Double Bass Broken Endpin Wingnut

[Keith Rawlings]

Does anyone have any tips on removing a broken wing nut Endpin screw? The “wing” part of the wing nut on my stand up broke off many years ago and I’ve basically adapted to the short end pin by using a Rock Stop on top of a piece of 2X4 or an old phone book. It sucks because I would really like to remove it and pull the Endpin out another few inches for easier playability. Thanks!

 

[Paul Arkell]

Assuming the screw broke off flush, you can use a screw extractor to remove it. You drill a hole in the broken screw and then screw the extractor into that hole. eg: Invalid Link Removed
If the screw is too small for a screw extractor, you can use a drill a bit smaller than the screw and drill down the middle of the screw, prising out the remaining pieces with a metal pick.

Probably best done with a drill press and the endpin removed as you wouldn't want to slip. If that's not possible, I'd make sure the bass has some protection when using a drill around it, and use a steady hand.

 

[Keith Rawlings]

Thanks for the helpful tip. I’ve been wary to try drilling into it for fear of messing up the Endpin housing; but it’s so frustrating to not be able to adjust that Endpin.

 

[neilG]

Drilling a hole down the center of that small bolt is difficult if you've never done it before. Use a spring-loaded center punch to make a dimple to start the drill bit on. You may find that even if you can get the screw extractor to bite, the tip of the broken bolt will be mushroomed from being tightened against the end pin and will not want to come out the usual way. Options at that point are to laboriously file the mushroomed tip through the end pin hole, or force the bolt out, possibly damaging the threads. You might get lucky and will be able to clean up the threads with the appropriate tap, or you can drill and tap for a threaded insert . Or just drill the whole thing out for the threaded insert. I've done this on my bass with no problem. It took a few minutes.

 

[robobass]

I'd really take it out of the bass and put it in a vise first! I'm assuming that the broken screw is stuck in a notch on the rod, and you can't get any purchase on what's left of the screw. I'm glad Neil's plan was successful, but like he said, it might or might not work. I hate trying to use screw extractors or drilling out broken screws. I know a new assembly is expensive and you probably will have to have a luthier install it. But really, trying to fix this thing would likely be a world of hurt.

 

[neilG]

Luckily, I was able to get the screw out normally. The threads were so worn that I decided to install the insert. I worked as a mechanic for many years, so I know how this stuff can go wrong and what to do. Not for beginner DIY-ers.

 

[Keith Rawlings]

That sucker has been stuck in there for over 20 years, so I’m anticipating that it’s going to be very hard to take out. I wanted to avoid taking out the entire Endpin assembly if at all possible.

 

[neilG]

20 years?! Leave it. It'll totally change your sound and you'll never recover!

 

[Povl Carstensen]

Once the strings are off, it almost falls out, mine did anyway

 

[Keith Rawlings]

Well since I’ve had so much free time on my hands I went ahead and finally drilled out that broken wingnut. It did not want to come out whatsoever but it’s off. I’m happy as I don’t have to prop the bass up on something to play now. This was just something I never got around to.

I’m going to experiment with some wooden endpins; this is a half inch Kay endpin and sleeve. Anybody have any recommendations on putting one of these together myself? What types of wood would you all recommend? I probably could get access to a lathe to tool the end of a dowel to fit the 1/2” diameter; but I’d rather find something easier to do.

 

[Steven Ayres]

I’m going to experiment with some wooden endpins; this is a half inch Kay endpin and sleeve.

Many players have expressed happiness with simply a drumstick in place of the pin, and you have choices of different woods.

 

[Keith Rawlings]

Many players have expressed happiness with simply a drumstick in place of the pin, and you have choices of different woods.

I wonder how durable drum sticks might be? I wouldn’t want anything to break off inside the bass.

 

[1st Bass]

Drumsticks are very durable, provided we are referring to the variety actually used for drumming, and not the kind sold by KFC.

 

[Povl Carstensen]

I wonder how durable drum sticks might be? I wouldn’t want anything to break off inside the bass.

You are not familiar with drummers?

 

[Keith Rawlings]

You are not familiar with drummers?

Yes. I am. Ours breaks two or three a gig. That’s why I’m questioning the stability of drum sticks as an endpin option.

 

[Steven Ayres]

Just speculating, but it seems to me that if the endpin is taking a hit strong enough to break a drumstick, other parts are likely breaking as well.

 

[Keith Rawlings]

Just speculating, but it seems to me that if the endpin is taking a hit strong enough to break a drumstick, other parts are likely breaking as well.

Good point.

 

[Povl Carstensen]

Yes. I am. Ours breaks two or three a gig. That’s why I’m questioning the stability of drum sticks as an endpin option.

I was trying to be funny. I am using a Vic Firth American Custom SD2 Bolero drum stick as end pin, and I believe it changed my bass for the better, compared to my old aluminium/metal pin. More lively, to put a word to it. But this is an about 1,6 cms diameter stick/pin, and I would not be quite comfortable using it more than about 25 cms extended. I have the bass quite low.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

I was trying to be funny. I am using a Vic Firth American Custom SD2 Bolero drum stick as end pin, ...

And does ist help with slow latin music?

 

[Keith Rawlings]

I was trying to be funny. I am using a Vic Firth American Custom SD2 Bolero drum stick as end pin, and I believe it changed my bass for the better, compared to my old aluminium/metal pin. More lively, to put a word to it. But this is an about 1,6 cms diameter stick/pin, and I would not be quite comfortable using it more than about 25 cms extended. I have the bass quite low.

Cool.
I’m looking to go up to at least 8 to 10 inches on the endpin — maybe taller just to see how it feels to play at that height. I’ve gotten so used to slouching when I play due to the 4 inch endpin that I feel like it’s impeding my abilities to do more on the instrument as I’m trying to explore more in thumb position. I’m 6 feet tall and I know I’ll be a lot more comfortable with a longer endpin. I’m going to mess around with a bunch of different dowel rods and maybe try out a drumstick to see what works.