I haven't been on this forum in a hot minute, as I've been without my upright for the past year or so due to college. I now live in an apartment where I have room for it. Anyway, I could use a nice new endpin, but I have a 1/4 size bass. I've checked Gollihur, FMI, Thomann, Lemur, Upton Bass, all to no avail. Where can I get one for a decent price? Or can I somehow make a 3/4-4/4 endpin work? Thanks!
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 Looking for a 1/4 size endpin
- Thread starter will_b_vinson14
- Start date
If you're willing to go with a wooden fixed-length end pin, you might try a drum stick. If it will fit solidly into your DB's end pin plug, it may make a practical solution. A lot of folks even like them for more standard sized DBs. if it is longer than necessary for your 1/4 DB, you can cut it to size and fit the floor end into a rubber crutch or cane tip. It might at least get you by until you find something more permanent.
You might check to see if your local hardware store has a length of all-thread of the correct diameter. That, you could cut to length. And if you still have the adjusting screw in the endpin socket, you could make the pin adjustable.
It might help if you can be a bit more precise.
Where is the problem?
Is the fixing screw failing?
Defective endpin holder (in what way)?
Endpin problem (too short, bent)?
You might be able to repair it yourself with a few hints.
I don‘t think there are endpin assemblies that are specially made for 1/4 size basses.
If you want a new one, either take one for a standard DB but with a long endpin (unless you are rather short or play seated only) or get sticker diameter cello endpin, but that might be too small for the existing hole.
If you don‘t know, visit a luthier. You will get a well fitted endpin assembly that way as they are not exactly standardized in diameter and taper.
Where is the problem?
Is the fixing screw failing?
Defective endpin holder (in what way)?
Endpin problem (too short, bent)?
You might be able to repair it yourself with a few hints.
I don‘t think there are endpin assemblies that are specially made for 1/4 size basses.
If you want a new one, either take one for a standard DB but with a long endpin (unless you are rather short or play seated only) or get sticker diameter cello endpin, but that might be too small for the existing hole.
If you don‘t know, visit a luthier. You will get a well fitted endpin assembly that way as they are not exactly standardized in diameter and taper.
John Sprague
Sam Shen's US Distributor
- Mar 10, 2003
- 998
- 360
- 63
- Disclosures
- Sales Manager, CSC Products Inc.
Hey Will, you would think this stuff would be standardized, but it tends to be all over the map. If you tell us what's wrong and what you own, take a photo or two of the problem if you think it will help, and if it's out take a measurement of the diameter of the hole in the bottom, we might be able to figure out what you need or find the part for you. Or just roll into your local bass shop since there's some fitting to be done in most cases, they don't just drop in and need to be fitted. Near you there's Dallas Strings, and there may be others. Here's their contact info:
Dallas Strings
20 East McDermott Rd., Allen, TX, 75002, USA
Website
www.dallasstrings.com
Email
[email protected]
Telephone
469-675-0085
Dallas Strings
20 East McDermott Rd., Allen, TX, 75002, USA
Website
www.dallasstrings.com
[email protected]
Telephone
469-675-0085
It never ceases to bemuse (and frustrate) me that people say "go to your local bass shop," as if there is one on every corner, like CVS drugstores. The only local bass shops near me sell fishing gear.
Same thing with bass luthiers. For many of us those people just are not as accessible as they are for others. The nearest may not even be located in our time zone.
Same thing with bass luthiers. For many of us those people just are not as accessible as they are for others. The nearest may not even be located in our time zone.
Measure the OD with calipers and order one of that diameter. That's how they're sized.
There are no "endpins" for certain sizes of basses. There are quality differences between endpins. The cheaper ones tend to have smaller diameter of rod and a smaller diameter of plug. Unless you replace it with the exact same model you will probably need an endpin reamer. Best way is to just take it to a string shop.
That‘s why I ask for the problem because a repair, even with more work needed it easier to do than to find and fit a new endpin assembly.
A few moths ago I lost my endpin during a bike transport of my DB. Couldn’t find it on the way back, so I searched for a new one. Either expensive or a complete assembly that needs fitting (and wouldn‘t arrive in time for the concert one and a half days later). I had a steel rod in the right diameter and it took me about two hours to make dents into the rod and file the spike so I can put the rubber ball assembly back on. It was cheap and works better than the old endpin.
Replacing a worn out set screw screw is easy. Rethreading needs a bit more tools and a thicker set screw (probably with a metrical thread) but it is possible to drill a new hole for the old undamaged set screw at the opposite side of the endpin holder.
Changing the endpin assembly mostly makes sense if one wants to try other endpin materials like carbon fiber or wood as the fixing needs to be different not to damage the endpin material.
A few moths ago I lost my endpin during a bike transport of my DB. Couldn’t find it on the way back, so I searched for a new one. Either expensive or a complete assembly that needs fitting (and wouldn‘t arrive in time for the concert one and a half days later). I had a steel rod in the right diameter and it took me about two hours to make dents into the rod and file the spike so I can put the rubber ball assembly back on. It was cheap and works better than the old endpin.
Replacing a worn out set screw screw is easy. Rethreading needs a bit more tools and a thicker set screw (probably with a metrical thread) but it is possible to drill a new hole for the old undamaged set screw at the opposite side of the endpin holder.
Changing the endpin assembly mostly makes sense if one wants to try other endpin materials like carbon fiber or wood as the fixing needs to be different not to damage the endpin material.
RCWilliams
Commercial User
- Apr 23, 2007
- 299
- 82
- Disclosures
- owner RC Williams Co. LLC
The first thing you have to know is the diameter of the existing pin, cello end pins might work in the 6mm range most I have seen were in the 8, 10 , and 12mm range also 3/8 and 1/2 " and some hollow 14mm pins. if the taper socket and set screw are good, find a piece of material that works and cut it to a length about 4" longer than the distance from the bottom of the taper to the floor at your playing height . Carbon fiber tends to slip a bit and tightening the set screw to tight tends to crush it and cause problems.
- Aug 1, 2005
- 3,546
- 1,421
- Disclosures
- Private Inventor - Bass Capos
Saddle Rider makes endpin assemblies which will fit into any bass or cello. It uses a 3D printed tapered sleeve which you cut to length and voila! You still may have to re-ream the hole in your bottom block if it is in poor condition. A luthier can do this in a few minutes. For those who live far from one there are fairly cheap reamers out there.
Endpins — Saddle Rider Music LLC
[This invalid link has been removed]
Endpins — Saddle Rider Music LLC
[This invalid link has been removed]
