Double Bass Bent End Pin vs. Laborie

[Robert Strickland]

So, I bought a bent end pin from Slava Publishing. I've had it for 3 days. I think I'm digging it quite a bit. It does just what they are supposed to do - change the center of gravity and take the slight pressure off the left thumb from holding the bass up.

I'm not getting any of the "side effects" that some mention: bouncing, lack of side to side stability, unwanted twisting (the design prevents that), etc. None of that is happening.

So - my question to those of you who have tried both the Laborie and the Bent End Pin: which is better? why? Is there even a meaningful difference? Other thoughts?

 

[gr8bassplayer]

I had a Slava bent endpin and then switched over after a few weeks to a Laborie. I have found that the Laborie leans the bass into your body better than the bent endpin. The Laborie endpin makes it easier IMO to use the weight of your arm on both the left and right hands directly into the string. I found that the bent endpin had a little less of the lean into my body.

 

[Robert Strickland]

Thanks gr8. Good info. Did your local luthier drill the hole and install the Laborie? What does that run?

 

[gr8bassplayer]

I went to the Kansas City bass workshop and had their luthier drill the hole while I was there. Christian Laborie was at the workshop as well, so I just bought one of his. Drilling was $45 and the endpin was $90.

 

[Robert Strickland]

I went to the Kansas City bass workshop and had their luthier drill the hole while I was there. Christian Laborie was at the workshop as well, so I just bought one of his. Drilling was $45 and the endpin was $90.

Is the Laborie adjustable? Or do you have to measure and then have just one extension length?

 

[gr8bassplayer]

The Laborie is not adjustable, unfortunatly... but it's easy to measure and I'm sure someone would be willing to help you find the right height. I was lucky enough to have Laborie and Rabbath size mine for me, but they are certainly not the only experts out there.

 

[Robert Strickland]

Thanks!