This bent steel rod struck by a small metal rod is used in the final movement of Beethoven's Ninth
[DOC] [TLE] HISTORY (5) - Vito D.Liuzzi - THE CLASSICAL DOUBLE BASS "Il ... [PAR] At the base of the double bass is a metal rod with a spiked end called the endpin, 
..... A small number of bass players tune their strings in fifths, like a cello but an 
..... at the beginning of the fourth movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.