Technology

Carbon refines. Metal resonates.

A DUROD cello endpin is not one material. The spike is carbon fiber with a metal core running inside it, and the two do different jobs.

Why hybrid

Carbon refines the cello's sound, making it clearer and more focused. The metal inside enhances the instrument's resonance, providing a rich volume. Used on its own, each material gives you one of those and not the other. Combined, the spike can do both, and the balance between them shifts depending on which metal you choose.

That is why the spike material is a choice rather than a fixed specification.

Spike materials: carbon hybrid

EP-C100, EP-C200, EP-C300 and EP-C400 all offer the same five spike options. The spike sets the tonal character. The descriptions below are what each spike is designed for; see what players and makers report further down.

Spike materials: full carbon

EP-C010 has no metal core. Both options are carbon throughout.

Choosing a model: EP-C010 to EP-C400

The models differ in the button. The button's shape does not affect the sound, so choose the model whose design you like, and choose the spike for the sound you want. The two decisions are independent.

How far the button protrudes from the instrument differs from model to model, and the button's height also decides how much room the endpin needs in your case. If your case is a tight fit, check the button height before choosing a model.

Model comparison

Total weight runs from the lightest spike with no button to the heaviest spike with the button. EP-C100 to EP-C400 are also available with no button (spike only, without the 4-fit adapter); EP-C010 always comes with its button.

Length

Cello spikes come in two lengths: 520 mm standard and 620 mm long. Spike diameter is 10 mm.

Weight

Total weight is the spike plus the button. Choose the spike and the model, and the weight follows.

Carbon hybrid

Full carbon (EP-C010)

The lightest endpin you can order is EP-GB10 / 520 mm with no button, at 85 g. The heaviest are EP-G10 / 620 mm and EP-G70 / 620 mm with an EP-C100 button, at 331 g.

Fit

Cello endpin holes are not standardised. Every DUROD cello endpin ordered with a button includes a 4-fit adapter for endpin holes of 25, 26, 27 and 28 mm, so one endpin works across all four sizes. Spike-only orders (EP-C100 to EP-C400 with no button) do not include the adapter. DUROD cello endpins are not available for holes outside this range. The adapter set weighs 39 g and is not counted in the weights above.

Construction

• Spike — carbon fiber outer tube with a metal core (brass rod, titanium rod, steel rod or brass tube). EP-G70 uses special carbon fiber with a brass rod. EP-C010 spikes are carbon throughout.
• Button — EP-C100 to EP-C400: aluminium and ABS, in champagne gold, black, silver or gold, or no button. EP-C010: ABS.
• Pin — hardened steel with a TiN coating.
• Origin — made in Korea, all parts.

What players and makers report

Comments from cellists, makers and dealers who have used DUROD spikes, collected by DUROD. Names are shortened and locations are as given by the reviewer. These are individual impressions on their own instruments, not measurements, and results vary from cello to cello.

EP-G10 (carbon + brass rod)

• “Good for bringing out the cello's characteristic low-mid register.” — Choi**, instrument shop, Wonju
• “The sound gains a core, and it carries straight and focused.” — Hong**, Cremona
• “Even in IBK Hall, the articulation is precise and the sound carries out clearly and cleanly.” — Chae**, Seoul

EP-T10 (carbon + titanium rod)

• “The sound really comes alive in the high positions.” — Yoon**, Seoul
• “Clean sound, with an advantage in the upper register.” — Hong**, Cremona
• “The sound becomes softer, more stable and calmer.” — Wind***, Ulsan

EP-S10 (carbon + steel rod)

• “Good balance across the registers, with a solid core and focused projection.” — Hong**, Cremona
• “On my instrument, the balance is good across every register.” — Woo**, Daegu

EP-GB10 (carbon + brass tube)

• “Very good on bright-sounding instruments.” — Kev**, Canada
• “Good resonance, and it sustains the tone. Good for instruments with strong power and resonance.” — Hong**, Cremona
• “Very comfortable to play, and the instrument speaks easily.” — Woo**, Daegu

EP-BT10 (carbon tube)

• “A basic carbon pin with a clean sound. It doesn't add much to the instrument's resonance, though.” — a***, Seoul

Double bass

EP-B100 uses one spike specification: a brass rod inside carbon fiber, G14, 14 mm outer diameter. Length approx. 42 cm, weight approx. 480 g, in sizes 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 mm. Each one is built to order.

Measure your instrument's endpin hole accurately before ordering.

Stopper

ST-C100 has brass on the top part, which enhances the instrument's vibration and sustain. Approx. 100 g.

Common questions about cello endpins

Do cello endpins change the sound?

They can. The endpin is the cello's only contact with the floor, and the instrument's vibration travels through it, so its material and weight affect how the cello responds. How much difference a player hears depends on the instrument, so the most reliable test is to compare endpins on your own cello. Read what players and makers report, or listen to side-by-side comparisons →

What is a carbon hybrid cello endpin?

A carbon hybrid endpin has a carbon fiber outer spike with a metal insert inside it. DUROD uses a brass rod, titanium rod, steel rod or brass tube as the insert; the top model EP-G70 pairs special carbon fiber with a brass rod. The carbon keeps the spike light and the sound focused; the metal adds resonance, and which metal you choose shifts the balance between the two.

What is EP-G70, and who is it for?

EP-G70 is DUROD's top cello spike: special carbon fiber with a brass rod core, designed for faster transmission and a very quick response in the upper register. It is recommended for soloist-level cellists who often play powerful, fast repertoire. In DUROD's player tests, soloist-level players valued its fast response most, while less experienced players found it harder to use to full effect. It weighs the same as EP-G10 (205 g at 520 mm, 244 g at 620 mm, no button) and is available on EP-C100 to EP-C400, with or without a button.

Brass, titanium or steel: what is the difference?

Each insert is designed for a different character. Brass rod (EP-G10) is designed for a strong core and projection. Titanium rod (EP-T10) is designed for clarity and livelier highs, and is lighter: 130 g against 205 g for brass at 520 mm with no button. Steel rod (EP-S10) is designed for even balance across the range. Brass tube (EP-GB10) is designed for longer sustain at a low weight of 85 g. Players' reports follow the same pattern: brass for core and low-mid warmth, titanium for the high positions, steel for balance.

• The fastest response, for soloist-level players — EP-G70
• More core and carrying power in a large hall — EP-G10
• Clarity and livelier highs — EP-T10
• Even balance across the range — EP-S10
• Longer sustain and easy projection — EP-GB10
• A light, pure carbon sound — EP-BT10 (EP-C010)

What is the difference between EP-C100, EP-C200, EP-C300 and EP-C400?

Only the button design. All four models use the same five spikes in the same two lengths, and the button's shape does not affect the sound, so choose the design you like. Button weights are EP-C100 87 g, EP-C200 78 g, EP-C300 81 g and EP-C400 81 g, and each protrudes from the instrument by a different amount.

Should I choose 520 mm or 620 mm?

520 mm is the standard length and suits most players. 620 mm gives 100 mm more spike for players who need more extension. The longer spike also adds weight: for example, EP-G10 goes from 205 g to 244 g without a button.

Which DUROD cello endpin is the lightest?

EP-GB10 / 520 mm with no button, at 85 g, available on EP-C100 to EP-C400. The lightest full-carbon option is EP-C010 with the EP-BT10 carbon tube spike at 520 mm, at 119 g including its button.

Will a DUROD endpin fit my cello?

Yes, if your cello's endpin hole is 25, 26, 27 or 28 mm. Every DUROD cello endpin ordered with a button includes a 4-fit adapter for these four hole sizes; spike-only orders do not include the adapter. Measure the diameter of the endpin hole with calipers before ordering. DUROD cello endpins cannot be ordered for holes outside 25–28 mm, but you are welcome to email us with any fitting questions.

Does DUROD make endpins for violin and double bass?

Yes. EP-V100 is a metal hybrid violin endpin with a brass, titanium or steel insert. EP-B100 is a carbon and brass double bass endpin in sizes 29 to 33 mm, built to order.

Shop cello endpins →

Every instrument responds differently. If you are unsure, tell us about your cello and how you play: cdl8285@gmail.com.