Endpin tip for Ampeg Baby Bass

[65AmpegBB4]

Hi folks!

I'm new to TB and this is officially my first post.

After ~16 years of not playing and close to two decades of looking for the right example, I just became the proud owner of a '65 Ampeg BB4. The instrument is in phenomenal shape, but obviously it's not without some wear tear, given its age. I would like to replace is the endpin's tip - the pin functions/holds perfectly but the tip itself seems to have been fixed in place with tape to prevent it from falling off. Any recommendations as to where I can get a replacement tip and/or new endpin + tip for my bass?

I also need a new set of strings. After reading through some treads on this forum, it appears that the Spiro Solo's are a popular choice for the Ampeg BB4. I am considering, however, a set of La Bella nylon strings; based on reviews, they are a good choice for pizz/latin music. Does anyone have any experience with La Bella nylon strings and are they worth the consideration? I'm also open to any other suggestions that would yield mild-to-low string tension and full-bodied sound.

Thanks in advance, and I look forward to learning much, as well as hopefully contributing to this community!

 

[65AmpegBB4]

Ok - clear rookie mistake. I created my tread on the electric bass section. Please feel free to close out; I will create a new one on the double bass section.

Thanks!

 

[Bruce Johnson]

Hi folks!

I'm new to TB and this is officially my first post.

After ~16 years of not playing and close to two decades of looking for the right example, I just became the proud owner of a '65 Ampeg BB4. The instrument is in phenomenal shape, but obviously it's not without some wear tear, given its age. I would like to replace is the endpin's tip - the pin functions/holds perfectly but the tip itself seems to have been fixed in place with tape to prevent it from falling off. Any recommendations as to where I can get a replacement tip and/or new endpin + tip for my bass?

The part you are looking for is called a Crutch Tip. A molded rubber cup-like foot that fits on the end of a crutch, or other metal tube. They are available in most hardware stores, in the furniture hardware section. They come in several sizes based on the size tube they fit over, 3/4", 7/8", 1". If I remember correctly, the Baby Bass endpin is 3/4" dia, but you'd better check it.

 

[sissy kathy]

Ok - clear rookie mistake. I created my tread on the electric bass section. Please feel free to close out; I will create a new one on the double bass section.

Thanks!

Welcome to TalkBass.
In situations like this there is no need to start a new thread. Simply go to the blue writing at the bottom of your comment and click on 'report'; a little pop up window will open an you can post what you think should be done there. The moderators will move it for you. It usually happens pretty quick too.

 

[65AmpegBB4]

The part you are looking for is called a Crutch Tip. A molded rubber cup-like foot that fits on the end of a crutch, or other metal tube. They are available in most hardware stores, in the furniture hardware section. They come in several sizes based on the size tube they fit over, 3/4", 7/8", 1". If I remember correctly, the Baby Bass endpin is 3/4" dia, but you'd better check it.

Thank you very much! Great info!

 

[65AmpegBB4]

Welcome to TalkBass.
In situations like this there is no need to start a new thread. Simply go to the blue writing at the bottom of your comment and click on 'report'; a little pop up window will open an you can post what you think should be done there. The moderators will move it for you. It usually happens pretty quick too.

Thank you, Sissy; noted.

 

[farace]

I saw in your original post that someone recommended getting a tip with a washer inside to keep the end of the tube from cutting through the bottom. That was good advice. If you can only find a crutch tip without, then dig through the washers at the hardware store and find one that fits snugly.

 

[65AmpegBB4]

I saw in your original post that someone recommended getting a tip with a washer inside to keep the end of the tube from cutting through the bottom. That was good advice. If you can only find a crutch tip without, then dig through the washers at the hardware store and find one that fits snugly.

Thank you ... I love the hospitality and level of support of this forum.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

The rubber crutch tips that I've bought in the hardware store already have a steel disk down inside, just for that reason.

 

[65AmpegBB4]

The rubber crutch tips that I've bought in the hardware store already have a steel disk down inside, just for that reason.

I stopped by Home Depot and the only 3/4” crutch tips I could find did not have the disk/washer inside (no problem there, I proceeded to purchase a washer that I could slide in). The other factor I did not like was that the tips were white in color, and my bass is black; then I figured that if this is all I could find, I’d learn to live with it.

After leaving Home Depot, I stopped by a CVS and found the perfect crutch tip - fits the endpin perfectly, expands to a larger base AND has a metal disk in it. It is also black in color. I’ll be returning the ones from Depot Today.

 

[bound'n'blocked]

I saw a guy who used a baby's shoe for his.

BnB

 

[65AmpegBB4]

I saw a guy who used a baby's shoe for his.

BnB

This gave me a good laugh!

 

[sissy kathy]

I saw a guy who used a baby's shoe for his.

BnB

I'd bet there was a crutch tip in the shoe.

 

[bound'n'blocked]

I'd bet there was a crutch tip in the shoe.

Probably. I've also seen tennis balls used.

BnB