Temporary Endpin repair

Fredro · #1 06-01-2010, 09:23 AM

My new (used) bass had a really sloppy endpin fit in the bottom of the bass. The whole thing was pulling forward when the strings were tuned. I intend on getting a new one when I can but for the time being, I found what seems to be a good temp fix.

I went and found my roll of aluminum tape. One wrap of tape at a time, I built up the thickness of the plug (correct term?) until it fit nice and snug in the hole. Wrapped it very tightly and worked on getting it very smooth. It took 6 wraps. On the last wrap, I had to gently tap it in there. No more pulling forward.

Cody Sisk · #2 06-01-2010, 12:54 PM

So is this a story you are telling? Or are you asking a question in some way?

Fredro · #3 06-01-2010, 10:21 PM

Well, I (perhaps foolishly) thought that someone else might benefit from learning about how I handled this particular situation. It was a good temporary fix and I thought it might be better received than just an off hand comment like that.

MIKMAN · #4 06-01-2010, 10:55 PM

Dear Fredro please cool down. Cody's remark surely was not ill intended and if you have been around this forum for some time you should had learned that a playful mood usually prevails among members.
From the other hand i do appreciate sharing your experience with the endpin. Some things which seem peace of cake for luthiers are not so obvious for the common folk.
Mike

Fredro · #5 06-01-2010, 11:23 PM

Thank you for the comments Mike. As it turns out, this is only my first week here on the forum.

I don't know all things bass fiddle related. Turns out a lot of people know an immense amount more than me. Just trying to figure it all out.

It can be a bit hard for the "newbie" to find a proper fit sometimes. Just felt a bit like on the outside looking in.

MIKMAN · #6 06-02-2010, 01:23 AM

Thans for your kind response. Allow me to share with you my experience. I was watching the forum for some years and finally i became a member. This forum is a treasure of information in all aspects of the double bass. The participants belong to many categories: seasoned professionals, world class musicians, aspiring
young players, amateurs, students, luthiers etc. The vast majority of them are particularly eager to share information, to help newbies, to give as much as they can to any new member. A playful mood usually characterizes many regulars and sometimes this fact is interpreted as arrogance, snobbish etc... Believe me, it's not the case, as in many -many- times these reactions belong only to supersensitive individuals. Try to learn as much as you can from the forum's members and enjoy your time here. I gained quite a lot of infos, i made some good friends and i have shared moments of impeccable humor lurking in TB.
You are more than wellcomed here.
Mike

uprightben · #7 06-02-2010, 05:13 AM

So, about your endpin... If you had to tap it in it might be too tight. It shouldn't go in any further than you can push it in with moderate strength, if a litle sticks out, that's ok. The danger in the endpin socket being tapped in too tight is that it can crack the end block, which is major.

Cody Sisk · #8 06-02-2010, 06:23 AM

<----- What Mikman said

I was honestly trying to interpret your post, wanting to know if you were looking for something. Usually newbies here will be seeking some sort of answers, even if their posts aren't presented as a direct question.

I'm glad your fix worked for you. Thick parchment or masking tape is also a good temporary option. Though ideally you'll want to plug it and start over... eventually.

Welcome to TB!

Cody Sisk · #9 06-02-2010, 06:24 AM

Or you might be able to find a new endpin with a bigger diameter plug...

Fredro · #10 06-02-2010, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DallasStrings

Or you might be able to find a new endpin with a bigger diameter plug...

Dallas - That is one thing I am having trouble figuring out. I have read a LOT of the threads about the endpins searching for an answer and one thing I don't understand - How does one measure the size of an obviously too big hole and then go about ordering a larger sized insert? Not opposed to going to a luthier but if the hole is already oversized, it shouldn't need any more reaming out, right? Where do you measure, How do measure and what do you measure with?

Uprightben - The tapping I did was with my knuckle and it was about equivalent to lightly knocking on a door. I picture the aluminum tape loosening a little over time. I don't think it's too tight.

Thanks for the responses. Hopefully, everyone doesn't think I am nearly as overly sensitive after all.

Cody Sisk · #11 06-04-2010, 06:12 AM

The trick is to find a plug that's oversized to the hole that is already in your bass. Then you will need to ream it a bit to get a perfect fit. If the hole is just too big for anything it will need to be plugged and you'll have to start over. Unfortunately this is a job for a luthier due to the expense of having several endpins laying around of different sizes and a reamer. Reamers are ridiculously expensive..

MIKMAN · #12 06-04-2010, 11:14 AM

A friend of mine found an endpin reamer from a Chinese company for $70 plus p&p. The tool, albeit a cheap one, works perfectly and covers the needs of an amateur luthier. I used it once and i had no problem at all.
If you need any details, address etc PM me and i'll inform you promptly.
Mike