Double Bass NS Design CR-4 side bout contraption set up

[blliB]

Hi all

I have owned my NS Design CR-4 for about 5 years. I mostly play home alone. I have never played a true upright bass. I do not play arco. For most of the time I have owned this instrument, I have used the rigid stand. I have tried an upright position and have even set up the instrument on the stand in the same general position as my bass guitars. Unfortunately I have yet to find a position on the stand that is comfortable overtime. Now I am experimenting with the end pin and the side bout contraption. I like the ability to move a bit, rather than the fixed position of the stand.

How have others set up the side bout contraption? I don’t understand how it is supposed to be set to mimic the girth of an upright…..or is it? I’ve tried using the CR-4 without the contraption but find the instrument is lacking a comfortable way to balance against my body.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. A photo of your side bout contraption would also help me out.

 

[TheBassPreacher]

When I use mine, I don't really think of it as simulating the bout of the bass. I just think of it more as a piece to sit at my side to balance the bass and keep it at the correct distance.

 

[blliB]

When I use mine, I don't really think of it as simulating the bout of the bass. I just think of it more as a piece to sit at my side to balance the bass and keep it at the correct distance.

Thank you Preacher. Do you have a photo of your setup? Since the contraption is infinitely adjustable, Id love to find a setup that works as you describe without prodding and jabbing me in ways I’d rather not have to experience.

 

[TheBassPreacher]

Thank you Preacher. Do you have a photo of your setup? Since the contraption is infinitely adjustable, Id love to find a setup that works as you describe without prodding and jabbing me in ways I’d rather not have to experience.

Hopefully you can get an idea from these pictures. The opening rests against my torso (about at my belly button) and the bass sits slightly tilted at a similar angle that I have my normal upright. There is a slightly upward angle on the crossbar. Honestly, it took a ton of trial and error to figure out what worked for me.

 

[blliB]

Hopefully you can get an idea from these pictures. The opening rests against my torso (about at my belly button) and the bass sits slightly tilted at a similar angle that I have my normal upright. There is a slightly upward angle on the crossbar. Honestly, it took a ton of trial and error to figure out what worked for me.

View attachment 7242462

Thank you again. This gives me an idea of a starting point for finding the right position.

 

[Wasnex]

I played the older US6 for several years and currently own an EU6. I use the tripod. It can be a bit of a challenge to get the angles just right...probably even harder if you don't have years of experience as upright player. Once you figure it out, perhaps you could mark the stand so the settings are repeatable.

The fixed angles of the tripod do pose some problems. That could potentially be addressed by using a tripod and side bout. However, I see it as a choose your position type proposition. The stability of the tripod has certain advantages that are not possible using the end pin.

I have played and demoed various EUBs that used an end pin. Not fan. Not certain if I ever tried one with an upper bout attachments.

I prefer playing upright sitting. As a beginner I played standing most of the time. As pro I found standing for long rehearsal days and long concerts to be too difficult to endure. It was a struggle to learn to play sitting, but once I found the right approach, I think it actually facilitated enhancements in my technique. I can play upright standing, but find it necessary to stabilize the bass to some degree with my hands, which hinders my technique. I used the traditional Simandl stance; something like this.

 

[blliB]

I played the older US6 for several years and currently own an EU6. I use the tripod. It can be a bit of a challenge to get the angles just right...probably even harder if you don't have years of experience as upright player. Once you figure it out, perhaps you could mark the stand so the settings are repeatable.

The fixed angles of the tripod do pose some problems. That could potentially be addressed by using a tripod and side bout. However, I see it as a choose your position type proposition. The stability of the tripod has certain advantages that are not possible using the end pin.

I have played and demoed various EUBs that used an end pin. Not fan. Not certain if I ever tried one with an upper bout attachments.

I prefer playing upright sitting. As a beginner I played standing most of the time. As pro I found standing for long rehearsal days and long concerts to be too difficult to endure. It was a struggle to learn to play sitting, but once I found the right approach, I think it actually facilitated enhancements in my technique. I can play upright standing, but find it necessary to stabilize the bass to some degree with my hands, which hinders my technique. I used the traditional Simandl stance; something like this.

View attachment 7242506

Thank you Wasnex. I have used the fixed stand tripod for several years both in an upright fashion but also to position the instrument in a horizontal position similar to a BG on a strap. I have indeed marked the tripod for repeatability. Since I’m primarily a BG player, I find the fixed tripod to be limiting…lol….l gotta dance.

 

[Wasnex]

Since I’m primarily a BG player, I find the fixed tripod to be limiting…lol….l gotta dance.

I totally understand.

You could try the Boomerang strap system.