Double Bass endpin rattling

[thejumpcat]

I bought a new Shen SB100 a few months ago and I notice that, depending on what notch I lock it at, it'll rattle on certain notes.

Is there a cure, or is it a cheap endpin that needs to be replaced? If the latter, what do you rolks recommend?

 

[Gearhead43]

I really like my Atomic endpin, made by Johnny who is a member here. You can see them in the "talkbass bazaar" section.

They don't cost much either, and they are handmade however you want them. I like not having to worry about rattles or the endpin slipping anymore.

 

[David Potts]

A cheap solution to try first? Identify the short length of end pin shaft that is actually in the "hole" and wrap a thin layer of clear sticky tape around it. Clearance permitting, gradually add more layers of sticky tape,testing to see if the rattle can be stopped. If it still rattles then spend the money?

DP

 

[Ed Fuqua]

I had a bunch of my endpin cut off. I didn't really need a whole bunch of it sticking up inside my bass, that pretty much took care of my problem.

 

[thejumpcat]

Live, it doesn't matter too much because we can be a loud blues band at times and I don't hear it.

But it really bugs me at home when I'm practicing. And it only seems to be certain notes and when the bass body is resting against my body. If I hold the bass away from me and hit the same note, the pin won't rattle.

Before Thursday's gig, I shortened the pin one notch. Then the rattle quit. Unfortunately, I'm 6'6" and need all the height I can get. It's not a huge adjustment for me to make physically, but it's still not a proper solution.

Do you guys who use the pins with a set height find yourself missing the ability to adjust the height? I thought about getting one, but I use a different height when I'm sitting down vs. standing.

 

[Gearhead43]

I don't miss it, but Johnny can make pins with removable wood sleeves so you can have two different heights for sitting and standing. Or, you can just use your old pin when you know you'll be doing a sit-down gig or whatever.

 

[uprightben]

I like a smooth pin because I find I need a different length depending on which shoes I'm wearing.

 

[fdeck]

I had this problem, and simply cut off a couple inches from the portion that is reserved for bassists who are seven feet tall.

 

[thejumpcat]

I like a smooth pin because I find I need a different length depending on which shoes I'm wearing.

Does a smooth pin eliminate the rattle?

 

[ctxbass]

Does a smooth pin eliminate the rattle?

I think it is the quality of the endpin assembly, smooth or notched, that makes the difference.

Something else that might help.... as you tighten the bolt, rotate the endpin so that you engage it at the lowest point of contact.

 

[Gary Lynch]

Cut it down. It's that simple. Few if any ever need to be so damn long. Just did it with my new Upton. Problem solved in a few minutes time. Use a file on the edges of the cut to smooth it out.

 

[FoamieOmie]

I did what David did. I just put a layer (one time around) of packing tape around where the part of the endpin that rattled was. Worked fine.

 

[sjd007]

Mine wasn't rattling, but was a big heavy beast that stuck up inside my bass about a foot. I bought a carbon fibre one to replace it with to open up my bass, but it was too small and would need work to fit, so I just cut the current one in half. I never have it out past the third notch, so removed it from the bass (while at the third notch), and cut the bit off that was out past the cork. Turned out to be half of it.

My tailpin assembly is now half the weight.

I have taken the opportunity with the strings off to dress the fingerboard and respace the strings at the nut and enlarge the pegbox to accommodate my new belcantos, so can't say what it sounds like yet.

 

[thejumpcat]

I'll be damned! I was all set to cut the extra length off and thought why not try the tape. I put to thick of a layer on at first and couldn't get it back in. A real thin layer did it! No more rattle guys.

Still need to get a nice rubber tip, though. The original disintegrated and is trashing my carpet.

 

[FoamieOmie]

cane tips at drug store. I found mine at Walgreens. $4 for 2 of them.

 

[sjd007]

Hey - great news! Often simplest is best.

My first impresions with a half an endpin is my bass is louder, but that is probably the new strings. The Belcantos are just lovely under the bow - like a nice old cello.

Anyway, I can pick the bass up more easily with one hand ( I used to do this easily with my old 3/4, but my 4/4 was borderline, now a lot easier again with the loss of around 500g from the endpin). Not an issue really when playing but when you need to walk on stage holding a bow in one hand and a bass in the other it is easier now.