DB end-pin advice needed sharpish :)

[Beedster]

I have one DB in repair at the moment so really didn't need to strip the endpin bolt on the other at a gig the other night. I thought I'd fixed it with a slightly larger bolt, but that turned out to not be the case. So, I need to but the circular sleeve and bolt. All I can find online are things like this

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160282535215&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_500wt_764"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...IT#ht_500wt_764[/url]

which I don't really want to get into as I will have to install a whole assembly that isn't needed. Essentially all I need is the brass sleeve and bolt/screw in the link above; any ideas as to where I can get one online and fast?

C

Edited May 11, 2011 by Beedster

[Gareth Hughes]

Try Jonas Lohse: [url="http://www.kontrabass-atelier.de/teile_e.html"]http://www.kontrabass-atelier.de/teile_e.html[/url]

or Bob Gollihur in the US: [url="http://www.gollihurmusic.com/keyword/44-ENDPINS.html"]http://www.gollihurmusic.com/keyword/44-ENDPINS.html[/url]

Jonas might be the more speedy service, especially if you prompt him. Bob can be pretty quick too. But if time is of the essence then the eBay route might be your best option.

[Clarky]

£32 ain't too bad for a whole endpin unit [url="http://www.contrabass.co.uk/endpinunits.htm"]http://www.contrabass.co.uk/endpinunits.htm[/url] IF they deliver quicker than the 4-6 days the eBay seller is offering. Edit: but still a hell of a lot if you only need the collar and pin

Edited May 11, 2011 by Clarky

[steviedee]

[quote name='Gareth Hughes' post='1227300' date='May 11 2011, 11:21 AM']Try Jonas Lohse: [url="http://www.kontrabass-atelier.de/teile_e.html"]http://www.kontrabass-atelier.de/teile_e.html[/url][/quote]

I have to say those endpins look very reasonable, I was looking at my bass today and the plug doesn't fit properly, so it is a bit angled, drives me nuts, might invest in one of them.

[Clarky]

Is there a DB luthier anywhere near Chris? They would be bound to have spare collars/pins lying around in drawers

[Beedster]

[quote name='Gareth Hughes' post='1227300' date='May 11 2011, 11:21 AM']Try Jonas Lohse: [url="http://www.kontrabass-atelier.de/teile_e.html"]http://www.kontrabass-atelier.de/teile_e.html[/url]

or Bob Gollihur in the US: [url="http://www.gollihurmusic.com/keyword/44-ENDPINS.html"]http://www.gollihurmusic.com/keyword/44-ENDPINS.html[/url]

Jonas might be the more speedy service, especially if you prompt him. Bob can be pretty quick too. But if time is of the essence then the eBay route might be your best option.[/quote]


[quote name='Clarky' post='1227312' date='May 11 2011, 11:27 AM']£32 ain't too bad for a whole endpin unit [url="http://www.contrabass.co.uk/endpinunits.htm"]http://www.contrabass.co.uk/endpinunits.htm[/url] IF they deliver quicker than the 4-6 days the eBay seller is offering. Edit: but still a hell of a lot if you only need the collar and pin [/quote]

Thanks guys, great stuff. I'm going to take Clarky's advice here and go for a complete unit; it probably doesn't do any harm to have some spares as this isn't the first one I've broken anyway. Could I ask for more advice; first, are these things pretty much standard sizes (in both length of the pin and I'd guess more importantly, the diameter of the insert into the body)? Second, of the five on the page that Clarky posted, which would you recommend? The pikey in me wants the cheapest, but the poncey muso in me wants the most expensive

Thanks in advance

C

[Gareth Hughes]

Go pikey!!!!! If we were Ron Carter and performing on the stages and in the studios he does, then I might entertain the argument for different materials helping the bass project a different sound. But like Bill Hicks replied to his dad, when his dad said that Bob Hope doesn't use the F word in his routines - 'Bob Hope doesn't play some of the sh*tholes I do'.

[Clarky]

I vote the pikey route too given that you - by your own admission - have broken these before! Besides, more beer money

[fonzoooroo]

The problem is often that the screws are cast, so the "grip" and the threads are in 1 piece. In something like this, the plating is MUCH harder than the structural bit. (if you see what I mean) so when the plating begins to wear, it'll strip quickly. The collars are also often made of a "metal" that may as well be cheese.

There are a couple of threads in use on "modern" insrtuments - M6 & M8. Some drum hardwear is also M8... so if yours happens to be M6, drilling and tapping M8 could give you potential for a screw upgrade. (did this very job myself this morning on a cello for a customer!)

As for the size of the tapered plug; they're not standardised. The reamer to make the hole in the bass bigger is hugely expensive. Effective solution is to reduce the diameter of the endpin plug itself - spinning it in an electric drill/pillar drill whilst filing/sanding the taper face is the way to go. Just be sure to maintain the taper, and not go too far! ... If it's already too small when supplied, a wrap of paper/card is the usual solution unless it's massively too small.

[jdstrings]

Hi,
I have a box of old endpins and you're welcome to come and see if there's a collar that'll replace yours.
Alternatively, I have a few new ones in stock if you need one in a hurry and don't mind a trip over this way.
I'm near Cranbrook in Kent.

[Beedster]

Thanks for the above guys, jdstrings, PM coming your way.