Brief History
- Endpins became standard in the late 19th century; materials and geometry change feel and can measurably alter timbre.
- Carbon fibre (solid or hollow) reduces weight; steel/titanium change stiffness and damping differently.
- Fiedler CARBONMETAL pairs a solid metal core (Copper / Brass / Titanium) with a carbon wrap to balance mass, response and weight — all at 10 mm for Bender-style buttons.
Who this is for
Luthiers setting up cellos, retailers advising on upgrades, teachers helping students, and players exploring tone/feel changes.
A short history: why cellos use endpins
Holding the cello between the calves was common until the 1800s. Endpins became standard practice in the late 19th century, improving stability and enabling evolving techniques; the change also coincided with a rise of women cellists on concert stages. Later, Paul Tortelier popularised an angled (“Tortelier”) endpin to alter instrument balance and resonances.
Further reading: Braun’s historical study; The Strad’s practical pieces; Tortelier angled pin notes (see References).
Materials & build: steel, titanium, wood, carbon fibre
- Steel / stainless: high mass and stiffness; durable; can feel “anchored” but adds weight.
- Titanium: strong with lower density than steel; often a “crisper” feel at reduced weight.
- Wood: historical; lower stiffness; niche today.
- Carbon fibre — solid vs hollow: both lower mass vs steel; solid rods maximise stiffness; hollow tubes cut weight further and may feel quicker under the bow. Availability expanded from the 1990s and is now mainstream.
What the acoustics research says
Peer-reviewed and technical sources indicate that endpin material and boundary conditions can change the measured spectrum and perceived timbre. Controlled studies (including rating tests and measurements) report material-dependent differences, aligning with many players’ experience. Trade tests (e.g., The Strad) also document ring-down/decay differences across steel, titanium and carbon fibre.
See the research roundup in References for details and methods.
Compare options (at a glance)
| Option | Best for | Tone / feel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel / stainless (10 mm) | Maximum durability, traditional setups | Stable, weighty; strong “anchor” under the bow | Heavier; may emphasise certain resonances |
| Titanium (10 mm) | Fast response at lower weight | Crisp, clear; often tighter decay | Premium price vs steel |
| Carbon fibre — solid rod | Lower mass with high stiffness | Quick attack; articulate feel | Common upgrade; easy handling |
| Carbon fibre — hollow tube | Ultra-light response, portability | Very light under the left hand; lively | Wall thickness & diameter matter |
| Fiedler CARBONMETAL (10 mm) | Balancing mass, clarity & projection | Copper = power; Brass = warmth; Titanium = clarity (+ warmth from carbon wrap) | Solid metal core wrapped in carbon; best with 10 mm Bender-style buttons |
Fiedler CARBONMETAL — what’s special
CARBONMETAL combines a solid metal core (Copper, Brass or Titanium) with a carbon-fibre wrap, precision-ground to 10 mm for Bender-style end buttons. It aims to deliver the tonal character of each core while trimming weight with the carbon sheath.
| Core | Player profile | Tone / response | Specs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | Soloists, big halls | Energetic, projecting; crisp response | 10 mm; solid copper core, carbon-wrapped |
| Brass | Instruments needing weight & focus | Rich, slightly darker; controlled power | 10 mm; solid brass core, carbon-wrapped |
| Titanium | Clarity with warmth at lowest weight | Bright-clear with a touch of warmth; quickest feel | 10 mm; solid titanium core, carbon-wrapped |
Tip: Fiedler recommends a 10 mm Bender-style button with circumferential clamping for best fit and energy transfer.
Fitting & setup checklist
Step 1 — Choose diameter & button
Most modern upgrades use 10 mm rods; pair with a quality button (e.g., Bender-style clamp). Confirm collar bore and clamp style.
Step 2 — Set length & angle
Classical straight pins maximise stability; angled (Tortelier-style) shifts the balance and bowing geometry — try before committing.
Step 3 — Seat the tip safely
Keep the carbide/steel tip sharp; protect floors with an approved stop (e.g., cup or strap). Check for rattle at the collar after transport.
Troubleshooting & safety
Pin slips on floors
Use a quality endpin stop (cup/strap); keep the rubber cap fresh if used.
New noises or “zing”
Inspect the collar screw, button clamp and tip assembly; snug but don’t over-tighten. Remove dust from inside the button tube.
Too heavy / too light feel
Try titanium (lighter, crisper) or a hollow CF tube for speed; try brass/copper (via CARBONMETAL) for weight and projection.
FAQs
Do endpins really change the sound?
Controlled studies and trade tests report material-dependent changes (spectrum and perceived timbre). Your setup (tailpiece, afterlength, floor type) also matters — so evaluate on your instrument.
Solid vs hollow carbon fibre — which should I try first?
Solid CF maximises stiffness at low mass; hollow is lightest/quickest. If you want more projection/weight without steel’s heft, consider CARBONMETAL Copper/Brass; for the lightest crisp feel, Titanium or hollow CF.
What’s special about 10 mm?
It’s a common modern standard with robust collars. Fiedler CARBONMETAL is precision-ground to 10 mm and pairs well with Bender-style buttons.
References & further reading
- AR Distribution — Fiedler CARBONMETAL endpins (features, cores, 10 mm fit)
- Fleming, C.R. (2011). Study of the effects of different endpin materials on cello sound characteristics, JASA (supplement). Abstract
- Gorazd, Ł., & Pochel, M. (2023). Vibroacoustic studies: impact of endpin material on cello sound. Paper (PDF mirror linked on page)
- Braun, W. (2015). The Evolution of the Cello Endpin and Its Effect on Technique and Repertoire. University of Nebraska–Lincoln. PDF
- The Strad (2015). Finding the perfect cello endpin — and how to stop it slipping. Article
- The Strad (2019). Cello endpin: straight to the point (materials ring-down test). Summary
- Drijver, P. (n.d.). The Cello Endpin (Tortelier angled pin). Research Catalogue
- New Harmony Music — carbon fibre endpins (solid & hollow). Manufacturer
- Aitchison & Mnatzaganian — overview of 10 mm endpins & 1990s CF adoption. Article