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Double Bass End pin cap size?

V

VondaP

Dec 27, 2009
37
0
#1
My daughter owns a Wan Bernadel. She lost the cover/cap for the end pen. Does anyone know what size it needs?

I e-mailed Steve at String Emporium but he hasn't responded.

Thanks so much,

Vonda
 
#2
VondaP said:
My daughter owns a Wan Bernadel. She lost the cover/cap for the end pen. Does anyone know what size it needs?

I e-mailed Steve at String Emporium but he hasn't responded.

Thanks so much,

Vonda
Click to expand...

I think your best bet would be to continue to try to contact Steve. From all reports, he takes good care of his customers.
 
#7
Measure the end pin and then go to a hardware store. They have a lot to choose from (literally bins and bins of rubber stoppers, chair leg tips, caps and crutch tips). I just got a weird 3/8" cap for my backup bass (a CCB) and I got a 4 pack for under $2.00.
Why are you bothering that man with this? I get most of my double bass parts from auto parts stores and hardware stores.

If you lost the gas-cap to your car would you call the seller? They sell those at the autoparts stores for a couple bucks.
 
#8
Rebop said:
If you lost the gas-cap to your car would you call the seller? They sell those at the autoparts stores for a couple bucks.
Click to expand...
A few years ago, when the rear windshield wiper blade on my Ford Escape needed replacing, I did try every auto parts store in town, including both local stores and national chain stores. Yes, I did end up having to go back to the dealership to get the part. OTOH, I get good Fram filters from WalMart and tires at Sears. It depends on the part.
 
#9
It does indeed depend on the part. However, I wasn't suggesting getting strings at a hardware store, I was suggesting a rubber crutch tip.

OTOH I do have weed whacker line for strings on one of my basses, and they came from a hardware store.
 
#11
Rebop said:
OTOH I do have weed whacker line for strings on one of my basses, and they came from a hardware store.
Click to expand...
Indeed. It's the same stuff. And if it's a good hardware store, it will actually be labeled by gauge so you get exactly what you need.

More than one person on a classical guitar has used monofilament fishing line, and if the strings on my ukelele ever break, I'm going to go see my father-in-law and ask to sort through the locker on his bass boat!
 
#12
Rebop said:
It does indeed depend on the part. However, I wasn't suggesting getting strings at a hardware store, I was suggesting a rubber crutch tip.
Click to expand...

This, too, may be a part not so easily replaced by a "generic." Some endpin tips have threaded sleeves inside. Many that don't are odd sizes. Indeed, it's easy to check and see. A trip to the hardware store may save time and money.

Rebop said:
If you lost the gas-cap to your car would you call the seller? They sell those at the autoparts stores for a couple bucks.
Click to expand...

Unfortunate example-- many gas caps are quite specialized. In fact, when you want to replace one, you often have to specify year, make, and model to get the proper venting cap. A couple of bucks? Not anymore. :)

iiipopes said:
...I'm going to go see my father-in-law and ask to sort through the locker on his bass boat!
Click to expand...

He has a bass boat? Double bass or EB? Wow, how does it sound? Wait a sec... bass? You mean the fish? :D
 
#15
Yes, unfortunate example of the gas cap. I'm used to driving antique cars that basically take the same cap as a lawnmower.


And yes, you may not find your exact size. The little rubber tip I got at the hardware store was a little snug to fit on my endpin but I worked it on the threads and it's not going anywhere now (if it does I got 3 more). It may be hard to find the exact rubber tip but you can get close and work it on. If it's a little big, use plumbers tape; a little small, use patience.
 
#16
Rebop said:
Yes, unfortunate example of the gas cap. I'm used to driving antique cars that basically take the same cap as a lawnmower.


And yes, you may not find your exact size. The little rubber tip I got at the hardware store was a little snug to fit on my endpin but I worked it on the threads and it's not going anywhere now (if it does I got 3 more). It may be hard to find the exact rubber tip but you can get close and work it on. If it's a little big, use plumbers tape; a little small, use patience.
Click to expand...

All good and agree. In the case of the OP, she can likely have her cake and eat it too. That is, find a hardware store replacement that'll suffice for right now and get an exact replacement from Steve. Yeah, it sure was nice when a gas cap was just a gas cap. :)
 
#18
drurb said:
All good and agree. In the case of the OP, she can likely have her cake and eat it too. That is, find a hardware store replacement that'll suffice for right now and get an exact replacement from Steve. Yeah, it sure was nice when a gas cap was just a gas cap. :)
Click to expand...
If the OP has one of those cheapo 5/16 unthreaded pins then it would be best to order a big bag of tips or find a more permanent solution. Those little rubber tips fall off at the drop of a hat - very poor design imo. It's hard for me not to conclude that the makers of these endpins have a secret evil desire to damage your floors and the interior of your minivan:smug:.
 
#19
If the endpin tip is not threaded, the little rubber caps will either a) come off in transport or b) wear out and allow the tip to poke through. Either way, sooner or later somebody's floor is going to suffer damage.

I was never able to find a crutch tip or something similar at a hardware store that would work worth beans. This ball gizmo from Invalid Link Removed is a perfect solution.

superendpin-rod.jpg
 
#20
Rebop said:
Measure the end pin and then go to a hardware store. They have a lot to choose from (literally bins and bins of rubber stoppers, chair leg tips, caps and crutch tips). I just got a weird 3/8" cap for my backup bass (a CCB) and I got a 4 pack for under $2.00.
Why are you bothering that man with this? I get most of my double bass parts from auto parts stores and hardware stores.

If you lost the gas-cap to your car would you call the seller? They sell those at the autoparts stores for a couple bucks.
Click to expand...

We are attempting to order one, but don't know the size. Remember, if you don't have anything nice to say....
 

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