Description
Our carbon fiber end pins for cellos are manufactured in two diameters. Most of the carbon fiber end pins we sell are 10 mm, although some cellists prefer our 8 mm diameter. If an end pin longer than 20 inches is required, we recommend our 10 mm diameter carbon fiber end pins because they are stiffer than the 8 mm diameter carbon fiber end pin. Longer end pins can be ordered in 24 and 28 inch lengths (28 inch often used with the angled fitting). The 8 mm carbon fiber end pin is slightly more flexible than a steel rod. Both our 8 and 10 mm end pins can be used in fittings that originally used hollow steel or aluminum end pins. However, the thumb screw used in many of these fittings presses directly against the surface of the steel rod. If the thumb screw in these fittings is tightened excessively it will eventually damage the surface of a carbon fiber end pin. With care, a carbon fiber end pin can be used for years in a standard cello end pin fitting. Weight for the 10mm solid rod is 2.3oz and the hollow tube is 1.6oz including the tip. Weight--a cello's standard 20-inch, 8 mm steel end pin weighs 201 grams. In comparison, our carbon fiber 20-inch end pin weighs a mere 42 grams. That is a 79 percent difference! Our carbon fiber end pins are made with a sharpened heat-treated metal tip or an exchangeable carbide tip. The entire tip is heat-treated so it can be sharpened many times. If a carbide tip breaks, it can be replaced. The points on both the heat hardened tips and carbide tips are very sharp and hold with out slipping. End pins absorb energy generated by bowing, and it is logical that a heavy steel end pin will absorb more energy than a carbon fiber end pin. We believe that a carbon fiber end pin does have a positive effect on the sound produced by a cello and double bass. We have many endorsements from cellists using our end pins supporting this belief. However, sound is subjective, and only scientific research could measure positive and any negative effects for each individual string instrument.
