FLATS FOR A NS DESIGN CR4 RADIUS FRETLESS?

[59jazz]

I recently purchased a CR4 Radius and attempted to install a lightly used set of Fender flats on it, however due to the silk, the strings slip in the clamping mechanism of the bridge. Has anyone used a set of flats with silks on this bass?

 

[59jazz]

Anyone?

 

[Jon Moody]

I have a CR5 Radius and haven’t had issues with the silk, as much as the gauges. It seems the bridge mechanism is pretty picky in terms of the gauge used over anything else.

Do you know what gauges the flats were?

 

[59jazz]

100-40, most likely I would use Chromes. I think I may have found the problem? Might be best to use a new set instead of a used set.

 

[francoprof]

I have a Radius CR5 fretless that I love using in the piezo mode. It gave me problems with silk strings until the service dept at NS Design kindly sent me an updated bridge. I currently use D'Addario Chromes 45-132 flats that give me a tone that's pretty close to that of an acoustic. I'll get some black Rotosound Tru Bass strings soon to compare. In the meantime, here's a sample of me noodling some Bossa Nova. Settings are : piezo only, mid freq switch at center, treb and bass at center as well.

 

[2playbass]

I have a Radius CR5 fretless that I love using in the piezo mode. It gave me problems with silk strings until the service dept at NS Design kindly sent me an updated bridge. I currently use flat steels that give me a tone that's pretty close to that of an acoustic. I'll get some black Rotosound Tru Bass strings soon to compare. In the meantime, here's a sample of me noodling some Bossa Nova. Settings are : piezo only, mid freq switch at center, treb and bass at center as well.

What brand of strings are you using? I also have a CR5 fretless, and I have been having trouble finding flats or semi rounds that fit properly at the head piece. That is, with many strings I have seen, the windings start too far away from the ball end, and won't sit properly in the nut.

Also, do you mind sharing how you got the updated bridge? Did you just contact customer service through the NS Designs web site? I am in Canada as well.

Thanks!

 

[59jazz]

DA Chromes are working out great.

 

[francoprof]

What brand of strings are you using? I also have a CR5 fretless, and I have been having trouble finding flats or semi rounds that fit properly at the head piece. That is, with many strings I have seen, the windings start too far away from the ball end, and won't sit properly in the nut.

Also, do you mind sharing how you got the updated bridge? Did you just contact customer service through the NS Designs web site? I am in Canada as well.

Thanks!

Hello there 2playbass. I've updated my post : I'm using DA Chromes just like 59jazz is. You can see where the silk ends on the pictures. To fix the bridge, I wrote to NS' service dept explaining how the bridge chewed the silk, mostly my D string and William offered to update it. They sent me a modified/working one and a label to send my used one back to them N/C. They were really quick and very proactive. Very good service indeed ;-) Here's william's email : [email protected]

Good luck!

 

[59jazz]

Hello there 2playbass. I've updated my post : I'm using DA Chromes just like 59jazz is. You can see where the silk ends on the pictures. To fix the bridge, I wrote to NS' service dept explaining how the bridge chewed the silk, mostly my D string and William offered to update it. They sent me a modified/working one and a label to send my used one back to them N/C. They were really quick and very proactive. Very good service indeed ;-) Here's william's email : [email protected]

Good luck!

My bridge on my CR4 fretted will not let go of the "G" string when I loosen the strings for removal. I have to wedge the clamp open with a small jewelers screwdriver. Other than that, it's all good! BTW, I prefer Dunlop Super Brites on the fretted, but am growing fond of the Chromes; they're a good fit for both basses.

 

[2playbass]

Hello there 2playbass. I've updated my post : I'm using DA Chromes just like 59jazz is. You can see where the silk ends on the pictures. To fix the bridge, I wrote to NS' service dept explaining how the bridge chewed the silk, mostly my D string and William offered to update it. They sent me a modified/working one and a label to send my used one back to them N/C. They were really quick and very proactive. Very good service indeed ;-) Here's william's email : [email protected]

Good luck!

Thanks so much for the info! I've sent my bridge in for upgrade.

 

[2playbass]

My bridge on my CR4 fretted will not let go of the "G" string when I loosen the strings for removal. I have to wedge the clamp open with a small jewelers screwdriver. Other than that, it's all good! BTW, I prefer Dunlop Super Brites on the fretted, but am growing fond of the Chromes; they're a good fit for both basses.

Thanks for the tip on the strings. Much appreciated!

 

[59jazz]

Well NSD was gracious enough to send me a new tuning mechanism; much gooder! I made a big boo boo when I installed a used set of TI flats, I cut the D string too short which resulted in the silk and stainless wrap to separate from the core. My only option was to buy a new set for $70+ or buy a single D string for $25.........or get a cable retainer from ACE HARDWARE for $1.50. It works! I reall like my Chromes, but the TI's sound really good on my CR4 fretted.

 

[JCW308]

I recently purchased a CR4 Radius and attempted to install a lightly used set of Fender flats on it, however due to the silk, the strings slip in the clamping mechanism of the bridge. Has anyone used a set of flats with silks on this bass?

Are you liking the NS CR4? How's it holding up? How's the battery life?

 

[59jazz]

Are you liking the NS CR4? How's it holding up? How's the battery life?

It was a good bass, however I've moved it to purchase a Kubicki.