Newbie question: Tailgut position

[ScottBass86]

Hi,

I'm a total newbie to double bass, having touched one about twice.

I've gotten one to start learning but I cannot adjust the end pin length. The tailgut seems to be in the wrong place? Maybe?

How should I loosen to move this?

[Silvia Bluejay]

Well, it should be sitting in the groove in the endpin base, rather than on the endpin itself - that's for sure.

[Silvia Bluejay]

And this looks like it might be useful to watch.

 

[DanOwens]

It should be here, but since the end block has already been replaced/‘reinforced’ I’d be concerned about the force being placed on the endpin. To be fair, I’m already worried by that end block but it might be fine; I’m sure there’s someone who knows better than me. 

[NickA]

That really is quite some end block.

Looks like it's been bolted (rivetted?) to the bass!

I think relocating the tail gut to the proper place will be fine.  It will put LESS force on the end pin, due to lower torque on the end pin assembly the closer the tail gut goes to the end block.

The end pin assembly is usually taper fitted into the end block; mine was a bit loose so that the end pin and its housing were coming out at an angle with  gap on one side (replacement now done); yours looks very solid .. extremely solid ... nuke proof probably.

Slack off the strings with the bass lying on its back (to minimise the chance of the sound post falling over), then move that tail gut!

Edited March 29, 2020 by NickA

[keeponehandloose]

Ive used one of those tailguts.. they snap quite easily. If you put it in the groove, where it should be, it would make the bend almost 90 degrees, thats how mine snapped.

I would get a different one if I were you.

[paddy109]

It might be too late but before moving I would sand any sharp edges of that new block where the tail gat touches.

[NickA]

What's that tail gut made of? Mine is bare stainless wire, like sailing boat rigging.