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Double Bass Any one using the NS Design End Pin Stand?

#2
I used to play normal DB, then after a long break wanted to come back to playing upright via an NS bass. I got the endpin in the first month or so, and after a small adjustment period, I only play using the monopod/end pin. Being able to move the bass with me makes a big difference in left hand comfort and fatigue. It also affects/helps playing arco. Your body moves slightly when playing, along with your arm, and with the end pin the bass moves with you.

I can't make a direct comparison because I only play eub now, but the end pin seems to have made a big difference for me, having come from a DB background, and using the NS for mostly arco.
 
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#3
I know it's been around 8 years, but I couldn't find any recent threads on the NSD endpin, so Here goes. I'll guess I'll look for the next reply somewhere around 2024. ;)

I just picked up a CR5M, so it came with the beefy stand. Playing on the stand was fine, but I found an endpin for sale used, so figured I'd give it a try. The first day I tried it I really wasn't impressed and figured I could always sell it for what I paid for it. I did try it again, though, and I'm glad I did. It took some adjusting to find the right placement for the body brace, but then it all came together. The bass would stand balanced just like an acoustic upright does. Hand placement was natural at the set distance and it was easier to play than being fixed on the stand, especially for doing vibrato. It was also nice being able to move and not be locked into the stand position. So, I ordered the (not inexpensive from any source) conversion kit that will allow me to set the bass in the stand when not playing and still have the option to play it in the stand if I wanted to.
 
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#4
Not trying to hijack this high volume thread!

But in a very similar context, any of you guys using the "strap system" and playing it like an EB?

Own one ( both actually, like an idiot on the strap), but never had the guts to try to use it :)
 
#6
Wow, responses so many years sooner than I anticipated...

I did go ahead and get the endpin conversion kit. Johnson String Co. had it for $70 + tax & free shipping. Everywhere else they were $80 and up. Yeah, it's pricey, but nowhere near what repairs for a bass falling on a hard floor could cost.

Anyway, it really works great. It has just enough friction and leans back enough that placing the bass in and out is quick, easy, and secure. It has a knob that can be tightened to lock it in there when you're on break or whatever, but plenty secure without it for regular use. The endpin without this is awkward. Either you lean it in a corner somewhere, lay it down on the floor, or swap out the endpin for the stand when not using it. None of those are good options. You can't find a corner when you need one; unlike a full upright lying down it would be way too easy to step on or trip over this; and I swap off on EB, so swapping to and from the stand really wouldn't work for me, though if this is your only instrument that may work for you. In any case you'd probably eventually figure it was worth the $70+ bucks if you already have the heavy duty CR stand. If you have the EXT or WAV stand, then building your own holder might be worth considering since your looking at over $300 for both the conversion kit and then CR stand after already paying $175 or so for the endpin.

As for the strap system, I don't see the point. The horizontal hand positions won't give you anything resembling an upright sound and unless you have arms like an orangutan, that's a very long stretch to the nut. I play a 35" scale and a lot of people think even that's too long for them compared to a 34"
 
#7
Wow this thread has gotten some traction! I purchased the end pin stand back then but it just didn't work for me no matter where I put it and so I sold the bass and the stand and picked up a Yamaha Silent bass which I still have and use. The Yamaha to me has the correct ergonomics and allows me to jump right on it without too much adjustment of technique.
 
#8
MikePlaysBass said:
As for the strap system, I don't see the point. The horizontal hand positions won't give you anything resembling an upright sound and unless you have arms like an orangutan, that's a very long stretch to the nut.
Click to expand...

The strap systems for the NS basses still allow you to position the bass vertically.
 
#10
Nope, that should be a red flag. Also, the strap is too narrow and it can't be tightened enough to stay in place in a "real gig" circumstance. The ergonomics of the NS Design EUB do not account for our posture as upright bassists. I sold mine a couple years ago.
 
#12
HateyMcAmp said:
I used to play and NS wav4 with the end pin stand with some degree of frequency. It worked pretty well for me and I liked it way more than the tripod. I never really got done with the tone of the instrument for the lack of a neck heel, however.
Click to expand...
Yea, I see they sell a neck thumbstop you can stick on it, but it's VERY expensive...
Bass Thumbstop Neck Heel Rest | NS Design
 
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#15
CryingBass said:
I have a CR5M and I would not put that $95 thumb rest on it.
Stickers? Well I had to tell my kids no way...
Click to expand...

I actually found in the house a sheet of adhesive small red gem-like plastic pieces and stuck a few of them on in a line where the base of the neck would be so I could feel where that is. It actually works well. I had tried ordering stick-on ukulele thumb rest but unfortunately they were rigid so it didn't work with the round neck. It looked promising though....
U•Bass Thumbrests - Kala Brand Music Co.

THBRT-UBASS_1024x.png
 
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#16
joenoone said:
So I've been trying to find videos or pictures of the endipin in action to get an idea if it's worth it. Anyone know fo any?
Click to expand...

Sadly no, but few post a YT video about an accessory.

I've had the endpin attachment about as long as I've had my CR-5M (~12yr?) and I enjoy it. I don't use it a lot, as I usually play it in a seated position, much like a cello. But for standing, it works very well. You still have to get used to no neck heel for a point of reference, but since I double on electric bass a lot (that has no reference points), I adapted.
 
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#17
Jon Moody said:
Sadly no, but few post a YT video about an accessory.

I've had the endpin attachment about as long as I've had my CR-5M (~12yr?) and I enjoy it. I don't use it a lot, as I usually play it in a seated position, much like a cello. But for standing, it works very well. You still have to get used to no neck heel for a point of reference, but since I double on electric bass a lot (that has no reference points), I adapted.
Click to expand...
I was wondering about the part that leans against you - where does that land (vertically/horizontally)? Doesn't seem wide enough for the waist so is it positioned to the left of center?
 
#18
joenoone said:
I was wondering about the part that leans against you - where does that land (vertically/horizontally)? Doesn't seem wide enough for the waist so is it positioned to the left of center?
Click to expand...

Fully adjustable, so it sits where you want it to. It takes a bit to dial it in, but I had it hitting me just above the waist. When both of the arms are extended, it's around 16" wide so it's certainly big enough.
 
#19
Been playing my CR5M on the tripod so far. Been reluctant to flesh out the money for the endpin arrangement because it looks somewhat strange.
Has anyone ever seen an endpin like the one NS Design makes for the cello? Not for the knee rests necessarily, but with the upper bout and a similar double bass support point?

8CADFC20-296A-4EC9-8241-B7F74BA4177C.jpeg
 
#20
I use one with my NS NXT and it works pretty well. It does take a bit to get it dialed in. Getting the angle of the body rest set just right took some work but all in all it does what it's supposed to do! The only issue I have is what to do when I'm between sets. I hate to lay it on the ground...
 

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