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Setup & Repair [DB] Exploring the issues involved in setting up and repairing basses, along with luthier recommendations.


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  #1  
Old 05-11-2008, 10:56 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Upstate, SC
Replacement endpin recommendations.

Hi All-

I am really looking for the professional's opinions and experience here...

I have a poorly fitted custom made endpin unit in my bass. It has been recommended to me, by a professional luthier, that I get it replaced. The hole will have to be plugged and re-reamed, so it is a job that I want to get right the first time.

If you replace an endpin assembly and money is no object, which one do you recommend? I would like the ability to try different rod materials, use a wheel, etc...

Thanks in advance.
Brian
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  #2  
Old 05-12-2008, 05:46 AM
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Bump?
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  #3  
Old 05-12-2008, 08:37 AM
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i like my ulsa endpin
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  #4  
Old 05-12-2008, 11:23 AM
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My Arvi has what looks like a custom endpin, like what you describe, and I don't particularly care for it, although it's not bad enough to justify replacement (it would probably also need to be plugged and reamed).

My Cailin Wultur came from Hammond Ashley with a Goetz endpin, which I like very much, although I've never used a wheel with it. On that note, though, my luthier mentioned that she's seen damage to instruments resulting from careless use of a wheel.
  #5  
Old 05-12-2008, 11:37 AM
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I currently have an Upton bass wheel and have no problems with that. My current endpin has a 9/16" stainless steel rod. It is very heavy and I believe, especially the way it is fitted, it is not helping the sound of my instrument.

I have kind of narrowed it down in my head to ULSA and Goetz, but those are the two I am most familiar with. Just wondered if there were any particular models that 3 out of 5 luthiers would recommend? And why?

Thanks for the endput- err I mean input,
BG
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  #6  
Old 05-12-2008, 11:44 AM
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Have a look at www.n-pin.com
Nic's end pins are used by more than a few Bassists across Canada.
They use a Carbon Fiber pin with a collet type mount, tightened with a bycicle seat clamp.
I got one several years ago and have had no trouble with it at all.
The only maintenance is to replace the plastic washer on the bearing surface of the clamp every so often, depending on the amount of use.
I made several out of assorted pieces of suitable plastic.
  #7  
Old 05-12-2008, 11:55 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Don C View Post
Have a look at www.n-pin.com
Nic's end pins are used by more than a few Bassists across Canada.
They use a Carbon Fiber pin with a collet type mount, tightened with a bycicle seat clamp.
I got one several years ago and have had no trouble with it at all.
The only maintenance is to replace the plastic washer on the bearing surface of the clamp every so often, depending on the amount of use.
I made several out of assorted pieces of suitable plastic.
Those look interesting, but I am not sure I can go for that fastener... maybe I am just set in my ways on the thumb screw? Does it ever slip?

BG
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  #8  
Old 05-12-2008, 12:26 PM
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Ulsa's a pretty good one, the violin shop I used to work for put them on all thier basses, I use an egg pin so I had to get the goetz. The Carbon fiber rod is getting very popular. A few people I know swear by it. If your bass is a top heavy, then get the goetz and the eggpin or the carbon fiber rod.
  #9  
Old 05-13-2008, 01:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Heifetzbass View Post
Those look interesting, but I am not sure I can go for that fastener... maybe I am just set in my ways on the thumb screw? Does it ever slip?

BG
The fastener has a tensioner screw. You can tighten it as tight as you want to.
I was, at first a little skeptical myself, but have had no problems with slippage at all.
Being that it's a collet type, it holds all the way around instead of just one place like a screw does.
With most screw types, the rod has indentations every inch or so, but with the collet type you can adjust the length much more accurately.
  #10  
Old 05-13-2008, 11:41 PM
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+ + 1 on the n-pin . I've had one for a few years . Doesn't slip, and a very solid ,smooth and easy to adjust high -tech mechanism. The carbon pin sounds good as well.It also works great with my Onyx wheel -just snap in and go.
  #11  
Old 05-14-2008, 01:03 PM
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the n-pin is amazing


http://www.n-pin.com/N-PIN_Inc._End_...-PIN_Inc..html
  #12  
Old 05-14-2008, 06:47 PM
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Gallery Strings (I think London, UK) makes a great end pin. I got mine at World of Strings in Long Beach, CA several years ago. 10mm pin diameter, screw on rubber tip etc.
  #13  
Old 05-15-2008, 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Dr Rod View Post
Agreed, never need to sharpen it. The tip that fits on the spike always falls off tho. Might wanna ask the maker what's up with that.
  #14  
Old 05-15-2008, 12:54 PM
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Metropolitan Music offers a couple of very nice traditional style end pins, both with hollow steel rods for lighter weight.

http://www.metmusic.com/store/index....ProductID=6425

http://www.metmusic.com/store/index....59028213352123
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