NSD WAV 4 - a good alternative to a real DB?

Stuggi · #1 06-29-2007, 05:23 AM

Hello!

I'm a EB player at the moment, but I've been thinking about getting into the DB thing lately, mainly because all the jazz I listen to (swing mostly) uses DB's...

So, I just read the newbie thread about EUB's being a good transitional instument. And now, I just want some oppinions on the Wav 4, which is the cheapest EUB I can get my hands on atm.

The reason I'm thinking about getting a EUB instead of an EB is mostly the size, and the fact noone sells them in my area, and I don't want to buy an acoustic instrument sight unseen. And I might also get a crappy beatup DB from an old player who used to play in the same band as my grandfather.

BTW, since I'm starting a newbie thread anyway, why are most DB's people use 3/4? Are the 4/4 a diffrent instrument or what?

ziv · #2 06-29-2007, 06:56 AM

About the WAV4, you can read the dedicated "megathread", you will have plenty of information.

4/4 DBs are also double basses, just bigger (too big ?) and 3/4 is the most common size. There are also smaller sizes for young children for instance.

Stuggi · #3 06-29-2007, 07:01 AM

I've read it, and although everyone have replied positivly (except maybe the fingerblackening stock strings?) I'm interested in the Wav4 as a alternative to a real DB in terms of an entry level instrument...

tkozal · #4 06-29-2007, 07:25 AM

No, Nein, Nada...I have a NS CR4, same thing design wise. I thought about making the move. I have some friends who are orchestra and commercial players here in NYC. I tried out their DB's. Had a few lessons.

If you want to go DB, get a DB. It's all about positions, and fingerings, etc...Things that you really can't do with a stick like EUB. You need to know where your "d" is for example...by feel, no can do on a NS EUB. (not a wav at least)

The markers on the NS are needed, due to no body and no neck feel. I'm sure the real DB players can elaborate much more than me on this.

So now, I play more g**tar...

(I do use the EUB for Latin stuff, and Folk, but I watch them markers all the time...)

Stuggi · #5 06-29-2007, 07:46 AM

Well, I'm pretty sure I'll get it anyways, since I'll be moving to a student flat (about 15 square meters) in a year or two, and I don't really have the space for a real upright considering that I have 3 EB's, an EG and an AG, plus two kanteles...

tkozal · #6 06-29-2007, 07:56 AM

well, if you are like me and most people, the technique you learn to play an EUB will have to be "unlearned" to play a DB properly...

endorka · #7 06-29-2007, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkozal

well, if you are like me and most people, the technique you learn to play an EUB will have to be "unlearned" to play a DB properly...

Do you really think so? My bass tutor gets me to use his real DB rather than my WAV whenever he gives me a lesson. I don't find it too hard to adjust. Sure there, are some aspects that are different, but it seems to me that the vast majority of technique is very similar.

Jennifer

tkozal · #8 06-29-2007, 08:59 AM

he gets you to use his DB? I wonder why....

mheintz · #9 06-29-2007, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by endorka

Do you really think so?

Yes. If you want to play upright, get an upright. If size is an issue, get an EUB that feels like a DB, e.g. Eminence. Even then, the heel block and shoulders are just one factor. The real difference is being able to draw sound and project from an acoustic instrument. Stick EUBs and DBs are just different animals. That being said, the NS Wav is a really nice instrument and fun to play.

el_mariachi · #10 06-29-2007, 11:05 AM

Although I don't own a WAV, I do own an ERGO which isn't that different than a WAV. The other day when i was trying out a used amp, the owner let me play his 3/4 double bass. It was pure bliss in every meaning of the word. I haven't been able to stop obsessing now about how I could acquire a true DB. The feel, playability, sound, vibe, was completely different. While my ergo works very well for what it is and what I do (I play in a latin group), after playing that DB I have really started to reconsider where I want to go with upright. If anything, I would at least like to get an electric upright that is much more similar to a real DB than the ERGO.

ziv · #11 06-29-2007, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by el_mariachi

AIt was pure bliss in every meaning of the word. I haven't been able to stop obsessing now about how I could acquire a true DB.

Yes, but in the same way, many drummers may want to have a real acoustic drumset at home but the fact that they may have neighbors and family would make them choose an electronic drum kit. An EUB is a trade-off between the DB feel and transportability.

Callused Finger · #12 06-29-2007, 02:04 PM

a neck is a neck. If its the same length and width with the same length strings I don't see how it could feel that much different.

Acoustically they may sound different to your ear but plugged in the EUB IS the sound of the string. Not the sound of the string vibrating through and out a body which could either improve or destroy the sound.

tkozal · #13 06-29-2007, 02:46 PM

"a neck is a neck" ???

sorry, I don't think so, we will have to disagree.....

damonsmith · #14 06-29-2007, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by el_mariachi

after playing that DB I have really started to reconsider where I want to go with upright. If anything, I would at least like to get an electric upright that is much more similar to a real DB than the ERGO.

Those (Azola, Eminence, Alter-Ego, etc.) are about as expenisive as just getting a real double bass, and even then you are looking at which "real" upright" characteristics you are looking for.
For example, the Ergo behaves very much like a carved bass arco, that makes me prefer it over most, because the solid block of wood and bridge are amplified and not the strings.
Anyhow, I'd reccomend getting a real carved or hybrid double bass, take lessons and then you will be better able to get the sound you want out of your Ergo.

damonsmith · #15 06-29-2007, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkozal

well, if you are like me and most people, the technique you learn to play an EUB will have to be "unlearned" to play a DB properly...

You should use the same technique and study the same things. I have had several students with EUBs and I treated them like double bass students. The more you use double bass technique the more you get a double bass sound.
With upright, even EUBs it much more a case of "I sound..." rather than "it sounds...".
You have to use upright technique to get the body of the instrument into the sound, if you play like BG you are just going to hear a crappy piezo pick up or whatever.

j.s.basuki · #16 06-30-2007, 01:10 AM

[quote=Callused Finger;4371317]a neck is a neck. If its the same length and width with the same length strings I don't see how it could feel that much different.

Wait until you play both EUB like NS or a real double bass. I have NS CR 4, CRM 5 and Bass cello, never used them anymore after playing a real DB ( Bjorn Stoll).
Even though there is a marker in NS CR T neck but is not the same as the heel of DB

MacDaddyBass · #17 06-30-2007, 01:36 AM

In addition to the lack of the heel, many EUB necks are thinner than acoustic double basses because of the truss rod and so on. I'm still trying to get used to my CR5M neck in comparison to my upright neck. Furthermore, my CR5M has some kind of glossy finish on the back of the neck when generally on uprights there is no finish on it (atleast on mine). I think NS got this part wrong. It feels like the body has no finish while the neck does, shouldn't it be the opposite?

TheSuzie · #18 06-30-2007, 09:38 AM

The NS design seems to be known for being further away from the DB feeling than many EUBs. In that respect it may not be the absolute best choice.

The NS may have a finished neck in order to increase the stability of the wood. I have had BGs with unfinished and lightly finished necks. They were much less stable season to season than my BGs with heavily finished necks.

FWIW my recently sold East German DB originally had a finished neck. When I had it reworked my luthier removed the finish, reshaped and polished the neck. I think this sort of thing may be done on many DBs.

YMMV,
S

damonsmith · #19 06-30-2007, 10:53 AM

All these things are minor, and should not turn into hang ups when switching between intsruments. If it is the price that is attracting you to the NS, I would check out ERGOs which are similar but much cheaper and more woody sounding. http://ergoinstruments.com

ziv · #20 06-30-2007, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damonsmith

If it is the price that is attracting you to the NS, I would check out ERGOs which are similar but much cheaper and more woody sounding. http://ergoinstruments.com

The problem is that Ergo is not as well distributed as NS Design. In Paris (France), I know 2 stores that sell NS Design (that's not much...) but none that sell Ergo basses... Having them sent from the US to Europe will nullify the price difference.