Double Bass new EUB NS CR5M. DONT want a DB clone!

[Chasarms]

No more worries about being up the creek . . . as I now have a paddle.

I just decided to bite the bullet and pick up a NS CR5M. Thank you Iowaboy!

I played this thing for almost two hours already. It's really hard to walk away from. I love this bass.

I have done a lot of reading on these basses and it seems that a lot of you guys are trying to emulate an acoustic DB sound by using a more heavily dampened DB string, setting the action high, EQing as such, etc.

Any one not there with their NS?

See, for me, I actually DON'T want to cop a DB in any way as I already have a sweet DB that sounds like a double bass is supposed to sound. I am more interested in playing and instrument with the same string length as my Shen and that plays upright, but gives me a longer sustain, that fretless mwah kind of vibe. Almost like an oversized BG but uniquely an EUB.

This one is strung EADGC which I don't care for. Also, it has Eurosonics on it, which aren't doing much for me either.

I am definitely stringing it back to BEADG. With this mind, and the fact I am looking for a more modern, alternative sound, what are the thoughts of those with experience on going with the actual NS strings? I gather that they are little too EBG sounding for some people, but are there any other considerations?

The only "concern" is that this bass doesn't seem to have ton of bottom. I am hoping that is the strings and setup and I can get to the sound I want eventually.

Also, any thoughts and general observations about setup are appreciated.

Charles

 

[winston]

I don't own an NS but I have played them on two occasions (most recently about a month ago).

I think they're very happening instruments which are definitely not trying to be exactly like a real DB. I liked the stock strings though as many note, they don't sound much like a real DB. The two stores I've played them in were mostly bass-guitar oriented, and I do think that these basses would have more crossover appeal than a Czech-Ease or Eminence.

My impression of the NS-5 (I played the less-expensive European-made ones, not the US one): versatile, with nice growl and an immense low end (especially with the magnetic pickups dialed in). There aren't really any physical references in common with either DB or BG so it's best approached as its own beast.

When I had an EUB (Knutson Messenger DLX 4) I found that Pirastro Obligatos gave it a much more twangy, big-fretless BG vibe than the stock Thomastik SuperFlexibles. But of course if you have the magnetic PU-equipped NS you'd wouldn't want a synthetic string like the Obligato.

 

[Huy Nguyen]

CHASLEGS, what end-pin setup are you using on the CRM5? I'd like to know if you're using the shoulder strap specially. I've been quite curious about it for quiet practice.

 

[Chasarms]

CHASLEGS, what end-pin setup are you using on the CRM5? I'd like to know if you're using the shoulder strap specially. I've been quite curious about it for quiet practice.

To your question, the only thing that I have right now is the tripod stand. I like it because it is mostly worry free.

I wouldn't mind having the endpin along with the tripod stand converter. I think that would be like of nice, but I don't see me going with the shoulder strap.

I am playing with a group right now that is kind of lighter James Taylorish. Although some of this stuff is a little heavier toward rock and other is almost Jazz.

I used to play EBG on some of it. I am trying the NS instead on that stuff. I think it is a little more unique and makes it more enjoyable to play. I don't want to sound like an upright snob, but I just don't really enjoy playing slab that much right now.

In almost all cases, I still see myself taking my DB and it will likely see most of the action. With that in mind, the tripod comes in pretty handy.

So, I did try the NS strings. I thought the sound was actually pretty nice, if not very fretless BG, but I just couldn't deal with the feel. They are too thin for my taste. I am so used to the thickness of the DB strings.

So, I tuned them up, played the bass for about two minutes and took them off.

The seller sent me a couple of B strings that I actually like really well. The may be NS as they are shorter. Right now I have a new Spirocore W on the E and the ADG are from a shot of FCS that I took off the DB not too long ago. I like the Spirocore. I'm guessing they'll end up filling out the bass as soon as I can get to it. Although, I really may try the new Belcantos in the D and G slots. I LOVE those strings on the DB.