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Double Bass NS BassCello (now OmniBass) megathread

#61
So, I finally was able to purchase one. I bought it from Bob/Gollihur Music, and I must say that the service was nothing but excellent throughout the entire process! Higly recommended!

Now, for bass itself, I totally love it. It sounds beautiful when played fingerstyle. With the bow, however, it sounds terrible. That's not the fault of the bass though, and hence my question: when looking for a teacher to teach me arco playing, should I be looking for a cello or double bass teacher? What do you guys think?

Thanks.
 
#62
I'd look to a cello teacher for that particular instrument.... It took me awhile to get it together with the cello bow that they supply. I still don't blow through any arco solos on it like I do on double bass. I play the BC so seldom, I haven't really given myself much of a chance yet. It's mostly for touring.

I thought I might try my bass bow on the Bass Cello, but I haven't gotten around to that yet.
 
#63
eyvindwa said:
So, I finally was able to purchase one. I bought it from Bob/Gollihur Music, and I must say that the service was nothing but excellent throughout the entire process! Higly recommended!

Now, for bass itself, I totally love it. It sounds beautiful when played fingerstyle. With the bow, however, it sounds terrible. That's not the fault of the bass though, and hence my question: when looking for a teacher to teach me arco playing, should I be looking for a cello or double bass teacher? What do you guys think?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

When I took a BassCello out on a gig I used my French doublebass bow for the sake of familiarity and comfort. It was wonderful. I guess it is a matter of choice. There is a lot involved in bowing, both equipment (bow and rosin) and technique. It's well worthwhile to spend some time with a teacher. I think either, provided they are schooled and frequent arco players, would be appropriate.

Hrafinn said:
I'm currently saving up to purchase a basscello, but I'm not overly enthousiastic beforehand on the boomerang strap that will be supplied with it. So I have the following question: is the basscello compatible with the original NS strap system? The one that keeps the instrument a bit further away from your body? Anyone got any experience with both strap systems? And what are your experiences with the end-pin vs. the tripod?
Click to expand...

That's also a matter of preference-- as a longtime bassist I was not comfortable with the boomerang strap; it places the instrument in a cello-like position, close to the body and over the shoulder, that is not my personal bass style. I'm a "stand guy" -- but that doesn't mean you should be. To my memory most BassCello customers have stayed with the boomerang strap, I can recall a couple who purchased stands. But I've also had a recent full size NS Design Bass customer who purchased and loves using the BassCello Boomerang strap on his instrument, as he plays seated.

Both the Bass and BassCello have the same size bolt attachment, so a Bass strap could be used on a BassCello -- but no, I've not tried it.
 
#64
Does anyone have one of these here near the Pittsburgh area?

I'd like to check out one with the low B -- or even the 4 string model (if they're even making one).

I'd love the chance to pop by and check it out -- and would even bring a 6 pack of refreshing beverages in kind! :cool:

Still looking for a compact EUB for travel...and I think the NS might be the best fit with the stand/strap options as well as the magnetic pups. :bassist:
 
#65
Hrafinn said:
I'm currently saving up to purchase a basscello, but I'm not overly enthousiastic beforehand on the boomerang strap that will be supplied with it. So I have the following question: is the basscello compatible with the original NS strap system? The one that keeps the instrument a bit further away from your body? Anyone got any experience with both strap systems? And what are your experiences with the end-pin vs. the tripod?
Click to expand...

I use the "conventional" cello end pin stand with the basscello, and it works out quite nicely while bowing. Sitting on a drum throne, it is possible to get a comfortable set-up. I could never get the hang of a bow with the boomerang system -- not at all. Never used the tripod stand...

The one downside is that the cello end pin stand does not fit in the case very well.
 
#66
"So, sometime in the early evening, I'll catch a flight over to whichever island the show is on, wearing the gig clothes (flights are 20 minutes to an hour, depending on which island). In the BCs gig bag, I'll have packed a pair of cargo shorts, T-shirt, rubbah slippahs, toiletries and so on, maybe a paperback... plenty of room in there, there's a big full-length compartment aside from the bow pocket. The whole thing fits in the overhead, easier than any bass guitar, due to the shape.. The car picks me up at the airport and takes me to the venue, I plug and play, Amy cuts me a check, and I crib out in Honolulu, fly home the next morning with the gig clothes in the bag. No Luggage! Works great." -- Marcus Johnson


This is quite possibly the coolest scenerio ever! :D



So -- still got my eye on this one...liking the idea that's it overhead-ready and easy to tote.

Marcus, question: You mentioned the EMGs had plenty of punch. Would you say the pickup output level (gain, basic EQ, etc.) is comparable to the output of an active electric bass?

Bob, question: You mentioned the strap systems are compatible. Is there a significant difference between the Cello and NS Bass strap set-ups?

And...to clarify...can you use both strap and/or tripod on the same axe without much modification?

I can see using the strap for some gigs and the tripod on others.

Thanks gents.
 
#67
Jason Hollar said:
So -- still got my eye on this one...liking the idea that's it overhead-ready and easy to tote.

Marcus, question: You mentioned the EMGs had plenty of punch. Would you say the pickup output level (gain, basic EQ, etc.) is comparable to the output of an active electric bass?

Bob, question: You mentioned the strap systems are compatible. Is there a significant difference between the Cello and NS Bass strap set-ups?

And...to clarify...can you use both strap and/or tripod on the same axe without much modification?

I can see using the strap for some gigs and the tripod on others.

Thanks gents.
Click to expand...

The strap systems are compatible but different. The BassCello position is closer to the body, not unlike a cello position- the Bass strap is a little further off. The tripod is compatible with both bass and cello. I, personally, am a tripod guy (with my DIY NSD-like EUB and when I took NSD bass and basscellos out on a gig to experience them), perhaps due to my usual doubling situations, requiring the quick change from bass guitar the tripod facilitates.
 
#68
Jason Hollar said:
Marcus, question: You mentioned the EMGs had plenty of punch. Would you say the pickup output level (gain, basic EQ, etc.) is comparable to the output of an active electric bass?
Click to expand...

Jason.... yeah, I'd say it's right in there with that level of output. I did an outdoor thing with it last week, and there was plenty there. Of course the character of the sound is a little different, but the sound is easy to shape given the extensive tone controls. I've gotten to the point where I can play right on the bridge and get a Jaco-esque thing if I want to.

I don't really play electric gigs much anymore, but if I do, I'm much more likely to bring the NS than, say, my Fender. People dig the thing.
 
#69
Right.

I had a WAV for a brief time. Liked how it played on the tripod, HATED the electronic output. I need a big signal, not unlike an active fretless bass. The EMGs are very appealing.

I might also enjoy the older strap version, but not sure how differently those two might feel. Hmm...might have to make another pilgrimage to Uncle Bob's next summer when I'm DOWN THE SHORE!

Nobody in Pittsburgh have one of these thangs yet???
 
#70
My Bass Cello is intended to be a touring instrument in my case, and as such it sits idle for long stretches, which is a shame, because it's really a great instrument. But I stumbled across an idea that may find it getting more use in the future. One of my bass guitar students expressed an interest in learning some of the Bach cello suites on BG, so I dug out the music, and started playing through some it, pizzicato, not even really thinking about it, just seeing how it sounded on the little bass. With the low B string, the character of the Bach suites remains intact, with little or no transposing needed. So I went along like this for quite awhile, and then I had the ultimate "DUH" moment..... this thing is bowable. DUH!! It's called a BASS CELLO, dumbass. :o It's weird... I just haven't used it in that capacity very much. I had to laugh at myself.

The cool thing is that I can work out the suites; bowings and fingerings, on the BC, and then take that info to the double bass. Or, I can just enjoy it for what it is. I'm happy that the instrument is getting some use.

Proof that even the blind pig finds the acorn every now and then.
 
#71
Marcus Johnson said:
The cool thing is that I can work out the suites; bowings and fingerings, on the BC, and then take that info to the double bass. Or, I can just enjoy it for what it is. I'm happy that the instrument is getting some use.
Click to expand...

Like you say: "just enjoy it for what it is." I have the fifths set on the BC, and coming from upright, found it a great way to get the hang of that tuning. The suites lie really well on the BC in fifths, and the double/triple stops are natural. If you play them a fourth down, you can just use the cello fingering. It really is incredible the things you can do with this instrument.
 
#72
Just an update, and an appreciation of a great instrument. I've been using the NS BC quite a bit lately, in a band that fits it perfectly. I've finally been able to come to terms with the thing on a regular basis, instead of doing a quick tour and then sticking it back in storage. As a result, I'm really getting comfortable with it for the first time. The double bass connection is really strong for me, which enhances my enjoyment of the BC. It's great for me to have that feel and sound without an endpin gluing me down to one part of the stage. I'm finding a really wide variety of tonalities available, from real straight ahead organic DB sound, to big slamming hip-hop funk sounds, to otherworldly arco stuff. I brought my slab to a gig recently with this band, and I never touched it. This thing does everything I need, but better.

Considering I bought it for touring, I'm really happy that it's earning its keep here at home.
 
#73
Marcus,

How's the B string? Pretty tight for a 34" scale? And BTW -- what kind of strings do you use on it?

I still haven't found anyone in the Burgh who has one of these...but we're off to the Joisy Shore in two weeks...so I might have to camp out in Uncle Bob's driveway until they let me in to try one out! ; ^ )
 
#74
Wow -- what a great time at the beach last week -- with one big highlight in stopping by Uncle Bob's warehouse of BASS down near Ocean City.

I got to try the Bass|Cello -- and wow -- what an axe. I couldn't believe how compact it was. The wood was beautiful and the overall design purdy darn slick.

I tried the 5 string model and really dug the tones. The action was WAY low and needed a setup -- but that's summer humidity right there. The EMG/piezo blend was sweet and the newly redesigned tripod/gig bag was quite cool.

Only two things I didn't like -- 1. I didn't dig how tight the string spacing was especially down low in half pos. I regret not trying the 4 string to see how it played -- but actually I'm really hoping to have a low B on an EUB. and 2. I can't quite see using the strap system.

This part is probably for the other thread -- but I have to say I felt instantly "at home" on the CR5. I wasn't sure I could handle a low B on a full scale upright, but it seemed natural. The low end also seemed more solid but probably because the strings were so much bigger in general...

Only thing is -- I can't see stuffing that bad boy in an overhead when needed!

The Gollihur boys have also come up with a cool travel case for both instruments -- an adjustable SKB ski-style flight case that looks pretty handy.

Thanks to Bob & Mark for the cool hang and the chance to finally get to play these things!

Now...if the gigs just start picking up a lot more this fall I could finally justify plunking down the cashola for one of these killer basses! :bassist:

Jason
 
#75
Jason Hollar said:
Only thing is -- I can't see stuffing that bad boy in an overhead when needed!



Jason
Click to expand...

I've done it many times. I'll be doing it in a couple of weeks on an overnight gig in Honolulu.

Whoops, I re-read your post... I guess you were talking about the CR-5 towards the end there.... the Bass Cello fits into every overhead bin I've encountered.... lots of different planes.

Setup (string height) is done with a phillips screwdriver from the back. Takes about 10 seconds.

The strap system takes some getting used to. I like it a lot now... way better for me than dragging a stand around through airports. It's a pretty ingenious design. I also had a little trouble dealing with the cello bow at first, but I made friends with that too, and it's all peachy now.
 
#76
Yeah Marcus -

I meant the CR5 wouldn't ever fit in an overhead!

I'm amazed at how compact the BassCello was. And the new tripod stand was pretty cool too.

So Marcus -- 1. what types of string(s) do you use on it -- stock -- or otherwise?

And this one's for Mark Gollihur -- 2. is there any chance at all that I was playing the high-C strung Bass Cello -- and NOT the Low B???

I just can't get over how frickin' skinny those strings were and how tight the spacing was on the BC5!!!

If I got the Bass Cello (cuz I really need something that size for portability) 3. would it handle a burly electric string like a RotoSound 77 or D'addario ChromeSteel flatwound???

If so, any chance you could put "regular" electric bass guage strings like 45's to 125's on -- or would you have to go thinner, like say 40's to 120's? Or even THINNER like the Thomstik flats?

I guess I'm trying to shoot for a happy middle ground -- with a compact/upright axe but with medium to heavy strings so I can really dig in. I should have tried the 4 string version to see if it's a little more comfortable for me...

Opinions? Advice?

Thanks guys --
 
#77
I've just got the original D'addario strings on mine... supposedly they were formulated specifically for the Bass Cello to optimize pizz/arco response. From what I understand, you can use just about any bass guitar set on it. I thought about trying the Thomastik flatwounds on it at some point... but these will probably last me a long time, since I only play the BC several hours a week.
 
#78
Jason Hollar said:
And this one's for Mark Gollihur -- 2. is there any chance at all that I was playing the high-C strung Bass Cello -- and NOT the Low B???

I just can't get over how frickin' skinny those strings were and how tight the spacing was on the BC5!!!
Click to expand...

Hey Jason,

Nope - I checked - while we do have a BC with High C in stock, the one you played was definitely a low B. And you'll recall just how nice that Low B sounded - I doubt you'd have gotten that kind of satisfying thump out of an E-string tuned down a fourth...
 

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