Double Bass Best strings for an NS NXT4 EUB

[Bfare2me]

I am acoustic upright bass player that just purchased an NS NXT4 EUB (floor demo) and am used to using Spirocore strings on my acoustic bass. The stings that came with the NS bass seem very thin. Does anyone have an idea how I can get the same feel as the Spirocore strings on my acoustic on my NS Bass? I mainly play jazz and rarely use a bow. Thanks, Bill

 

[Mark Gollihur]

NS Electric Traditionals - made by D'Addario, they are a version of D'Addario Helicore Orchestra upright bass strings that are made shorter, specifically to fit the NS Basses.

They have a similar (spiral wound) construction, gauge, and feel to the Spirocores, but have an (intentionally) darker, less defined sound - which, considering the tight construction and solid body of the NXT, sort of "balances the see-saw" and helps to bring the sound of the bass back towards a more acoustic vibe. Compared to Spiros, they have less sustain, and less "detail" - which are the characteristics that tend to make the solid-body bass embrace its "electric-ness."

Other, non-NS options that have worked for many players are the Pirastro Obligatos and Jargar strings; but both of those have a more different "feel" than the Spiros.

 

[Bfare2me]

Thanks Mark, I just purchased the D'Addario Helicore Orchestra upright NS bass strings, so I'll get you know they work out! Bill

 

[RHayton]

Ditto Mark. I have the traditional strings on my NXT 4 and with some amplifier tweaking I get a good mellow, deep , almost acoustic sound--the damn trumpets in the band are so loud that they blanket my sound a bit anyway.