Straight to the point

The vertical endpin that promises better balance and motion

CELLOENDPIN

‘When I was in school, I tried all the endpins. I always wanted to be more comfortable performing,’ says cellist and luthier Emmanuel Feldman. He was never content, however, and his resulting back problems led him to create his own solution. His new patent-pending TekPin, angled at 90 degrees to the ground, concentrates the weight of the cello directly downwards instead of against the endpin shaft. This, says Feldman, ‘allows the cellist to move 360 degrees. It creates a lower point of contact with the chest and gives freedom of motion to the upper body.’ He claims that it also improves instrument resonance. Although the endpin itself is at a 90-degree angle, the extension rod is slightly flexible to ‘accommodate all styles of playing’. It also slides backwards into the endpin when not in use, so that its 6mm point won’t tear your cello case.

The endpin must be installed by a luthier, who will insert a plastic cone measuring 23–27mm into the cello’s endpin hole, trim it to fit, then superglue it to the endpin. The endpin’s carved groove accommodates ‘all types’ of tailgut, Feldman says.

The shaft and extension rod of the endpin are available in stainless steel, titanium and carbon fibre. The combination of titanium and carbon fibre is the lightest at 123g. Stainless steel gives the most strength while the other materials have slightly more give. In terms of sound quality, ‘titanium is brighter while carbon fibre is warmer’, says Feldman. He also invites requests for specific materials, including different types of wood, and adds that he is ‘excited to collaborate with artisans to make more specialised versions’.

TekPin $750–$850 email tekpinusa@gmail.comweb www.tekpinusa.com

FEATURED PRODUCT

SHOULDER REST

A NEW ANGLE

Otto Musica has produced a new version of its Muco violin shoulder rest, with revised curves designed to increase comfort regardless of placement. The company has also added holes to its pad, with the aim of increasing overtones and resonance.

Otto Musica SR-M4T Muco violin shoulder rest from $16 email service@ottomusica.com web www.ottomusica.com

VIOLINCASE

BACK UP

Gewa’s new polycarbonate violin space bag is a backpack-shaped violin case with a detachable bow holder, an accessories compartment and mesh pockets. It holds the instrument in place using a suspension system and high-density foam. The larger, 2.7kg bag fits full-size and 3/4-size violins, while the smaller 2.3kg bag fits half-size instruments.

Gewa violin space bag from £173 email info@gewamusic.comweb www.gewamusic.com