EUB advice.

[bassplayer2106]

I've been playing electric bass for about 20 years, 6 string bass for the last 3 years.

I play most styles of music, but mostly jazz.
Hence I'm looking at getting an EUB, to get a more jazz vibe going with my playing.

I did think about getting a real upright, but my lack of knowledge with regards to them, makes any sort of purchase a bit hazardous.

I'd also like either a 5 or a 6 string, which aren't available in the WAV line.

I'm basically looking at one of the NS design instruments, either a WAV, or a CR model.

or

One of these, I really like the style, and it gets some good reviews.

It's also also available as a 6 string.

http://www.bassline-bass.de/english/Universal.php#

I'm after something that's more like an upright in tone, than it's like a fretless.

I'm also after something that's more like an electric bass to play.

I can try these side by side at a shop in London, but I'm just after peoples opinions before I go down in a few weeks.

[ToneRanger]

Originally Posted by bassplayer2106

I'm after something that's more like an upright in tone, than it's like a fretless.

I'm also after something that's more like an electric bass to play.

What's the scale length on the Universal? Looks short to me. If you want upright tone and string response, I really think you need full scale length and good URB strings. The NS instruments are probably best for what you want - less of a learning curve in the transition from BG.

My personal view is that if you want URB tone, it's best to stay with 4 strings.

[Callused Finger]

If you want a true UB tone you might want to think about dumping a string and getting an Eminence 5. I'd have to guess that anyone who wants to play 6 strings would want the versatility an NS EUB offers, especially an M version.

I sometimes wonder if I should have gone the Eminence route. A true UB tone does so much when you're playing it. On the other hand I like to get weird with sounds sometimes which is where the magnetic pickups combined with the piezo really shines. In all fairness to the CR4M I have not tried some real UB strings.

An NS EUB wont sound exactly like a UB but it will be very versatile and have 6 strings if you choose to purchase it that way.
An Eminence EUB will sound like an UB while having 5 strings. It wont have magnetic pickups and will take up more space than a NS EUB or the like.

[bongomania]

You might also look into BSX basses, as he makes some 5-stringers at shorter scale lengths.

[damonsmith]

I am really happy with my 6 string Ergo. I have a 7 string on the way.
They bow well with a really woody sounds and you cannot beat the price.
I am comming from an upright only situation it has worked out great.
http://www.ergoinstruments.com