Double Bass Entry guide to EUBs

[Ezmar]

So I posted something over on the BG side of these forums, it didn't even cross my mind that there would be a section over here for this. So I'll start by just copying what I posted over there:

So, I've been listening to a lot of Peter Gabriel and Tony Levin of late, and I've decided that it would be a good idea to get an Electric Upright, for a variety of reasons, including the unique tone offered by upright as opposed to bass guitar, and my background as a cello player. But I don't really know the first thing about electric uprights, so I've come here for some advice.

So what I'm looking for: I'm not really looking for something to "take the place" of a double bass. Like I mentioned, one of the major impetuses for this is Tony Levin. I don't really know what good manufacturers are out there, and how much variety there is in the EUB market. So I'm basically just looking for a general guide to Electric Upright Basses, different applications, price ranges, etc.

Thanks!
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So just like it says up there, I'm looking for something that maybe has a more "modern" sound, as far as that may have any meaning at all with electric uprights. I don't really know anything about them, so any helpful info, links, what have you, would all be greatly appreciated.

 

[Francois Blais]

I think Tony Levin plays an NS Design EUB.
There are many threads about these EUBs so I suggest you begin by reading them.
This will already provide lots of information.

Best regards,
François

 

[Ric Vice]

So I posted something over on the BG side of these forums, it didn't even cross my mind that there would be a section over here for this. So I'll start by just copying what I posted over there:

So, I've been listening to a lot of Peter Gabriel and Tony Levin of late, and I've decided that it would be a good idea to get an Electric Upright, for a variety of reasons, including the unique tone offered by upright as opposed to bass guitar, and my background as a cello player. But I don't really know the first thing about electric uprights, so I've come here for some advice.​

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Ezmar,
I'm afraid that you're going to have to do some research, on TB by reading through the various TB threads. Tony Levin played a Clevenger Bass on the original SO tour, but his forte is Electric Bass. Later on as Francois mentioned, he moved to the NS EUB's which have a more "modern" sound. Essentially EUB's fall into two categories. They are either hollow body instruments like the Eminence, Kolstine, Merchant, and Messenger basses or Slab instruments like the NS CRM, Clevenger, Vektor and others. If you're going to use a bow with these instruments, you need a bridge that has enough height and curvature, to properly clear the sides of the instrument. That's a major issue with some of the less expensive EUB's. I also prefer a heel on the back side of the instruments neck, because that's what feels right to me from playing a Double Bass.

Ric

 

[Yeti_carnage]

I highly recommend the NS Design NXT. People also rave about Ergo.

 

[jthisdell]

I recently took the plunge and ordered an NS Design 4 sight unseen (not alot of basses for sale period here in town much less EUB's). Have been happy with it, quality-built instrument. It does take some getting used to (I am long-time electric player but new to upright). I currently lay bluegrass but it seems like a very versatile instrument.