Does anyone out there use an endpin wheel? I work at Guitar Center and can get http://band-orchestra.musiciansfriend.com/product/Meisel-Bass-Endpin-Wheels?sku=464357 with a nice discount, but I could only find one review on it and it wasn't great. Does anyone have an opinion on the wheels? Anyone have the Meisel?
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Double Bass endpin wheel anyone?
- Thread starter melewen
- Start date
I have to admit that I'm skittish about the effect of a wheel on the endpin and block. So I got a KC Strings Bass Buggie, which I'm quite happy with.
That doesn't look like a very good wheel.
Some people get skittish about wheels. It's all what you're comfortable with. I'm a bit skittish about them as well, but my teacher isn't. Each to his own.
Some people get skittish about wheels. It's all what you're comfortable with. I'm a bit skittish about them as well, but my teacher isn't. Each to his own.
I use a wheel that I bought from Gollihur. It's great, but I had to modify it to work with the clamp thingy that holds the whole works in place.
Here's the one I bought: Invalid Link Removed
It makes for MUCH easier transport around town, and even just from the house to the car.
[edit: read the note on the bottom of the page on the gollihur link I posted above where it says Important Tips. Mine was the kind to the right, an required some modification by a handy welder/machinist. Don't buy this style of wheel if you have the kind of endpin collar on the right, unless you know someone who can modify it for you. Send me a PM if you want pics or more info]
Here's the one I bought: Invalid Link Removed
It makes for MUCH easier transport around town, and even just from the house to the car.
[edit: read the note on the bottom of the page on the gollihur link I posted above where it says Important Tips. Mine was the kind to the right, an required some modification by a handy welder/machinist. Don't buy this style of wheel if you have the kind of endpin collar on the right, unless you know someone who can modify it for you. Send me a PM if you want pics or more info]
Agreed. I've seen symphony players with wheels on their priceless basses, but I can't bring myself to put a wheel on my old Kay.
I get that ^^^^
Ursula seems to take it all in stride. I guess she likes it a little rough.
My daughter loves her wheel from Lemur. Very convenient for long trips back and forth through large high schools for concerts and contests while also lugging stool, music stand and music. She can use it either with or without the bag on and it's easy to stash in a drawstring backpack while playing. Often they leave their cases a long way from where they are rehearsing or performing and the wheel works well for her. We need to see if the wheel fits in her new bass or if we can modify it to fit. They are surprisingly expensive.
I've used the same Gaines wheel on my basses for 30+years. Every luthier I've asked about the effect on the bottom block says the same thing: "be sensible". to that end, I don't run the bass off 8" curbs. I lift it down and back up. I don't let the wheel get so soft I can't move quickly and maneuver through crowds, but I keep if soft enough to absorb bumps.
IMHO, the wheel in the top post is junk. It's supported on only one side, which is simply bad design. I've seen a few of this style after a few month's use, and the wheel is usually at about a 30 degree slant off vertical to the unsupported side. The Bass Buggie is great if you go from your house to your car to the gig, but I wouldn't want to hump that much added weight up and down too many flights of subway stairs. I find the two wheel device hard to steer as well-you have to follow the bass like it's a hand truck rather than just slanting to turn.
Also, the Gaines wheel has a replaceable tire (I'm on my third) and the shaft can be changed to rib-forward or top-forward (my choice-see "Whims of Chambers") and to whatever size endpin you have.
IMHO, the wheel in the top post is junk. It's supported on only one side, which is simply bad design. I've seen a few of this style after a few month's use, and the wheel is usually at about a 30 degree slant off vertical to the unsupported side. The Bass Buggie is great if you go from your house to your car to the gig, but I wouldn't want to hump that much added weight up and down too many flights of subway stairs. I find the two wheel device hard to steer as well-you have to follow the bass like it's a hand truck rather than just slanting to turn.
Also, the Gaines wheel has a replaceable tire (I'm on my third) and the shaft can be changed to rib-forward or top-forward (my choice-see "Whims of Chambers") and to whatever size endpin you have.
That wheel from gollihur that I posted is only attached at one side, but it's real sturdy and put together well.
I'm a big fan of the Bass Buggie too. I have used it walking the bass up to 1 3/4 miles, and it's almost as easy as simply walking the same distance without the bass. And even though I have the extra cushion on my BB I still lift it over curbs and potholes.
I have used a Gaines wheel I got from David Gage years ago. Now that I don't live in NYC and drive to gigs I only use the wheel IF I have to walk a couple of blocks from my car to the gig. I never had a problem with the end-block. That wheel you are loking at doesn't look so great. Plus you need to know the diameter of your pin so the shank of the wheel will fit in your end-pin socket.
One advantage of the Bass Buggie over the Kolstein Stroller is that you can use the BB whether the bass is in or out of the case. Perfect for situations where you want to move from one place to another to play, like an outdoor festival. It looks like the Kolstein unit works only on the case, not on the bare bass.
Another is the MUCH larger diameter wheels on the BB. Larger diameter means they roll over stuff more easily and gently. Casters like on the Kolstein unit can have problems if you are on rough sidewalks. I have rolled bass cabinets with casters like that enough times to know I don't want them rolling my bass.
Another is the MUCH larger diameter wheels on the BB. Larger diameter means they roll over stuff more easily and gently. Casters like on the Kolstein unit can have problems if you are on rough sidewalks. I have rolled bass cabinets with casters like that enough times to know I don't want them rolling my bass.
- Jul 19, 2000
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- Disclosures
- Owner/President, Gollihur Music LLC
We used to sell the Meisel wheel that the OP mentioned (and I've seen the same wheel "branded" by other companies as well). It's not a bad wheel, but it's not as nice as some of the other options mentioned - for one, it doesn't use axle bearings (or if it does, they aren't very smooth!) and the "tire" is actually a strip of molded rubber around the wheel core; it is made of two halves which have been sealed/glued together, and it's not uncommon for it to split down the middle seam. A solid tire, and an axle with a bearing, will work better, roll smoother, and last longer.
While I agree that the two-forked Gaines is a MUCH nicer wheel (at about three times the price) I have never, however, heard of a one-sided wheel carrier bending, causing the wheel to be on a "30 degree slant off vertical to the unsupported side" as salcott mentions. I'd think you'd have to be riding your bass to the gig to bend steel of that gauge.
So you leave your bag behind at these festivals where you do the bagless wheeling? I wouldn't want to go through a crowd of people without the bass in the bag. You do have to attach the KC everytime you pack and unpack, correct? Larger wheels on the Kolstein would be a plus. However there is very little storage issue when the bag is off because it is small.
The KC looks like a fine product.
The Bass Buggie only weighs a tad over 3lbs. How much does the Gaines wheel weigh?
For sharp turns, the BB tilts easily onto one wheel, at which point it steers just like a single wheel.
I haven't had the pleasure yet, but I will, and when I do I will leave the bag in the car and the BB on the bass.
Correct, and it takes about 10 seconds. You slip the plastic yoke over the endpin, hook the bungee thing around the neck and you're done.
fdeck said:
I have never used an endpin wheel, but have been curious about them... As I get older and weaker
) , I have entertained the idea of trying one. But, I too am nervous about the stress on the block...but I did see the "man", Edgar Meyer using one once. He must not be concerned about using it on his expensive bass.... But still I am thinking of trying the Bass Buggy...just my 2cents....
