NS Design NXT Megathread - Page 6

ibass3000 · #**101** 07-11-2010, 10:53 PM

Hi,

I just got my NXT4 (amber) a month ago and today I played in front of listeners at first time. It sounds great and good for looking (many audience told me so ;-). I bought it at Gelb Music in Redwood City, California.

I had no disappointment except a gig bag.
When I bought it, it came with a very cheap gig bag. It is just a cover rather than a bag. No protection on neck and body. It has a cushion around its head, but that's all. Especially I'm afraid that tripod in tripod pocket would harm NXT when it hits to something.
2 days after I bought it, a plastic part that holds one end of shoulder strap broke. I immediately called Gelb for replacement.

They ordered a new bag for me, and I got it the day before. Now it looks same but has far better protection inside, metal parts, and bigger zipper. I love it! Now i am comfortable for carrying it. Staff of Gelb music are very knowledgeable and trustable.

I'm trying to buy A/B switch for using both my electric bass and NXT. Out put level of NXT seems not too smaller than passive electric bass (Yamaha BB3000).

viktorkestral · #**102** 08-27-2010, 02:22 PM

I'm also looking for this kind of stuff and I've found very interesting products from Radial Engineering. Amongst others is a pre with a very high input impedance which could easily fit the NXT out while the second instrument input has a normal impedance. You can use it as a DI, it has FX loop if I can remember well and acoustic eq for each channel. I'll probably try to get one.

Another theme about the NXT, I received the classical tripod stand which I'm not completely satisfied with. Any experience with their shoulder system or endpin option? (or both of them)

FSSimon · #**103** 08-28-2010, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viktorkestral

I'm also looking for this kind of stuff and I've found very interesting products from Radial Engineering. Amongst others is a pre with a very high input impedance which could easily fit the NXT out while the second instrument input has a normal impedance. You can use it as a DI, it has FX loop if I can remember well and acoustic eq for each channel. I'll probably try to get one.
(...)

Do post your comments when you get it. I might get one too. I'm saving my money for a NXT5 and I'll first see how well it works with my fishman B-II.

ibass3000 · #**104** 08-28-2010, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viktorkestral

I'm also looking for this kind of stuff and I've found very interesting products from Radial Engineering. Amongst others is a pre with a very high input impedance which could easily fit the NXT out while the second instrument input has a normal impedance. You can use it as a DI, it has FX loop if I can remember well and acoustic eq for each channel. I'll probably try to get one.
them)

I bought Radial Bigshot I/O. That is complete passive switch with gain control at 2nd input.
I used it in the gig. I connect NXT to #1 and BB3000 to #2 input and adjust its gain. As a result, I had no problem on switching those 2.

Stick_Player · #**105** 08-30-2010, 10:20 PM

This is what I use with my NXT:

MasterMonkeyMan · #**106** 09-01-2010, 09:46 AM

So, would a SansAmp Bass Driver Deluxe serve the same purpose? (For bringing signal up and eq'ing)

martijn_2m · #**107** 09-01-2010, 10:00 AM

I use the Aguilar Tonehammer with my NS NXT (both live and in the studio). Very satisfied with that duo!

dbassnut · #**108** 09-13-2010, 08:58 AM

Just took to plunge & ordered an NXT. I need some advice. Should I keep the original strings or swap them out for my old set of D'addario Helicores?
Appreciate your comments.

Mark Gollihur · #**109** 09-14-2010, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Should I keep the original strings or swap them out for my old set of D'addario Helicores?

Wait and try the stock strings before you spend the money on new strings!

String choice is very subjective, and you might just find that the stock strings will provide you exactly the sort of sound that you're after. At the very least, if you don't particularly care for them, you'll be able to compare their qualities with other options. (For example, "I like their feel but don't like how much sustain and "clack" they have.") That will make it easier to choose an alternative, based on your preferences.

Pat Harris · #**110** 09-14-2010, 08:28 AM

I second Mark's advice.

I also tried a set of Helicore Medium Pizz strings on my CR4M and hated their sound on it. Even with the piezo pickups soloed, it sounded like a fretless P-bass.

Stick_Player · #**111** 09-14-2010, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Should I keep the original strings or swap them out for my old set of D'addario Helicores?

I still have the original strings on my NXT - got it 10 months ago. They are just fine.

dbassnut · #**112** 09-14-2010, 09:26 PM

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the advice. The NXT should be arriving this 17th & I can't wait to get my hands on it.

.
I play the double bass & this would be my first foray to an EURB. By the way, my old strings are D'Addario Helicore Orchestral med.
Will try the stock strings for a week or 2 & then decide whether to swap them.
I'm trying to get a double bass sound out of the NXT & no, I don't have a preamp so I'll be depending on my trusty bass amp (korg 60) to shape the sound.
Once again thanks.

Stick_Player · #**113** 09-14-2010, 10:35 PM

Quote:

I don't have a preamp

Probably gonna need one.

dbassnut · #**114** 09-17-2010, 02:16 AM

Just received the NXT bass today & am looking forward to mucking around with it this weekend. Yes, a preamp would be nice but I'm broke.

. So its either swap the strings out with my D'addario Helicore orchestrals or keep the existing strings.
There is a minor scuff mark on the neck though. I've tried wiping it off but was not successful. Any suggestions on how I should remove it?
Thanks.

starkaudio · #**115** 09-17-2010, 04:42 AM

Depends? Post a photo of the scuff maybe?

Check the input impedance of your amp though, if it's less than 1M Ohm your NXT will sound thin and tinny through it. Even something as simple as a Fishman B-II (~$50) will dramatically improve your sound.

Stick_Player · #**116** 09-19-2010, 07:18 PM

Quote:

So its either swap the strings out with my D'addario Helicore orchestrals or keep the existing strings.

I'd play through a preamp before changing strings. You might want to check out how 'longer' strings cut into the base of the NXT - much worse than a scuff on the neck - there are pics posted early in this topic.

I use the original strings and the are just fine. I also use the Fishman Platinum Pro EQ - exceedingly versatile, and totally necessary for this instrument.

dbassnut · #**117** 09-19-2010, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by starkaudio

Depends? Post a photo of the scuff maybe?

Check the input impedance of your amp though, if it's less than 1M Ohm your NXT will sound thin and tinny through it. Even something as simple as a Fishman B-II (~$50) will dramatically improve your sound.

Here are the photo's of the scuff mark. Looks like someone dropped it accidentally on the side of a desk. There is a small dent there but it isn't a big deal as you can barely feel it. I was thinking of using a marker pen & just painting the scuff over.

On the preamp, turns out I don't really need one. My bass amp (korg 60) already has a high impedance input jack so the sound is ok luckily. Will have to get a preamp later but will probably go for the cheapest one I can find as I'm kind of broke.

.

Stick_Player · #**118** 09-20-2010, 12:52 AM

Quote:

There is a small dent there but it isn't a big deal as you can barely feel it. I was thinking of using a marker pen & just painting the scuff over.

Not as bad as the FOUR DENTS I plowed into the back of the neck of my NXT. And yes you could feel them ALL.

I was playing my Chapman Stick, swung around and four of the Stick tuners gouged out four big holes in the NXT.

After a few hours of crying...

I filled them in, repainted, buffed up a nice shine and carried on.

wagstaff · #**119** 09-22-2010, 12:38 AM

Bought the NXT recently and absolutely LOVE it

My only complaint is the stand that comes with it, after about a week of having one of the main bolts that hold it in place completely threaded so I had to upgrade the the End Pin stand which, all I can say is that it is totally worth the extra money to get the upgraded stand, the increase in the quality is outstanding.

Mark

dbassnut · #**120** 09-22-2010, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stick_Player

Not as bad as the FOUR DENTS I plowed into the back of the neck of my NXT. And yes you could feel them ALL.

I was playing my Chapman Stick, swung around and four of the Stick tuners gouged out four big holes in the NXT.

After a few hours of crying...

I filled them in, repainted, buffed up a nice shine and carried on.

Ouch!
I got an email from NS & they said to just use a felt tip marker pen & paint over the scuff & not to use shoe polish. (I also asked them about that).
Anyways, will be keeping my NXT away from my pianist as he is a kluzt, My double bass already has a small crack at the f hole when he walked right into it.

.

Now, I am trying to go for an acoustic bass sound but without using a preamp. Any advice?
1. I'm thinking of changing the strings to my old D'Addario Helicore Orchestrals.
2. Increasing the string height.
3. Switch - use up for Arco Mode as I understand it gives a sound more close to the double bass.

4. Was also thinking of perhaps using a dampener of some sort. Perhaps a piece of rubber slotted between the strings to dampen them further? Any comments?

Thanks,
Adrian