NS Design NXT Megathread

[agfrag]

Duh, what was I thinking. Here's some NXT vids from a studio demo one of my bands put together. You can hear the NXT in a band setting... and I think I took a solo in each tune... or tried to!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFzmaGmHRaA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJvWzjtYAn8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlAcUGpL_68

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm_T6S32RYA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq8sWQ4EmY4

[FSSimon]

The SonicRain videos are awesome! My daughters and I love them. You got them dancing again! I like your tone and your solos are nice and lyrical. As opposed to approaching the NXT like an upright, you seem to wholeheartedly embrace the hybrid/modern sound and I like that!
Props for the high "production value"; sound and video are top notch.

[Spanky123]

Very Nice! The band was thoughtfully recorded. Can I ask whether the NXT is going direct or do you have a mic on it? I see a bass amp there, but I don't see a mic near it. I would be interested to know your signal chain.

Originally Posted by agfrag

Duh, what was I thinking. Here's some NXT vids from a studio demo one of my bands put together. You can hear the NXT in a band setting... and I think I took a solo in each tune... or tried to!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFzmaGmHRaA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJvWzjtYAn8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlAcUGpL_68

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm_T6S32RYA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq8sWQ4EmY4

[agfrag]

I would be interested to know your signal chain.

Spanky, the NXT was recorded using the line out of the Markbass 121P, post eq, but I set my controls flat, so nuthin much there. This was fed into the studio's board, not sure what i/o he used, he has quite a few! The DAW was Logic, and in my experience with the owner, he tends to emphasize the lows in the mix.

I say this as my own recordings of the NXT tend to have a lot more mid and upper range content, but then again, I mix to accentuate the bass, he mixes to accentuate the band!

As opposed to approaching the NXT like an upright, you seem to wholeheartedly embrace the hybrid/modern sound and I like that!

I dig the NXT for it's unique sound, and since I come from an EB background (40+ years on fretless) a lot of that comes through... especially the right hand positioning... my former teacher would have some harsh words for me if he saw that!

However, I think it makes sense to play to the angles of your index and middle fingertips, to alllow for smooth transitions when alternating between fingers. I have a short middle finger, and I find that if I orient my fingers more parallel with the strings, as is common, they tend to stumble over one another. And where I place my hand up and down the string is just what's comfortable for my arms. I'm working on it though...

I really don't think it matters really, as long as the notes selected are cool.
We have a fairly prominent first call type upright player here in the Detroit area, and he plays like that, and plucks really close to his left hand. Strange to see, but then again, he is an awsome player and sounds great.

[Spanky123]

You mention emphasizing the mids and uppers. I am very curious how my NXT (currently in the mail) is going to respond to EQ. When I look on Youtube I notice that the CR series basses seem to have more shimmer, then again they seem to be better recorded - for instance, John Burgess's CR5 recordings on Youtube, which are obviously processed in post production by someone who knows what they are doing. In constrast, most of the NXT recordings I can find are recorded much more modestly -- although with similar enthusiasm. We'll have to see. Yes I think your engineer could have been more creative with the upper and mids, but for a live recording without a lot of fuss, I thought it was a very successful session. Do you use those videos for professional promotion? I am wondering if Youtube efforts have helped promote the band.

Originally Posted by agfrag

Spanky, the NXT was recorded using the line out of the Markbass 121P, post eq, but I set my controls flat, so nuthin much there. This was fed into the studio's board, not sure what i/o he used, he has quite a few! The DAW was Logic, and in my experience with the owner, he tends to emphasize the lows in the mix.

I say this as my own recordings of the NXT tend to have a lot more mid and upper range content, but then again, I mix to accentuate the bass, he mixes to accentuate the band!



I dig the NXT for it's unique sound, and since I come from an EB background (40+ years on fretless) a lot of that comes through... especially the right hand positioning... my former teacher would have some harsh words for me if he saw that!

However, I think it makes sense to play to the angles of your index and middle fingertips, to alllow for smooth transitions when alternating between fingers. I have a short middle finger, and I find that if I orient my fingers more parallel with the strings, as is common, they tend to stumble over one another. And where I place my hand up and down the string is just what's comfortable for my arms. I'm working on it though...

I really don't think it matters really, as long as the notes selected are cool.
We have a fairly prominent first call type upright player here in the Detroit area, and he plays like that, and plucks really close to his left hand. Strange to see, but then again, he is an awsome player and sounds great.

[frankie5string]

I say experiment. I find I have the most "fun" on my NXT when I set it to pizz and play quite processed through my preamp. I have compression set fairly high, a big bottom thump around 80Hz and a smooth hump from around 500 to 1000Hz. Then I start rolling around 3k.

Watch your speakers. As long as they're not jumping out of the baskets and you like your tone it could be the ticket.

That said, I'm using the original strings that came with my NXT. They've aged well and I've kept them clean. Boy when they were new they were very clacky! I have no intentions of getting a traditional sound from it - I wanted it for its unique sound and a way to carry (and therefore use) a double-bass scale instrument. With my tiny car, a standard 3/4 doghouse would be impossible (think mr. bean).

[agfrag]

Do you use those videos for professional promotion? I am wondering if Youtube efforts have helped promote the band.

That was the ideea, but nothing has come of it...yet. We're putting together a website, etc., right now for the band. It's a tough market here in metro Detroit, there's Wayne State Jazz alumni, and Ann Arbor Jazz alumni to compete with, and they've pretty much got the market sewed up. But we keep knocking on doors...

I have had absolutely no problem getting great tones out of the NXT with my Markbass, and in my humble home studio. The guy who did the vids for us did this for free (I'm in two other bands with him, he's an amazing musician and all around person, so I keep my mouth shut... sometimes!

Spanky, I would recommend a piezo buffer/preamp, like many others have. This just comes with the piezo pickup territory, which is what about 99% of all UB players use. I built my own, even ordered custom circuit boards, it was fun and pretty cheap. Plenty of sources of piezo buffer schematics out there if you want to do it on the cheap!

[Spanky123]

The problem with regions that do not have a lot of competition for live music is that they tend not to have much audience, either. I always look for bands which have at least one member with booking/managerial talent. Get in a band that has a bulldog for finding gigs and dealing with club managers (Unfortunately that wouldn't describe me). I think those vids are a good marketing tool.

So my Sansamp bass DI will disappoint? I have been very happy with that device for electric.

I also own a Sytek MPX-4 preamp, a Dynamaxx compressor (point and shoot; it's great on Bass) and a Lexicon PCM91 reverb unit with some very nice bass rooms preprogrammed.

Originally Posted by agfrag

That was the ideea, but nothing has come of it...yet. We're putting together a website, etc., right now for the band. It's a tough market here in metro Detroit, there's Wayne State Jazz alumni, and Ann Arbor Jazz alumni to compete with, and they've pretty much got the market sewed up. But we keep knocking on doors...

I have had absolutely no problem getting great tones out of the NXT with my Markbass, and in my humble home studio. The guy who did the vids for us did this for free (I'm in two other bands with him, he's an amazing musician and all around person, so I keep my mouth shut... sometimes!

Spanky, I would recommend a piezo buffer/preamp, like many others have. This just comes with the piezo pickup territory, which is what about 99% of all UB players use. I built my own, even ordered custom circuit boards, it was fun and pretty cheap. Plenty of sources of piezo buffer schematics out there if you want to do it on the cheap!

[buffalobillh]

Originally Posted by Spanky123

You mention emphasizing the mids and uppers. I am very curious how my NXT (currently in the mail) is going to respond to EQ. When I look on Youtube I notice that the CR series basses seem to have more shimmer, then again they seem to be better recorded - for instance, John Burgess's CR5 recordings on Youtube, which are obviously processed in post production by someone who knows what they are doing. In constrast, most of the NXT recordings I can find are recorded much more modestly -- although with similar enthusiasm. We'll have to see. Yes I think your engineer could have been more creative with the upper and mids, but for a live recording without a lot of fuss, I thought it was a very successful session. Do you use those videos for professional promotion? I am wondering if Youtube efforts have helped promote the band.

The CR offers some additional EQ, plus it is available with optional magnetic pickups. Either/both may contribute to that sound difference you hear. The magnetics add a nice dimension to the available sounds, and you can dial in some serious mids. Then it's a bit like a fretless electric bass on steroids.

In my experience, the NXT responds well to EQ. I use D'Addario NS Traditionals, arco setting (I play pizz, but want that thump), and the tone knob rolled all the way to the bass side to achieve an old-school, thumpy sound for swing, western swing, and classic country. The result is spot-on. Occasionally I will use my Boss EQ to fine tune the sound because of the crappy room acoustics, but usually not necessary.

When I want to play with a more "modern" sound, more growl, etc., the NXT can deliver. If that sound was what I regularly needed, I would choose NS Contemporary strings, Spiros, or something that would be more appropriate for that sound and style.

I can find the sounds I want from my NXT-5 on the job. The NXT provides a sound that is easy for studio engineers to work with. Everyone has their own idea of sound, and I think the NXT can deliver. Experiment with all the settings, and find your sound. I will say that the stock strings were a bit lacking, so invest in the strings you like/want to play and can provide the type of sound you want.

Hope that is encouraging.

[Spanky123]

I just got my NXT 4 delivered. Plugged it in and it sounds great, except the tone knob does not appear to work. The (metal) switch works, along with the volume knob, but no tone. Anything I should know? I bought it second hand but it appears brand new, the strings hardly broken in. If it needs a solder at the local repair shop what will it set me back?

Edit: Live and learn, there something On NS's websiteabout plugging an NXT into low impedance amps. I have not purchased an amp yet so I ran it through my Mackie and into my stereo. No good. Volume works fine,as does the arco switch, but no tone control when plugged into the Mackie. I then tried it into my Roland cube, which is a small practice amp designed for guitar. Tone control works fine. I am surprised at this, though. What happens if I want to record direct into a board? Now I hafta buy a bass amp.

I also have a Sansamp Bass Direct somewhere. I have to dig it out of the closet. (No I am not lazy, just have a ridiculously scary closet). I am wondering if the Sansamp will give it enough impedance to drive the tone control so I can go direct into the Mackie. Does anyone know?

[DoubleMIDI]

Get an FDeck HPFpre and you can plug in where you want. Much cheaper than a bass amp.

[Spanky123]

Thanks, I will take a look. I am down under, meaning popstage is an issue for everything. Meanwhile, the specs on my Sansamp says it is good for piezos: http://www.tech21nyc.com/products/sa...sdriverdi.html

If anyone has used this with their NXT I would appreciate your feedback.

Originally Posted by DoubleMIDI

Get an FDeck HPFpre and you can plug in where you want. Much cheaper than a bass amp.

[DoubleMIDI]

Or build one yourself or let someone build one for you, the schematics are free.
The Quick'n'dirty impedance converter from Francis Deck is simple to build and does the impedance buffering, that you need too.
Sometimes you don't need it and think why do I have this thingy, but you will be very happy if this is not the case.
Francis only sends inside the US, but if you have some friend there who can forward this to you or some collegue on talkbass inside the US who is willing to forward it, that's the best way to get a HPFpre outside the US.
The thing is small and light, the postage couldn't be high for a small packet.

[Spanky123]

I have had the NXT-4 for about a week, now -- purchased used from someone who purchased it in late 2011 from Gollihur and never played it (I am sure because its in mint condition and the strings are brand new). It buzzes too much for my taste and I have poor eyesight so can't tell if I have a hump in the fingerboard. I adjusted the bridge to the highest position and it made no noticeable difference. I don't know what kind of strings are on it, but most likely they are factory standard. The sustain is too much for my taste, if that gives a clue. Can someone tell me where the buzz switch is?

[Mark Gollihur]

Originally Posted by Spanky123

I have had the NXT-4... It buzzes too much for my taste and I have poor eyesight so can't tell if I have a hump in the fingerboard. I adjusted the bridge to the highest position and it made no noticeable difference. I don't know what kind of strings are on it, but most likely they are factory standard. The sustain is too much for my taste, if that gives a clue. Can someone tell me where the buzz switch is?

The neck has a truss rod that can be adjusted just like an electric bass (detune the strings substantially to reduce tension before adjusting.) That should allow you to tweak the fingerboard enough to reduce/eliminate the buzz.

As for sustain/zinginess, the stock strings are like that. Replace them with strings that are intentionally a few clicks darker and "deader" than you think you'd like; they should counter against the particularly resonant solid-body characteristics of the instrument and provide a warmer, woodier, somewhat more "authentic" double-bass experience. A few good options:

• NS Electric "Traditional" (essentially Helicore Orchestras sized to fit the NS Basses)
• Pirastro Obligatos (will have to be wrapped around the bottom and strung in the keyhole slots on the back panel)
• Jargar Dolce (ditto on the wrap-around).

Hope that helps.

[Spanky123]

Thanmk you. Mark. That's helpfyul Can you tell me how to adjust the truss rod? The last time I adjusted a truss rod, on a guitar, I did not get the effect I wanted. most likely due to inexperience.

[Studiodawg]

Maybe you should take it to a guitar technician and have him/her do it...

[basssalad]

Originally Posted by basssalad

I'm selling NXT Amber 4 bass in Excellent shape.
NS NXT 4 amber bass - excellent condition -$1100 plus shipping

SOLD THREAD CLOSED.

[fivestringgecko]

I've been following this thread for quite some time, and after doing my taxes a few days ago and learning that I'll be getting back substantially more than I thought, I'm debating about finally pulling the trigger on an NXT5. I've taken the time to go back and read this thread from start to finish, and there's a lot of good info here. However, I do have some questions/concerns (of course, right? lol)

It sounds like the general response to the NXT has been very positive, aside from tuners. I've seen more than a few posts concerning strings on the NXT (the 5 in particular) and it has made me wonder... I find it interesting that NS would equip the NXT with sub-par tuners that can't handle anything but the stock strings. I'm certainly not opposed to upgrading an instrument when it's by choice, but it seems almost required with the NXT. Why wouldn't they put better tuners on it? Not a HUGE concern, but definitely a turn off. Perhaps worth it in the long run, but it looks like the first string change could potentially cost $200-300, depending on string choice.

Just out of curiosity: I've seen mention of the NS610 string set, but these look like they might be the same as what comes on the NXT as stock?

I've also read concerns about the NXT gig bag, but haven't seen much more one or two small pics of the outside on google... would anyone be kind enough to post a pic of the inside of the gig bag? It kind of sounds like there's no padding to it whatsoever, but the case that a violinist had with her NS violin on a recent pit gig actually looked pretty decent.

I've been getting more into playing musicals, and since I haven't legitimately played a 4-string in years, I figured getting the NXT5 would help make the transition to upright easier. It's already going to take some work as it is... Thoughts?

Similarly, does anyone here have the NXT4 and wish they had the 5? I've been told by a fellow pit bassist that having the low B has been pretty valuable for his work with musicals. I've been starting to get into pit work over the last year or so, so I figure his advice would be fairly valuable to my purchase decision.

I haven't seen much talk about the type of bow people are using... any input? What type of bow are you using with the NXT and for what styles? (I realize it might be an "it's a personal preference" kind of question)

Thanks in advance for any thoughts or info for someone looking to take the plunge...

5sg.

[RHayton]

I'm also planning to get the NXT 4 and have similar concerns about the bag. I see on Gollihur site another padded case for about $125, which I would consider, but it apparently would not have space for the tripod and/or end pin. Would like to see a pic of the gig bag that comes with the NXT 4; maybe additional padding could be added from a fabric store?