NS Design CR4 Radius?

[FritzM]

These basses don’t seem to get much attention for some reason. They are very well built, sound and record great, and play effortlessly. I have one for sell/trade with not much interest, so far. Just wondering why. I would keep it if I could. Just wondering. So many tonal options with the piezo and EMGs.

 

[Danny O Danny]

I love my Radius basses, and agree with your description of them. I think their lack of popularity comes down to five things:
1. They are very different/unique (not a P or J bass).
2. Only a subset of bassists like headless instruments.
3. No famous rock bassist plays one (that I know of).
4. It's hard to find one to try out.
5. They are expensive (the CRs, anyway), which further limits the pool of potential buyers.

 

[FritzM]

I think you are right. The "headless" dislike is baffling though, It makes the bass balance so much better. And, tuning is much more precise. I've never been much of a conformist I guess. lol

 

[Shlabotnik]

I love my Radius basses, and agree with your description of them. I think their lack of popularity comes down to five things:
1. They are very different/unique (not a P or J bass).
2. Only a subset of bassists like headless instruments.
3. No famous rock bassist plays one (that I know of).
4. It's hard to find one to try out.
5. They are expensive (the CRs, anyway), which further limits the pool of potential buyers.

Dan Brown of The Fixx plays one these days! Though I suppose he’s not really famous outside of the 80s New Wave circle.

 

[Danny O Danny]

The "headless" dislike is baffling though, It makes the bass balance so much better. And, tuning is much more precise.

I agree. The Radius was the first headless bass I ever owned, and it was a bit of a revelation. Now a bass with a big 'ol headstock and tuners feels awkward to me.

 

[SirReaven]

I'm looking for a NS Radius as my new main fretless. I agree that is not an easy bass to find, even on the online shops beyond the NS Design oficial page. The price is not cheap, but definitely more affortable than other headless options and with a better tuning system IMO.

How different is the CR model in comparison with the NXT?. It is worth to get the CR for the price difference?