Shortened endpin

[cggaret]

My endpin was resonating with some of the notes I was playing, so I just removed it sawed it off and replaced it. Everything went very well, and most importantly I didn't drop my sound post. I really hate resetting those. The procedure had the expected results- no more rattle. I didn't have any questions or anything, just a feeling of accomplishment and I wanted to tell someone.

[anonymous12251111]

Does anyone know how much of the physical pin should be inside the bass for stability?

Considering that I only use about 1 inch of the endpin would there be any acoustical difference by reducing the rod length?

Thanks.

[zeytoun]

Well, think of it this way: an acoustic instrument is powered by string energy. That energy is transferred to all parts of the bass which vibrate and create sound. So your entire endpin is vibrating with the bass. It's very possible that if you reduce a significant amount of your endpin mass, more string energy will go to vibrating the rest of the bass, which could make your bass a little louder, more responsive, etc.

[fdeck]

I had exactly the same experience. All I had to do was knock off roughly a couple inches to make the resonance go away.

[jisbass]

Similar results here. I cut the end pin , and not only did it get rid of a rattle it was causing, but the sound became louder and deeper.
As far as stability, I would guess that it would be fine as long as you cut it to the point where the pin is at least flush with the ebony plug on the inside when it's extended to the length you need. But you might want to leave some extra length in there in case you change your playing position, decide to sit/stand, etc. later on.

[fdeck]

Good point. I only cut off the portion reserved for guys who are seven feet tall.

I figure that the pin is vibrating like a tine of an old Rhodes piano, and changing its length moves the resonant frequency to "somewhere else" where it doesn't cause problems.

[smg_luthier]

nothing wrong with shortening a rod. most times, if they're too long, they just rattle. also, no need for excess weight.
sure, newtonian laws of energy and motion, but why waste energy moving something that isn't contributing positively to sound ?
just my opin.. wait. no. it's a fact, damn it..
smg..

[Gary Lynch]

I sawed my off then drilled a hole in the side of the end pin rod that was a tiny bit larger than the diameter of the thumb screw that holds the end pin in place. Now it's really tight and secure with zero buzzing. I also did this because the exact height I wanted to achieve was not on one of the notches provided. I sawed the end pin off about halfway. It was a long one.

P.S.

I'd like to add that at times items in my music room vibrate to certain frequencies from my bass. It's weird and I have no way of finding where it comes from very easy so if in doubt I go to another room to play the bass to make sure it is not coming from one of my basses. I also put my ear against the upper bout to hear if there is any buzz.