I heard that the eggpin mutes the base a bit. I'd be interested to hear if anyone has found the same.I always wonder what the difference in volume and sound are between the different possibilities. I guess I make that my #1 priority in anything I choose to change on my instrument. Of course I only sit when I play so I shouldnt be commenting on this topic...
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Double Bass German: Eggpin vs. straight pin w/ Karr stance
- Thread starter mheintz
- Start date
This is a good question, which prompted me to carve a wooden endpin for my bass this weekend to experiment. and the answer is...
(drumroll)
No. And if it is, I can't hear a difference.
So now I have a spare endpin!
I received the eggpin today.
PaulCannon noted that I should beware seeking instant gratification, and with that in mind, I was prepared to struggle a bit. The 8.5" endpin shaft was too long so I took my trusty hacksaw to it and removed at least a couple inches. This was the hardest part. Other than that, it only took a few tries to find the proper location and angle along the crossbar. It helped me to think of the endpin as coming off of the bass like a Laborie endpin, i.e. not too far out on the crossbar and at around a 44 degree angle. With the endpin shaft further out on the crossbar, the bass spun away from me too much.
To my surprise, I feel almost at home after one practice session. The biggest difference for me, as Johnny L noted, is that I have very little body adjustment into thumb position; the bass is already at the appropriate angle. The block position transitions are also much easier. And despite what I said before about not having weight on my thumb with a straight endpin, the eggpin definitely makes the bass feel lighter and more comfortable.
I'm still coming to grips with arco on the E string in half position, but otherwise my initial impressions are extremely favorable. In short, I'm sold and not likely to go back to a straight endpin any time soon.
Thank you for the responses here.
PaulCannon noted that I should beware seeking instant gratification, and with that in mind, I was prepared to struggle a bit. The 8.5" endpin shaft was too long so I took my trusty hacksaw to it and removed at least a couple inches. This was the hardest part. Other than that, it only took a few tries to find the proper location and angle along the crossbar. It helped me to think of the endpin as coming off of the bass like a Laborie endpin, i.e. not too far out on the crossbar and at around a 44 degree angle. With the endpin shaft further out on the crossbar, the bass spun away from me too much.
To my surprise, I feel almost at home after one practice session. The biggest difference for me, as Johnny L noted, is that I have very little body adjustment into thumb position; the bass is already at the appropriate angle. The block position transitions are also much easier. And despite what I said before about not having weight on my thumb with a straight endpin, the eggpin definitely makes the bass feel lighter and more comfortable.
I'm still coming to grips with arco on the E string in half position, but otherwise my initial impressions are extremely favorable. In short, I'm sold and not likely to go back to a straight endpin any time soon.
Thank you for the responses here.
Well, now my teacher wants me to give up the bent endpin, which I have used for years, and start using a straight endpin. I really am not in favor of this. Already, when I temporarily used a straight endpin, I could feel all the weight on my thumb and all the weight of the bass. The reasoning: I can get more stability from a straight endpin. my bass in moving around too much, and my bass is not at the right level for me, and somehow that's the fault of the bent endpin. and because he swtiched from the eggpin. My endpin, straight or bent, is no more than 6" off the floor. What does that has to do with stability. Has anyone experienced the results of switching back to a straight endpin after using a bent endpin for a period of time, and why?
Every time I have a new teacher (which has been about once a year due to relocation,etc.. and this one now for several months, I know, not a good thing), its at if everything I have previously learned is wrong, and I, in effect, have to make a new start. I am just getting used to this teacher, and this was recently sprung on me. Not happy at all about this at all. It seems that a lot of well-known players are using various versions of bent endpins. Even learned about a few in this thread I had not previously known about.
Every time I have a new teacher (which has been about once a year due to relocation,etc.. and this one now for several months, I know, not a good thing), its at if everything I have previously learned is wrong, and I, in effect, have to make a new start. I am just getting used to this teacher, and this was recently sprung on me. Not happy at all about this at all. It seems that a lot of well-known players are using various versions of bent endpins. Even learned about a few in this thread I had not previously known about.
- Jan 24, 2002
- 2,117
- 950
- Disclosures
- NS Design / AER Endorsing Artist
If you're having trouble with the bent pin, I'd suggest getting a lesson or two with somebody who is more comfortable when them to show you what to do. If you're in the LA area, I might recommend David Moore, who uses a Laborie pin. I think Jeremy Kurtz in San Diego also plays with one. I'm sure either of them would be happy to help you.
I have a hard time believing that switching to a straight pin would solve anything, but I suppose it's possible. At the very least, it sounds like your teacher knows how to teach to that style. If anything, you could consider sitting on a stool. As much as I enjoy the freedom of standing, I can't give up the stability of sitting (especially in orchestra).
I have a hard time believing that switching to a straight pin would solve anything, but I suppose it's possible. At the very least, it sounds like your teacher knows how to teach to that style. If anything, you could consider sitting on a stool. As much as I enjoy the freedom of standing, I can't give up the stability of sitting (especially in orchestra).
Thank Paul! I personally do not think I am having trouble with the end pin. My current teacher is thinking that I should switch and I really do not want to. I have also thought the maybe its time to reconsider sitting on a stool again, if this is indeed a stability issue. If this becomes a big deal with my lessons, then I think I will look up David Moore or Jeremy Kurtz. I didn't know Jeremy Kurtz used a bent endpin also. I believe he is principal (sp?) for the SD Symphony and teaches at San Diego State.
i have tried to find a picture of jeremy kurtz's endpin but have been fairly unsuccesful... if he does indeed use the "eggpin," then could someone post a link to a picture or post it in here or even where to buy said endpin.
i'm not sure who even sells them... it used to be robertsons but their site has changed and they don't have pictures of this product.
what does hal robinson use when he plays solos?
i'm not sure who even sells them... it used to be robertsons but their site has changed and they don't have pictures of this product.
what does hal robinson use when he plays solos?
Yes, and Jeremy is also a Talkbass user. I believe he once told me that he sometimes sits in orchestra with a tiny Laborie pin.
http://www.jeremykurtz.com/
There's a photo on his website with him using the Laborie pin. Your best bet is to watch "The Art of the Bow" with Rabbath.
Hal Robinson uses a Laborie pin when playing solos/concertos...
Slavapub sells them.
