Need New Endpin Rod

Ike Harris · #1 05-02-2008, 12:52 PM

Well, I lost my original rod to my Kolstein endpin assembly the other night, so I'm using this opportunity to explore some of the newer options out there now to improve the sound of my bass and maybe add a new look to set it apart, possibly with a Pecanic tailpiece thrown in to the mix, replacing the heavy ebony compensator. So far, I'm leaning toward KC's wooden number with the carbon fiber insert and steel point. Has anyone gotten this? I'm curious if it's improved your sound to much of a degree. I've checked out TB's Johnny Atomic's unusual and attractive wooden endpins with the nice grains and such, so we're in touch about these. Over at Contrabass in the UK, they have a good looking carbon replacement rod there that would fit my bass perfectly. A little pricey at 60 British pounds w/8 lbs shipping but might be worth it. I don't think the titanium is the way to go for me, it's supposed to brighten/focus the sound and is very expensive. I just want to get more of what the bass already sounds like and like the idea of being able to use a sharp point with a really good screw-on tip. Any comments will be helpful.

thanks,

Ike

Jake deVilliers · #2 05-03-2008, 12:30 AM

I have installed Brent Norton's Carbon Fibre and aluminium endpins into two basses and they both showed improved tone - more width and depth, more openness.

There's a guy in Alberta making interesting endpins with Carbon fibre rods: one of these days I'll order one and test it out. It uses a bicycle skewer to tighten the pin, leaving you free to choose any length, similar to the Norton.

http://www.n-pin.com/N-PIN_Inc._End_...-PIN_Inc..html

Ike Harris · #3 05-04-2008, 11:39 AM

Who carries Brent's endpins? Thought he went out of business. The other product looks interesting but I don't want to change my plug, just get a new rod. Plus the magnetic tip voids credit cards and stuff, so I don't want to go there.

Ike

Jake deVilliers · #4 05-04-2008, 12:15 PM

He did. I bought the last ones he had and begged him to make more. They are strong, light, resonant, rattle-free and easy to adjust; in short, the perfect end pin.

The magnet looks to be in the end pin cover. You could always discard that part and fit a regular rubber tip. Just thinking.....

I've been intrigued by the KC Strings pin, too. Maybe if I wrote them on Long & McQuade letterhead they'd send me a sample.

Ike Harris · #5 05-04-2008, 05:34 PM

Aren't those(Brent's) that are tapered and can't fit a wheel shaft into? Little less than perfect for me if that's the case. And you'd have to change out the plug as well. A little more than I need to do at the moment. I think I'll look around locally before I leap.

Jake deVilliers · #6 05-04-2008, 05:42 PM

No, Brent's are straight 1/2" diameter carbon fibre rod and I believe that's what the N-Pin one's are too.

I'll ask them.

Ike Harris · #7 05-04-2008, 09:02 PM

That would be WAY too big for my 10mm socket. Even if it did fit, it would still need stops on it for the set screw.

Jake deVilliers · #8 05-05-2008, 01:22 AM

True enough!

Johnny Atomic · #9 05-05-2008, 07:47 AM

I make no claims about tonal changes of my endpins. I make them for two reasons

1) if your set screw comes loose onstage, it won't colapse up into the bass.

2) they look pretty

I've recently changed from polished stainless steel insert to polished aluminum. The set screw bites much better into the aluminum.

Here's a youtube video of a recent one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpU5Z80PsRY

Thanks
Johnny

bonaventura · #10 05-10-2008, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ike Harris

...So far, I'm leaning toward KC's wooden number with the carbon fiber insert and steel point. Has anyone gotten this? I'm curious if it's improved your sound to much of a degree. Any comments will be helpful. thanks, Ike

Ike,

I've had a carbon fiber bass end pin for over a year. It may add some volume, you'll have to try. I got mine from http://newharmonymusic.com and I've had no problems with it at all. I even installed the plug myself, carefully filing it down to fit the size of the old wooden plug. I also got a Pecanic tailpiece and use a synthetic tailpiece string. The one thing I would say for sure is my bass is a bit lighter to carry than with my old setup with steel endpin, steel tailpiece wire, ebony tailpiece, etc.

Bill

RCWilliams · #11 05-10-2008, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

I've been intrigued by the KC Strings pin, too. Maybe if I wrote them on Long & McQuade letterhead they'd send me a sample.

I must be asleep at the switch, I missed this one... perhaps you should... we've started putting ground on our pins as we noticed a differrence in the sound on some expiromental cello peg legs I've been working with.

The stranges things can make a difference.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #12 05-10-2008, 09:53 AM

Ike,
I have seen the KC Strings pins and think they would be a good option for you. I've got one on my list for sure.

Ike Harris · #13 05-13-2008, 09:44 PM

I went ahead and grabbed a steel replacement rod for the time being since I needed something quick, but will continue to study the newfangled options for my setup. I think they will make a difference. Keep the info coming. Thanks guys.

Ike