Long Charton Bass S-Wheel Click on the image for more views

Charton Bass S-Wheel - 10mm

The Charton Bass S-Wheel looks a bit like a pogo-stick for double bass. Can you tell me about it please?

The simply ingenious Charton Bass S-Wheel is available in two lengths. A long version designed for the taller person and a short version designed for the person of smaller stature. At the heart of both wheel lengths is a 3.0mm gage stainless-steel bracket that in the case of the Long S-Wheel is bent into the shape of a full-S. In the case of the Short S-wheel the bracket is in the form of half-S.

I can see where this is going. It's certainly very cleaver if not a little radical.

Yes the Charton Bass S-Wheel is both unique in concept and design. The steel bracket is in effect a large spring that acts in a similar way to the suspension on a car wheel.

You mean that it smoothes out all the bumps, lumps and other irregularities on the road or pavement surface?

Yes indeed it does. The Charton Bass S-Wheel has been designed to absorb all the shocks and vibrations that occur as a result of a poor quality road or pavement surface before they can cause any damage to your instrument.

I get it the "S" is for suspension. Right?

Yes that's it. As a result of the carefully calibrated suspension system the Charton Bass S-Wheel produces and provides such a smooth ride for your bass - you just won't want to stop rolling along with it.

Functional and safe. This is awesome stuff. The Charton Bass S-Wheel certainly looks incredibly well made too.

Yes - this is a beautifully made product. In addition to the stainless-steel spring it features a stainless steel pin, an aluminium wheel housing and a high-tech rubber wheel - identical to those found on inline skates.

Do the wheels have bearings?

Yes indeed. Quality steel roller bearings at the centre of the wheel hub reduce wear and friction and allow the wheel to turn incredibly smoothly even under high loads.

I've noticed that there are two flats milled on to the surface of the pin. What are these for?

The function of the flats on the pin are to ensure that whenever the retaining screw of the endpin unit is tightened the wheel doesn't slip out from the endpin hole or twist around out of line with the direction of travel.

Short Charton Bass S-Wheel Click on the image for more views

So a well designed bass wheel should have at least one flat milled onto its surface. Can you tell me why the Charton Bass S-Wheel features two flats?

It means that the Charton Bass S-Wheel is completely versatile in the way that you use the wheel. The first flat will allow you to push your instrument straight in front of you. Rotate the wheel anticlockwise through 90% to the second flat and you'll be able - should you prefer - to push your instrument along sideways.

What sort of surfaces is the Charton Bass S-Wheel designed for?

It can be used with confidence on the rougher types of pavements and streets. On smooth surfaces such as those found at college or university campuses, hotel lobbies, station concourses and of course airport lounges you'll find yourself with bass simply "flying" along quite literally on spring.

What is the exact diameter of the pin?

The diameter of the pin is spot on 10mm.

Have you had any feedback about the wheel?

Yes indeed. One delighted user recently wrote; "The Charton Bass S-Wheel really is the best thing ever invented for the travelling bass player. My bass is so easy to handle and feels absolutely great even on fairly lengthy journeys across town. I don't even notice the bumps, lumps and pot-holes in the pavement anymore. It is perhaps a little bit pricy in comparison to other wheels on the market - but quite honestly - it is a precision made piece of kit and the most important thing is – is it just works exceptionally well. If you can scrape enough pennies, euros or dollars together to get one of these things I can assure you - you definitely won't regret it. In fact I can tell you that just when you want to get home after the rehearsal or gig - all your mates and colleagues in the section will be pestering you to have a quick go at pushing your bass along on it. The wheel is such a fun thing to use and it's a great talking point - I'm quite pleased to let them have a go. I shouldn't admit to this - but I have made a few more friends of the opposite sex since I started to use the wheel. It's a definite YES vote for me."

Before I invest in a bass wheel what is the best general advice that you can offer?

Firstly always make sure that you can take the existing pin right out from the unit and secondly always check the diameter of the existing pin.

I've heard that a bass wheel can cause damage to my instrument. Do you have any advice about using one?

Please, please, please use some common sense on which surfaces you use your wheel.

Time for a summary:

The Charton Bass S-Wheel is a totally new and unique concept in bass wheel design that works in harmony with the weight of your bass and the physical condition of the surface on which you are using it.

How about a final, final summary?

Every time you use the Charton Bass S-Wheel it will bring a big smile to your face and what's more - you'll be the envy of all your colleagues. It's an absolute God-send and a total must have.

Stats:

Bracket construction: Stainless-steel bracket and pin, aluminium wheel housing.
Wheel construction: Solid rubber wheel on alloy hub with steel roller bearings.
Weight: Long 564.0gms (ave), Short 456.0gms (ave)
Diameter of wheel: 71mm (ave)
Width of tyre: 24mm (ave)
Max width of wheel bracket: 43mm (ave)
Pin diameter: 10mm (ave)
Length of pin: Long 130mm (ave), Short 133mm (ave)
Total length: Long 340mm (ave), Short 290mm (ave)

Long Charton Bass S-Wheel -
10mm Price UK£ 130.00

Short Charton Bass S-Wheel -
10mm Price UK£ 130.00