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Double Bass Endpin Specialist

MaxJohnson

MaxJohnson

Supporting Member
Jan 29, 2009
393
100
Brooklyn, NY
www.maxjohnsonmusic.com
#1
We all know there are luthiers that specialize in specific instruments, and there are also people that specialize in smaller parts of the instrument, such as tailpieces (shout out to the brilliant Mike Pecanic), extensions, custom cases, etc... BUT, I was wondering about endpins, because we all have read endlessly about how each endpin materials make different effects on sound. I myself have tried a few different endpins on the same bass and it definitely makes a difference, subtle, but a difference nonetheless.

So, I was wondering if there is a person, company or group that specialize in custom or specific endpins.
 
#2
Johnny Atomic, who custom makes endpins, has a thread in the TB Bazaar:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f178/atomic-endpins-399194/

maplerose1.jpg


Max, thanks for the clarification regarding what you're seeking!
 
#5
There's a myriad of materials, styles, sizes and weights of endpin, but there doesn't seem to be an expert. Everyone chimes in on here about what their favorite things are, BUT, while there are people who are specialists for extensions, tailpieces, and bridges, there doesn't seem to be a Dr. Endpin.

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Things like this seem close to what it would be, but it's surprising to me that there isn't a person doings something like this with different tonewoods. Seeing that everything touching the bass has an effect on sound, I'm sure there'd be a number of bass players interested in trying out an "artisan" endpin.
 
#6
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this what you mean?
wood tapering into wood. this is ideal, but it can get a bit pricey when you need the wood button made too.
I have made something similar to fit into the button so that there is maximum wood contact and not just held in place once the screw is tightened. It was just an experiment and I made it from a heavy broom handle which cost me $5 from a hardware store. I have no idea what type of timber it is, but no joke it has made a dramatic increase in volume and bottom end compared to my old metal endpin.
 
#7
Seems that Lemur Music put some time and effort into engineering the all wood endpin, perhaps you could contact them?


MaxJohnson said:
There's a myriad of materials, styles, sizes and weights of endpin, but there doesn't seem to be an expert. Everyone chimes in on here about what their favorite things are, BUT, while there are people who are specialists for extensions, tailpieces, and bridges, there doesn't seem to be a Dr. Endpin.

Invalid Link Removed

Things like this seem close to what it would be, but it's surprising to me that there isn't a person doings something like this with different tonewoods. Seeing that everything touching the bass has an effect on sound, I'm sure there'd be a number of bass players interested in trying out an "artisan" endpin.
Click to expand...
 
#9
swervy jervy said:
Get the New Harmony CF rig and you can swap out any half inch rod material you want. Experiment to your heart's content. DIY.
Click to expand...

Or get a Metropolitan Music #6425 Ebony/Tubular Steel endpin assembly and you can try any 5/8" dowel you like!

There is no 'definitive' answer but I find that most basses sound best with walnut or maple endpins. These days I'm fitting them with New Harmony Endpin Balls that unscrew so you can use the hardened tip when necessary.
 
#13
I checked out the New Harmony cf endpin. I was curious if the 1/2" diameter rod used a sleeve to secure it similar to the 14mm. It doesn't appear so.

I think the ideal endpin would have a sleeve securer and hold a 5/8" diameter rod. I'm going to work on fashioning such a device.
 
#17
msw said:
Jed Kriegal (Boston) sells an all carbon fiber endpin which uses a clamping mechanism rather than a set screw.
It definitely is a huge improvement. It also has the option of a carbide tip or a magnetic ball end.
Click to expand...

That will be one of Nic's "N-Pins". Sadly, he's out of business and not making them any more...
 
#20
I tried various drumsticks milled in the proper diameter for my fully carved German bass. Walnut showed no difference, hickory performed worse but maple improved the arco sound significantly.
All of them had a zero effect in my hybrid Strunal but the KC Strings' CF rod on a wooden assembly improved not only the arco sound but also the pizzicatto's volume.
Now i try to find some time to put them in my carved Chinese bass, in order to choose the proper one. Each one of my basses performs differently and obviously each one needs some tweaking. It's good to search for the optimum sound and all these little modifications have much to do.
Mike
 

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