Loosening the endpin

[Patrick Wasserman]

On my Kolstein Fendt loosening the endpin has started to become very difficult. I change the height several times a day, so it's not like it's impossible, but it is more difficult than it should be. How should I go about making this a little looser, could I extend it all the way out then spray a little WD-40 on it? I feel like that would be a bad idea in many ways so I've come here to ask.

Thanks,
Patrick W.

[Bob Branstetter]

It sounds like the endpin rod may be bent slightly. If the rod is removable, roll it across a flat surface. That will point out where the problem is located if it is bent. Straightening a bent rod is not all that easy and straightening it may not be possible. A visit to your local luthier is probably the best action. WD-40 is not the answer.

[Patrick Wasserman]

I took it out and it is as straight as an arrow. Would it be possible for the unit it goes into (I want to say chuck?) isn't straight in and that is what is causing the problem? I would prefer not to take it to a luthier, it's a hassle being at school and it's not a huge deal right now.

Thanks,
Patrick

[Bob Branstetter]

Originally Posted by Patrick Wasserman

I took it out and it is as straight as an arrow. Would it be possible for the unit it goes into (I want to say chuck?) isn't straight in and that is what is causing the problem? I would prefer not to take it to a luthier, it's a hassle being at school and it's not a huge deal right now.

Thanks,
Patrick

I'm not familiar with which endpins Kolstein is putting in their basses, so it's hard to do any kind of diagnosis without actually seeing it. Since you initially said that the endpin "has started to become very difficult", I assume that means that this condition isn't something that has been a problems since the bass was new. Is there anything else you can think of that may have changed recently? Have you used a wheel with this bass? Has the endpin socket ever gotten wet? (I'm grasping for straws!)

[Patrick Wasserman]

I can't really remember it ever just sliding out with ease but I have noticed that it has gotten more difficult over time. I really can't think what may have changed, I use a wheel the Kolstein one that attaches to the case, it hasn't gotten wet at all. The only thing that concerns me a little is that I have bumped the endpin on the ground while carrying it a few times and this may have changed the angle that the whole endpin socket sits. It's visibly a little angled, but I didn't notice if that was something new or not.

[Bob Branstetter]

If the endpin socket is cork lined, it may have swelled a bit which would make it tighter. Usually the cork wears or compresses a bit over time. I would be hesitant to do anything to the cork if that is the problem since it might lead to a bigger problem later. I had one on my own bass that started to rattle after years of use when the cork had worn to the point where the endpin rod was loose in the socket.

That's the only thing I can think of. Perhaps Arnold, Jeff or one of the other luthiers will joint in on this one. I'm out of ideas.