Double Bass Best tip for 1/2 inch end pin?

[Hwansu Kang]

Hi, so I have bass with 1/2 inch end pin,

and the rubber tip keeps being broken.
even the bigger tip from Gollihur music([Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

What would the best tip for half inch end pin be?

 

[Doug R]

Specialty bass rubber tips can be expensive to replace, especially if you grind through them playing rockabilly and spinning your bass around. I now go to Ace Hardware and buy packages of four 1/2" black rubber leg tips. Only $2.79 for a set if four in a little blister pack. Stock up - buy a dozen. If not in stock, ask them to order or go online to their site. Maybe not as heavy duty rubber as some, but cheap, easy to get and quick to replace.

 

[robobass]

Is the end pointed? If so you can't just stick a rubber tip directly on. You need some kind of plastic or metal insert to keep the point from poking through the rubber (yes, bring on the jokes!)
Most tips are either threaded or have a set screw to hold them onto the pin. I prefer a delrin plug which friction fits onto the pin, and a standard crutch tip fits onto the plug. That way you can replace the rubber crutch tip (cheap part) when it wears out, and re-use the plug.

Also, if Ace doesn't have what you need then go to Mcmaster.com and type in "nonskid tips". You fill find any size you want, and cheap - if you don't mind buying 25

 

[Jake deVilliers]

If you have a threaded tip check out the New Harmony end pin ball. Its a very good piece that substantially improves the feel of the bass when standing.

 

[Steven Ayres]

You need some kind of plastic or metal insert to keep the point from poking through the rubber

While you're at the hardware store, go to the fastener bins and find some 1/2" steel washers. Put one or two into the rubber tip before putting it on the endpin, and the tip will last five times as long.

 

[Mark Gollihur]

From Bob's FAQ:

Consider putting the pointy end inside the bass and the blunt end outside. Your rubber tips will last a lot longer. Alternatively, some metal washers or a metal disk can be placed inside the tip so the sharp point won't pierce the rubber tip.

My solution for a more robust tip is a simple and inexpensive (cheap Bob!!) one. The larger the tip, the more rubber, so I went to a local hardware store and bought TWO types of tips.

• a 1/2" (13mm) Vinyl Furniture Tip (Ace Hardware ACE 5015623 or equivalent)
• a 5/8" (16mm) Rubber Straight Tip (Ace Hardware ACE 51239 or equivalent)

The tip shown between the packages in the photo is the original Engelhardt rubber tip, which you can see is smaller. The rubber is also softer.

First, slip the slim vinyl 1/2" tip on the pin, and then force the 5/8" rubber tip over it, as shown in the photo at right. This results in a much more robust tip that lasts 2-3 times longer in my experience. I've seen these same tips at other hardware stores, usually in a four-pack, and I seem to remember they ran around $4-6 a pack.

 

[Jay Corwin]

Get the end pin ball from Gollihur if it will fit. It'll change your life for 20 bucks. If it would fit my Upton, It'd be on there.

 

[Mark Gollihur]

Get the end pin ball from Gollihur if it will fit. It'll change your life for 20 bucks. If it would fit my Upton, It'd be on there.

Unfortunately, it won't fit a half inch end pin. The largest it can get is 10 millimeters.

 

[neilG]

Get real cane tips from a store that sells crutches, walkers, and the like (surgical supply store). The ones I get last forever and have the metal disc inside that Bob mentioned. Or this: Amazon.com: Medline Industries MDS86424W Quad Cane Replacement Tips, Small Base, 1/2" (Pack of 6): Health & Personal Care

 

[harleyman888]

Cheap but effective.

 

[Jeff Bonny]

If you have a threaded tip check out the New Harmony end pin ball. Its a very good piece that substantially improves the feel of the bass when standing.

An if your pin isn't threaded then retrofit on one of New Harmony's selection of tips and have done with this problem once and for all.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

...or you could just reverse the endpin and put the pointy end inside the bass.

 

[Huy Nguyen]

I"ve had luck using a rubber hiking pole tip from REI. I use Leki poles for hiking and had a few lying around. Works beautifully and grips better than the hardware store tips.

 

[AntonLargiader]

Pretty much everything I've seen in this thread are light-duty rubber caps. Here's the real deal:

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