Just Back From ISB '07

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Nick was not allowed to speak. These people are not stupid . Madeline Crouch, ISB Coordinator, put it in perspective: "...we were able to put 13 bass players back to work". 'Nuff said. We proud, Nnick.

[Brandon Mason]

Arnold,

Was Jeff using his wooden end pin at his recital. When I was at UNT, a little over a month ago, he was using a type of plug-in wooden end pin and I was wondering if you had any opinions as to the benefits of using wood over steel. When I had a lesson with Paul Ellison at Rice last fall, he was using an oak laborie-style end pin (it looked like a fat pool cue) and he said that it was a kind of extension of the physical instrument to the ground -- more so than the more common carbon fiber rod. Here's a picture of Mr. Ellison and his end pin at a masterclass in Austin:

http://www.bassodyssey.org/images/paul_in_class_1.jpg

[Paul Warburton]

Originally Posted by Brandon Mason

Arnold,

Was Jeff using his wooden end pin at his recital. When I was at UNT, a little over a month ago, he was using a type of plug-in wooden end pin and I was wondering if you had any opinions as to the benefits of using wood over steel. When I had a lesson with Paul Ellison at Rice last fall, he was using an oak laborie-style end pin (it looked like a fat pool cue) and he said that it was a kind of extension of the physical instrument to the ground -- more so than the more common carbon fiber rod. Here's a picture of Mr. Ellison and his end pin at a masterclass in Austin:

http://www.bassodyssey.org/images/paul_in_class_1.jpg

Is that a Quenoil bass Paul is playing?

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Originally Posted by Brandon Mason

Arnold,

Was Jeff using his wooden end pin at his recital. When I was at UNT, a little over a month ago, he was using a type of plug-in wooden end pin and I was wondering if you had any opinions as to the benefits of using wood over steel. When I had a lesson with Paul Ellison at Rice last fall, he was using an oak laborie-style end pin (it looked like a fat pool cue) and he said that it was a kind of extension of the physical instrument to the ground -- more so than the more common carbon fiber rod. Here's a picture of Mr. Ellison and his end pin at a masterclass in Austin:

http://www.bassodyssey.org/images/paul_in_class_1.jpg

Yes, Mr. Bradetich told me he has always used a wood endpin. Chris Roberts, who won a well-deserved silver medal for tone, also had one in his bass. He had it fitted with a bicycle seat quick-release as an adjuster.

[JoeyNaeger]

I got back form ISB this afternoon and had a wonderful time. They were so many great performances, it was almost overwhelming, but I have to say, Garcia-Fons really took the cake in that regard. There were a lot of wonderful basses, and I played on as many as I could, including Arnold's ergonomic. While a lot of the basses sounded good, I think my favorite was the larger of the two Ham basses. It played so easily and had a very pleasing tone to me. I feel like I've been in a completley seperate world this past week and it's been great.

[davidseidel]

Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer

Yes, Mr. Bradetich told me he has always used a wood endpin. Chris Roberts, who won a well-deserved silver medal for tone, also had one in his bass. He had it fitted with a bicycle seat quick-release as an adjuster.

So arnold do you observe any benefit to a wooden endpin? Seems aesthetic to me and lightweight aside from anything else.

Anyone know of where they can be bought?
Or is it something to make customised?

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Originally Posted by davidseidel

So arnold do you observe any benefit to a wooden endpin? Seems aesthetic to me and lightweight aside from anything else.

Anyone know of where they can be bought?
Or is it something to make customised?

I don't know if there is a measurable benefit. But I certainly plan to give it a try. I don't think there are any available on the market, strictly a custom deal. When I get a few minutes (wife breaks into uproarious laughter), I'm going to turn a few plugs and endpins of different wood species and see what's what.

[Flint Buchanan]

doesn't anyone have any pics from the showroom, or was that not allowed?

[Eric Hochberg]

Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer

I don't know if there is a measurable benefit.

I have used a wooden endpin made from a drumstick on one of my basses with the result being a darker sound with a less punchy and defined pizz attack than with the aluminum endpin I usually use. I prefer the aluminum for the jazz work I most often do. Maybe some would prefer the darker sound with the wood pin for classical/arco playing.

Robertson's and George Vance offer wooden Laborie/Rabbath style endpins.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

I substituted a 5/8" birch dowel and crutch tip for my aluminum pin once. The tone was much as you experienced. It was certainly warmer but not necessarily better.