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Double Bass What are those endpins that...

You will have no trouble using the laborie endpin and the wheel. I do it all the time. Just to clarify, this is a picture of the laborie endpin(not yet cut to length and with the regular endpin in as well).

DSCN0205.gif
 
I was thinking, why does a bass need a new hole drilled when cellos have a better designed endpin that fits straight into their original endpin hole. My friend, a cellist, just got one and you pull it out, then there's a hinge that makes it slant. Does anyone know why we don't have one of these for bass, or is it just because the way the bass is designed versus the cello?
 
I have an eggpin and love it--it's great, it really changed the way playing the bass feels. I have the original endpin still in place, inserted all the way, but I can't move it easily because the thumbscrew has been replaced with a set screw.

If you want to try the idea, George Vance will sell you a bent endpin. It's cheap and simple--just a bent steel rod that goes in your endpin socket. I used one of these and liked it enough to spring for the Eggpin itself, which is sturdier and allows you to make a wide range of adjustments. Once you get it set the way you like it, you can get one of those Laborie endpins, which are light and simple.

I love the Eggpin, but it's a little inconvenient--you need an hex key wrench to take it on and off. Someday I'll probably spring for a Laborie endpin. It's just the idea of drilling (shudder)
 
Masters2010 said:
I was thinking, why does a bass need a new hole drilled when cellos have a better designed endpin that fits straight into their original endpin hole. My friend, a cellist, just got one and you pull it out, then there's a hinge that makes it slant. Does anyone know why we don't have one of these for bass, or is it just because the way the bass is designed versus the cello?


The bass weighs WAY more than a cello ("well, duh!" you might say). A bent pin will slip (spin) in the collar unless it has a flat side. If there's a flat side, the torque on the endpin screw will mar it pretty bad. I used a bent pin for about a month and it marred the scrw so bad I can't bring it all the way out anymore.
 
.matthew e wengerd. said:
The laborie does not protrude through the endblock. It has a tapered wood plug that fits into the new hole.

For good measure, here's mine:

196798840_c821dedaf0.jpg



edit: Occasionally, I will play with the wheel still in. But you shouldn't do that. ;)


Ouch! Reminds me of Phineas Gage of "railroad spike" fame. (No relation to David of which I am aware). :D
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.matthew e wengerd. said:
can't be any more painful than removing a top for repair. I sure didn't enjoy watching it, though!

Can't stand seeing blood or my bass disassembled. Fortunately, I have not experienced the latter!
 
Masters2010 said:
I was thinking, why does a bass need a new hole drilled when cellos have a better designed endpin that fits straight into their original endpin hole. My friend, a cellist, just got one and you pull it out, then there's a hinge that makes it slant.

I did a search and it looks like those are by a company named "Stahlhammer"

Rolin music offers them...
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(scroll all the way down...)

I'm asking around to see if they have ever, or would ever, make a bass model....
 
kpo said:
I did a search and it looks like those are by a company named "Stahlhammer"

Rolin music offers them...
Invalid Link Removed
(scroll all the way down...)

I'm asking around to see if they have ever, or would ever, make a bass model....

I used one of those in a bass I built about 3 years ago. Everyone who tried the bass disliked it, so off it went.:hmm:
 
Pulling the original endpin out the first time was a surprise
to me, the bass became noticeably more resonant. It was
also a surpise just how heavy that sucker was, which
accounts for the change I'm sure.

My teacher takes her pin in and out of the bass because
of the pad on the pin when the bass is placed upright
giving it some bottom support. Me, I'm lazy, I leave it
out permanently :)

I dont have to haul my bass any long distances yet, but
I had considered buying a wheel for transport and taking
it off and on.

The Laborie endpin is nice regardless of what you play,
but it really make the most sense when playing in the
style of Rabbath, that is almost in a cello style.

I've had it for maybe 8 months now, and its still a struggle
to play it full-on that way, but when you DO, the evenness
and power across all the strings is noticeable.
 
I have a carved shen bass that has a decent endpin. I got a george vance bent endpin and did not notice any sonic difference, although it was much more comfortable to play and maybe i heard it better because of the angle. I got an eggpin, which is much heavier and more solid than the Vance bent pin. But once again, no sonic difference. Maybe I just have bad ears