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Double Bass NS design CR5M questions

Les Fret

Les Fret

Sep 9, 2009
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nextlevel-slapbass.com
#1
I have a chance to buy a CR5M.

Are some years models better than other? Did they change something over the years? And what do you consider a good price for a used one in good condition? including the Tripod and Frame strap system (not sure if I need that but it is included).

I can not test it beforehand so I have to buy it unseen. I am a little anxious for that.
Is there something else that I have to take in account that I might not think of?
 
#3
I've demoed the model and I'd like to have one, but the prices are generally holding above $2,500, occasionally down to $1,900. There are model variations, but all the basses called CR5M that I've seen are consistent.

I can't really comment on what you haven't thought about because I don't know what you've thought about.
 
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#4
I have a CRM5. I'm an old Eberhard Weber hippy I guess. It is not, IMHO, for anyone hoping to get the same audience vibe from this instrument as you would from a "real" UB. Scotty might not approve ( or, would he? :)

But why would anybody want to do that? ( after buying one of these, not chump change ). For those wanting to dip a toe into two different ponds at once, it can be a gas. I play mine through 2 Berg NV115's via a Mesa Eight-88. When I clip the B, I blow out windows. In a good way!

Got mine from the Electric Violin shop out East several years ago. Plays extremely nice. Batteries can be a pain to change. Many don't like the M-side of it at all, and I dial that down a lot. But for some expensive noodling, I am a very happy camper. Good luck with your search.
 
#5
The older ones have a selector switch to blend the 2 piezo signals, whereas newer ones have a pot.

The older ones also have a design flaw in that the battery compartment is obstructed if you string the instrument with full length double bass strings rather than the bespoke NS Design strings.
 
#6
Thanks for the comments guys! Really helpful.

Was thinking about buying a CR5M for a few weeks and since I actually had a chance to buy one I have given this a lot of thoughts. I was this close of buying it but today decided not to do it. I think I will really love this instrument since I also love playing fretless bass. But the reasons is that every minute I will practice the NS will keep me away my real upright. I really like the physicality of a real upright and I think I will miss that on the NS. Since I also like to do things with effects and I love the high C for bowing I thought the CR5M was a good choice. But since I also play other instruments like guitar and sitar I have to divide my time. It's too much distraction for me right now.

It is this one. I think it is a newer one? for anyone interested you can pick it up for 2300 euro which I think is a good deal.
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@John Burgess: really like your sound and playing. That's a bit in my alley and the direction I was going when I would have bought the NS.
Question for John: what kind of strings do you use on the NS? and do you blend the magnetics a lot with your piezo? also for arco?
 
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#7
Thanks! I use spirocore solos 4/4 tuned to EADG, then a mittel high C string. I always recommend the magnetic version as I always use some or all magnetic when playing pizz. No magnetics for the arco sound - the axis of the magnetics are 90 degrees out of phase with arco and only gives you the scratchy high harmonics. Not a very nice sound, unless it's for effect. If you know Eberhard Weber's arco tone, you have an inkling of what I mean.
 
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#9
There is a bit of tension difference the C and G, but the perception of it seems to be proportional to action. Ie, if you only have to deflect the string a few mm, then the differences in tension feels minimal. I have tried other high C strings like the pirastro flat chromesteel and found it to be too stiff. The spirocore is what gives that high C twang, like in Eberhard Weber's tone.

As for the weichs, I would only consider them if you have some preference for the tone. On electric double basses I think the solos work really well, as they give a softer rounded tone, and a bloom to the note. If you're after a more traditional jazz tone then raise the action a little. You can enjoy the feel and tone without the usual penalty when the solos are strung on an acoustic, namely the reduced bass amplitude.
 
#10
ok thanks. I have to try that Spiro mittel high C some time then. I use a Permanent high D string on my acoustic upright now which I tune to D and to C sometimes. It also has a fairly high tension.
Never tried the Spiro solos but I think they will too loose on acoustic, not sure though. I like the Spiro weichs but not so much for bowing.
 

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