also people that specialize in smaller parts of the instrument, such as tailpieces (shout out to the brilliant Mike Pecanic), extensions, custom cases, etc... BUT, I was wondering about endpins, because we all have read endlessly about how each endpin materials make different effects on sound. I myself have tried a few different endpins on the same bass and it definitely makes a difference, subtle, but a difference nonetheless.

So, I was wondering if there is a person, company or group that specialize in custom or specific endpins.

Dave Hosking · #2 02-25-2013, 05:58 PM

Johnny Atomic, who custom makes endpins, has a thread in the TB Bazaar:

Atomic Endpins

Max, thanks for the clarification regarding what you're seeking!

MaxJohnson · #3 02-25-2013, 06:27 PM

That's just an endpin rod, not a full endpin. Also, they're all steel, don't have a spike, and cannot be adjusted. I'm looking for someone that makes different options, not just something fancy looking to stick into a stock socket.

neilG · #4 02-25-2013, 07:42 PM

There aren't THAT many endpins to be bought, but if you have an idea for something different, anything can be made for you. What exactly are you looking for?

MaxJohnson · #5 02-25-2013, 08:34 PM

There's a myriad of materials, styles, sizes and weights of endpin, but there doesn't seem to be an expert. Everyone chimes in on here about what their favorite things are, BUT, while there are people who are specialists for extensions, tailpieces, and bridges, there doesn't seem to be a Dr. Endpin.

http://www.lemurmusic.com/Upright-Ba...ctinfo/A2251R/

Things like this seem close to what it would be, but it's surprising to me that there isn't a person doings something like this with different tonewoods. Seeing that everything touching the bass has an effect on sound, I'm sure there'd be a number of bass players interested in trying out an "artisan" endpin.

samriley · #6 02-25-2013, 08:47 PM

http://www.kcstrings.com/bass-endpins

this what you mean?
wood tapering into wood. this is ideal, but it can get a bit pricey when you need the wood button made too.
I have made something similar to fit into the button so that there is maximum wood contact and not just held in place once the screw is tightened. It was just an experiment and I made it from a heavy broom handle which cost me $5 from a hardware store. I have no idea what type of timber it is, but no joke it has made a dramatic increase in volume and bottom end compared to my old metal endpin.

powerbass · #7 02-25-2013, 08:56 PM

Seems that Lemur Music put some time and effort into engineering the all wood endpin, perhaps you could contact them?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxJohnson

There's a myriad of materials, styles, sizes and weights of endpin, but there doesn't seem to be an expert. Everyone chimes in on here about what their favorite things are, BUT, while there are people who are specialists for extensions, tailpieces, and bridges, there doesn't seem to be a Dr. Endpin.

http://www.lemurmusic.com/Upright-Ba...ctinfo/A2251R/

Things like this seem close to what it would be, but it's surprising to me that there isn't a person doings something like this with different tonewoods. Seeing that everything touching the bass has an effect on sound, I'm sure there'd be a number of bass players interested in trying out an "artisan" endpin.

swervy jervy · #8 02-25-2013, 09:19 PM

Get the New Harmony CF rig and you can swap out any half inch rod material you want. Experiment to your heart's content. DIY.

Jake deVilliers · #9 02-25-2013, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swervy jervy

Get the New Harmony CF rig and you can swap out any half inch rod material you want. Experiment to your heart's content. DIY.

Or get a Metropolitan Music #6425 Ebony/Tubular Steel endpin assembly and you can try any 5/8" dowel you like!

There is no 'definitive' answer but I find that most basses sound best with walnut or maple endpins. These days I'm fitting them with New Harmony Endpin Balls that unscrew so you can use the hardened tip when necessary.

360guy · #10 02-25-2013, 09:46 PM

I've been milling quite a few exotic wood 5/8" endpin pegs lately. Where you can really tell the difference is in bowing.

swervy jervy · #11 02-25-2013, 10:04 PM

I want to try titanium. A proper size rod of that is 25 bucks.

samriley · #12 02-26-2013, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 360guy

I've been milling quite a few exotic wood 5/8" endpin pegs lately. Where you can really tell the difference is in bowing.

yes i have heard too that the difference is more noticeable when bowing

360guy · #13 02-26-2013, 05:36 PM

I checked out the New Harmony cf endpin. I was curious if the 1/2" diameter rod used a sleeve to secure it similar to the 14mm. It doesn't appear so.

I think the ideal endpin would have a sleeve securer and hold a 5/8" diameter rod. I'm going to work on fashioning such a device.

powerbass · #14 02-26-2013, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 360guy

I checked out the New Harmony cf endpin. I was curious if the 1/2" diameter rod used a sleeve to secure it similar to the 14mm. It doesn't appear so.

I think the ideal endpin would have a sleeve securer and hold a 5/8" diameter rod. I'm going to work on fashioning such a device.

+1 Good idea!

swervy jervy · #15 02-26-2013, 10:52 PM

You mean a sleeve that provides even pressure and keeps the thumbscrew from damaging the rod? The New Harmony has that. It's an excellent design, really.

msw · #16 02-27-2013, 03:18 PM

Jed Kriegal (Boston) sells an all carbon fiber endpin which uses a clamping mechanism rather than a set screw.
It definitely is a huge improvement. It also has the option of a carbide tip or a magnetic ball end.

Jake deVilliers · #17 02-27-2013, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msw

Jed Kriegal (Boston) sells an all carbon fiber endpin which uses a clamping mechanism rather than a set screw.
It definitely is a huge improvement. It also has the option of a carbide tip or a magnetic ball end.

That will be one of Nic's "N-Pins". Sadly, he's out of business and not making them any more...

msw · #18 02-27-2013, 09:19 PM

That is bad news. I have never liked an endpin
more than this one. It's a great design
and very versatile. Sorry to hear it.

tito mangialajo · #19 02-28-2013, 05:45 AM

I'm happy with a simple drumstick

MIKMAN · #20 02-28-2013, 09:34 AM

I tried various drumsticks milled in the proper diameter for my fully carved German bass. Walnut showed no difference, hickory performed worse but maple improved the arco sound significantly.
All of them had a zero effect in my hybrid Strunal but the KC Strings' CF rod on a wooden assembly improved not only the arco sound but also the pizzicatto's volume.
Now i try to find some time to put them in my carved Chinese bass, in order to choose the proper one. Each one of my basses performs differently and obviously each one needs some tweaking. It's good to search for the optimum sound and all these little modifications have much to do.
Mike