Double Bass NS Design NXT Megathread

[mysteryclock]

@Mark Gollihur - I'm an electric bass player who's laid hands on a DB maybe twice in my life. I'm considering a NXTa4, but I'm a bit torn on the (SE) one with Traditional strings vs. the (upgraded tuner) model with Contemporary ones. The goal here is to have something that sounds like a "nice EUB", but not necessarily to try and imitate a DB. My musical selections for it will be in the area of old Police tunes (and similar) with some bluegrass thrown in. I may fiddle (ha!) around with a bow, but I doubt I'll have the time required to really master it. I'm more interested in ease of playing than arco purity, if that makes sense?

Suggestions?

 

[Hendricks97]

@Mark Gollihur - I'm an electric bass player who's laid hands on a DB maybe twice in my life. I'm considering a NXTa4, but I'm a bit torn on the (SE) one with Traditional strings vs. the (upgraded tuner) model with Contemporary ones. The goal here is to have something that sounds like a "nice EUB", but not necessarily to try and imitate a DB. My musical selections for it will be in the area of old Police tunes (and similar) with some bluegrass thrown in. I may fiddle (ha!) around with a bow, but I doubt I'll have the time required to really master it. I'm more interested in ease of playing than arco purity, if that makes sense?

Suggestions?

If you’re referring to a Golihur edition, it has the traditional instead of the contemporary(as well as the upgraded tuners). Not the other way around. NS doesn’t make a model that comes stock with the traditionals that I know of. Even with the traditional strings, there’s no mistaking an EUB for an acoustic

 

[mysteryclock]

Yes, I was referring to the Gollihur SE. My question centers somewhat around tone, but honestly more about playability. I.e. will my old/weak/untrained EBG fingers be able to better handle an EUB with lower tension "contemporary" style strings vs. one with more "traditional" ones?

 

[Mark Gollihur]

@Mark Gollihur - I'm an electric bass player who's laid hands on a DB maybe twice in my life. I'm considering a NXTa4, but I'm a bit torn on the (SE) one with Traditional strings vs. the (upgraded tuner) model with Contemporary ones. The goal here is to have something that sounds like a "nice EUB", but not necessarily to try and imitate a DB. My musical selections for it will be in the area of old Police tunes (and similar) with some bluegrass thrown in. I may fiddle (ha!) around with a bow, but I doubt I'll have the time required to really master it. I'm more interested in ease of playing than arco purity, if that makes sense?

Suggestions?

So Hendricks97 is right; our "Traditional" model of the NXTa is the only bass that comes equipped from NS Design with the NS Electric Traditional string set - this is by my explicit request. I designed everything about that special edition NXTa to suit gigging players who wanted a bass with the most "authentic" sound out of the box, with the reliability and improved stability of the upgraded tuners, and a more traditional looking brown finish to better mimic the look of a "real" upright. Basically, for working bassists who want a portable bass for gigs/rehearsal where the full size acoustic upright isn't practical. I'm expecting a load of them in, hopefully soon.

The straight dope: the best any EUB could hope to achieve would be to sound like a double bass with a pickup on it. Since the NS Design basses are tightly constructed and are solid-body instruments, their habits lean towards a more electric sounding bass (more sustain, more string detail, that sort of thing.) The Contemporary strings that are on all of the NS Basses except my "traditional" model (WAV, NXTa, CR) are basically like very long scale electric bass guitar strings. They have a brighter tone, more sustain, and that sort of low action fretless bass "mwah" sound to them.

In my experience, using strings which pull it towards a more URB-oriented sound (quick decay, short sustain, a more blunt attack to notes, almost a gut-string-like vibe) will effectively counter-balance the electric nature of the bass. That's why I like the Traditional strings better - they get closer to a more upright-like growl. The Traditionals are essentially D'Addario Helicore Orchestra strings with the afterlength silks chopped off so that they fit the bass without running up the back to the secondary "keyhole" slots where you can seat the ball ends of regular "real" upright strings.

Speaking of which, I also like Pirastro Obligatos on the NS basses, at least those that don't have magnetic pickups (which the Obligatos don't register on). They have a darker, less defined tone which sounds great, and they fit its bass-guitar-sized tuning machines. The NS Electric Traditionals are also similar in vibe. I have the Traditional strings on my personal "traditional" model bass and like them quite a bit; I've also strung up several customer's basses with the Obligatos.

That's my personal take - obviously, strings and tone are very subjective, but I hope my comments provide a little insight to help you along.

 

[Mark Gollihur]

Yes, I was referring to the Gollihur SE. My question centers somewhat around tone, but honestly more about playability. I.e. will my old/weak/untrained EBG fingers be able to better handle an EUB with lower tension "contemporary" style strings vs. one with more "traditional" ones?

If you want the sound and vibe of the Traditional strings but are concerned about higher tension strings, you can also get a set of the D'Addario Helicore Orchestra strings - they are offered in a light gauge. They're literally the same strings, but in a lighter tension (and with their silked afterlength intact, necessitating using the functionality of the "longer string" keyhole slots I mentioned above.)

 

[Keithunem]

I’m looking at trying a used NXTa 4 string. It’s completely stock. If I end up liking it and make a deal, I have a few questions…I apologize if they’ve been covered before. I play an Upton Bohemian with a Krivo magnetic for loud gigs and a Yamahiko piezo for a more organic sound at much lower volume. I’m convinced that if I buy it I will be upgrading tuners, strings, etc through Gollihur Bass.

I’m sure that I will prefer the traditional strings but still want a little “mwah” such as what I can dig out of my current Upright. I’m looking for convenience, portability, etc as hauling the “Bear” to a gig at -20* below doesn’t appeal to me. If I put the heavier traditional strings on, can I still get some “mwah” when desired? I will probably get a ninomute from Gollihur for the occasional bluegrass “thump” sound also.

Will I get a better “hybrid” sound with a different string choice, and would higher or lower action work best? I know I’m going to need to try various ideas to be sure, but thought I would ask on this forum as there are usually some fairly savvy players present. Thanks In advance…

 

[J R Knots]

Hi Keithunem,

I think your on the right track. I have an NXT 5 , before the NTX 5a, I did the changes you mentioned.

Traditional Strings, Heavy Tuners, and the Heavier Stand.

Definitely, the portability is a huge plus and you will probably enjoy the convenience of plugging it into an amp ( no microphone issues).

Mine came with the modern strings, which probably have a little more Mwah… but I find that I can get all the Mwah that I would ever want with the traditional strings. I am mostly using it in a Jazz duo situation. Lots of standards and few Blues tunes as well.

Also, I raised the action pretty high. You might get more Mwah with them in the lower setting but it is not hard to try that option.. that adjustment is quite user friendly.

Good luck.

I got everything through Gollihur and am a big fan of their service/knowledge.

 

[Keithunem]

Hi Keithunem,

I think your on the right track. I have an NXT 5 , before the NTX 5a, I did the changes you mentioned.

Traditional Strings, Heavy Tuners, and the Heavier Stand.

Definitely, the portability is a huge plus and you will probably enjoy the convenience of plugging it into an amp ( no microphone issues).

Mine came with the modern strings, which probably have a little more Mwah… but I find that I can get all the Mwah that I would ever want with the traditional strings. I am mostly using it in a Jazz duo situation. Lots of standards and few Blues tunes as well.

Also, I raised the action pretty high. You might get more Mwah with them in the lower setting but it is not hard to try that option.. that adjustment is quite user friendly.

Good luck.

I got everything through Gollihur and am a big fan of their service/knowledge.

Thanks JR…your advice will certainly help, I appreciate it very much. I agree that Gollihur is a great place to shop and plan on getting my accessories through them.

 

[J R Knots]

Sitting vs. Standing while playing???

Question.

I have been playing my NXT5 for about 10years … mostly for limited live performance and using it so I can double on several niche songs, playing standard electric bass on the other songs.

The group is doing about 80% covers ( pop, rock, blues) and 20% originals.

Recently, the guitarist and I are working on a Jazz Duo. We are doing 100% standards and a small amount of Rockabilly.

In this duo, I am playing the NXT 5 100% of the time.


I am finding that controlling the movement of the neck/body takes a lot of my energy (while standing)vs.
playing in a sitting position.

Up until now I have only performed live in a standing position.

I have been playing (mostly electric bass) as a part time musician, for 50+ years…always standing.

I do play the NXT bass pretty aggressively because of the songs/tempos we are doing.

I have my action pretty high and using an upgraded stand which gives me smaller foot print.

Sorry for the length of this post.

Sitting seems like the best solution, this movement is much easier to control in that position and I save my energy for playing (rather than stabilizing the instrument).

Does anyone have a better solution?

 

[Keithunem]

I have only been playing my CRM for a couple months. I love to, and I play standing up always. Heavier strings, raised action, etc. I have found that when I really dig in it really helps to put weight on the back leg of the stand with my left foot. I’m thinking about getting the single post set up. I also have a full size acoustic upright so I’m used to this concept, just haven’t tried the NS set up yet. Hope that helps.

 

[crocau]

J R Knots : I find my NXT to be most confortable sitting on a stool or standing, especially compared to playing my old Kay Swingmaster. I would suggest you bring you own stool to gigs, experiment with positions and maybe get a teacher to make sure your position and technique are A1.
The NXT with your stand is probably the most versatile EUB in terms of playing position. Try the best you can, if you are still uncomfortable, there are alternatives, such a Godin A5.

 

[Mark Gollihur]

Sitting vs. Standing while playing???
... using an upgraded stand which gives me smaller foot print.

You've got a great head start since you have the CR model stand. The upgraded stand is more solid, but also far more adjustable, and I recommend thinking "outside the box" as far as setting it up to accomplish a comfortable sitting position. The three legs are independently adjustable, so you can adjust the "lean" of the stand in every direction; this would allow you to put a fairly significant "tilt" to lean the bass towards your body while still being supported by all three legs, putting the bass into a good playing position despite your legs being "in the way" of a more standard tripod. You could even use the stand "sideways" (with the big back leg going under your chair) to accomplish this. I know there are others who play these basses in a seated position, so it can be done - it might just take some playing around with various arrangements until you "dial it in."

 

[J R Knots]

Thank you all for responding.

I think, I was just fighting the image of sitting and playing, but I do find it is so much easier to stabilize it when I am seated.

I am 6’ 2”, and when I standing it’s less stable and as it is adjusted lower. I know that this enters into it.
And as Mark said, this stand (the CR model) is super adjustable and very stable. It also pretty convenient because it provides a much smaller foot print (which is super important).

I do find it to be very comfortable to play it seated and it works really well.

I guess that I am just fighting with performing sitting vs. standing.

Part of this for me is that I am getting older and don’t have as much energy as when I was younger.

But again, thank you all for your input.

 

[monkeyland]

Thank you all for responding.

I think, I was just fighting the image of sitting and playing, but I do find it is so much easier to stabilize it when I am seated.

I am 6’ 2”, and when I standing it’s less stable and as it is adjusted lower. I know that this enters into it.
And as Mark said, this stand (the CR model) is super adjustable and very stable. It also pretty convenient because it provides a much smaller foot print (which is super important).

I do find it to be very comfortable to play it seated and it works really well.

I guess that I am just fighting with performing sitting vs. standing.

Part of this for me is that I am getting older and don’t have as much energy as when I was younger.

But again, thank you all for your input.

You should not worry about any kind of credibility with sitting/standing. Many orchestral basses at the highest level sit all the time, to the point that they modify their basses to accept special end pins for the sitting position.

 

[Randy Ward]

Well.....
Going against everything I've read and learned on this thread I'm now using a NXT cello tripod stand with a CR5M. Yes I wanted to sit even lower than the CR stand could go! After Looking at pictures of Eberhard Weber sitting so low I figured he must of tried a lot of different things before he arrived at that position. I find it is more stable and so far no one has questioned my credibility.

 

[J R Knots]

Well.....
Going against everything I've read and learned on this thread I'm now using a NXT cello tripod stand with a CR5M. Yes I wanted to sit even lower than the CR stand could go! After Looking at pictures of Eberhard Weber sitting so low I figured he must of tried a lot of different things before he arrived at that position. I find it is more stable and so far no one has questioned my credibility.

No one would ever judge Eberhard Weber’s credibility

He is definitely one of my favorites.

 

[DanielW]

No one would ever judge Eberhard Weber’s credibility

He is definitely one of my favorites.

Damn, listening to Kate Bush's Mother Stands For Comfort (where Weber plays upright) right when I read this!

 

[J R Knots]

Damn, listening to Kate Bush's Mother Stands For Comfort (where Weber plays upright) right when I read this!

yeah… must be something in the air … I was just reading his autobiography I bought recently this morning.

 

[Randy Ward]

Thank you ordered

 

[Cyoder]

Anyone have a good picture of the electronics inside the NXTa bass? I have an older NXT without the active electronics but it has the "JackPot." I'm not a fan of the passive controls, the JackPot pretty much has no signal loss at full volume, but I want more volume control without having to step over to my amp and have the full signal across the whole volume range the active electronics will give. I ordered an upgrade kit directly from NS Designs and would like to have a visual reference with the schematic to help me fully understand what the schematic is representing. I'm sure I understand it well enough, as I used to work in a guitar shop building/repairing guitars but I want to just see what it should look like it. Thanks to anyone who provides the image(s) I am asking for. If not, I'll get it figured out one way or another.