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Double Bass CF endpin slipping

E

Ed S

Nov 14, 2019
1,983
3,032
#1
Anyone else have an issue with their carbon fiber endpin slipping such that it gets shorter while playing? Any solution other than cranking the heck out of the setscrew and not leaning on my bass as much?

I like the CF endpin, but really like the way my cheapo notched endpin doesn't slip.
 
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#5
I had this happen with mine. I took the CF endpin out and removed the tightening key, which allows the internal tightening ring to slip out. On examination. the inside of the ring was smooth, allowing no friction against the endpin. I got out a rasp and filed the inside of the ring just enough to score it at non-parallel angles to the endpin orientation. Again, just scoring it, not taking it out of round or anything like that. Then I put ir back together, and now it works without super-cranking the tightening key.

While I really like CF for an endpin, it adds a lot of weight. If it ever breaks I'll be looking for a drumstick of the right diameter. They do have CF tubes now as endpins, that might be a good compromise between weight, strength and tone.
 
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#6
You could try adding a “drill bit depth stop collar” to the end pin. They are available in standard and metric diameters and can be purchased from a number of suppliers, including Home Depot, Lowes and Amazon.

It will be similar to the end pin collar on the bass, but perhaps the additional collar will prevent slipping. I would probably put a rubber washer between the two to prevent rattling
 
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#9
Since carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic is a molded or laid-up product, it should be fairly straightforward to make notches. If, on the other hand, a commercial piece of CF reinforced plastic rod is used, I suspect just filing notches and then using epoxy or polyester resin to seal the exposed fiber ends would be fine. This is NOT a highly stressed part.
 
#10
Dave Tompkins said:
I have one of these and have only had it slip once and that was easily remedied with a small twist by hand of the screw attached to the holding mechanism. I'm really happy with it.

BeginPin – John Hay Enterprises LLC

basstattoo.com basstattoo.com
Click to expand...

I have had one of these on my bluegrass bass for about 5 years and it has worked perfectly, easy and quick to adjust and robust, the bass has been hauled around a lot and played hard.
Not cheap but definitely worth the price.
 
#11
I don't know if he sells these for aftermarket installs or if he'll put one in an existing bass BUT Jed Kriegel has a pretty clever solution - his CF endpins use a locking 360 degree collet collar (it's like a quick release bicycle seat adjuster) which grabs the endpin from its entire circumference and locks down/releases with the flip of a lever. If that's at all of interest, I'll see if I can post a short vid of it in action or at least take pics if the vid doesn't post without a host site....
 
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#12
My bass also has a collet for the endpin which I love.
 

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#13
The screw/collar assembly on the New Harmony endpins can wear out pretty easily, for carbon fiber endpins I like the Saddle Rider collet mount (with a quick-release) or the Bender endpin, although I think the Bender only comes in 10mm or 16mm sizes.
 
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#14
Ed Fuqua said:
I don't know if he sells these for aftermarket installs or if he'll put one in an existing bass BUT Jed Kriegel has a pretty clever solution - his CF endpins use a locking 360 degree collet collar (it's like a quick release bicycle seat adjuster) which grabs the endpin from its entire circumference and locks down/releases with the flip of a lever. If that's at all of interest, I'll see if I can post a short vid of it in action or at least take pics if the vid doesn't post without a host site....
Click to expand...

His website is in the second post in this thread and you can buy the unit for installs, lots of interesting info on his site. Mine was installed on a bass I bought in Toronto (Stand Up Guy Bass) and he sells them.
 
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