Double Bass NS Design Frame Strap system?

[eyvindwa]

Does anyone have any experience with the "Frame Strap" system from NS Design? http://thinkns.com/instruments/systems.php#frame

It looks good, but I'm curious as to how well it works for arco (I have an NS Omni Bass, BTW).

Here is a guy that appears to be using the system with some success: However, I'm not entirely sure that this indeed is the frame strap system.

Would love to hear if anyone has tried it out.

 

[Ike Harris]

I've got one that came with my OmniBass last year. It works fine and is fairly comfortable, although it's a different feel just hanging there off your shoulder as opposed to a bass guitar with its more balanced feel being substantially held against the body. It's not very well situated for arco as well as a real upright. You are pretty limited as to any kind of arco technique with it so close to you. Even more so with it on a stand or end pin. The strings are just too close together to get the simulation of the arco set up. Otherwise, it's basically a kind of thing unto itself, sounds great, takes some getting used to. Hope this makes sense.

Ike

 

[eyvindwa]

Thanks for the input!

As far as I know, the omni bass typically comes with the boomerang strap system, which is different from the frame strap. Are you sure the latter is the one you have?

 

[Mark Gollihur]

The OmniBass (and NXT Omni) do indeed come with the Boomerang. What's pictured in your YouTube link is indeed the "frame strap" system, as you surmise.

It's one of those things, from what I understand, that just takes some dialing in to get it to a level where you're comfortable. The guy in that video seems to have it pretty well figured out, and so did Tony Levin when he did the Secret World Live tour with Peter Gabriel.

It's probably not for everyone, but if you really want to freedom to walk around with the full size NS bass, it's really the best option, IMHO. The Boomerang isn't bad for the Omni, but I'm skeptical that it would be as comfortable with the full size bass.

Lightweight frame design has triangulated body contact points to provide a high degree of stability and comfort.

Convenient height and angle adjustments allow players to accommodate personal styles of play. In addition to the vertical position, the neck can be angled horizontally like a guitar for picking and strumming.

A single wing nut secures the instrument in place for fast set-up and breakdown. The strap system fits both cello and double bass.

Virtually all traditional playing techniques are possible, including thumb position. The instrument neck is tilted back and close to the shoulder, but the body angles out, away from the body for excellent bow access across the full arc of play. This angle also helps traditional cello and bass pizzicato technique to sound and feel natural.

 

[eyvindwa]

Thanks Mark!

Have you tried it yourself? Do you have any idea as to how well (or not) it would work for an omni bass played arco German style?

 

[Mark Gollihur]

Thanks Mark!

Have you tried it yourself? Do you have any idea as to how well (or not) it would work for an omni bass played arco German style?

I haven't had one out of the box in a long while (probably 5 years or more?)

With adjustment to raise the height to a comfy level, it should work fine with the Omni. As for German bow, the low string(s) might be a little tight, considering how tight the bass is to your body; but again, adjustment may make that work.

 

[kozmikyak]

I use one on an Ergo cello (retrofitted). I used it on a 6-string NS Design E-cello for many years before that.

It works. Weight can be an issue. I stood to perform for years using one of these, then I started sitting down with it, because I started using pedals and it's easier for me to manage that way. Still is a benefit, as there's no endpin to get in the way of pedals.

I can see an Omni working quite well with the frame strap system. There are several adjustments on it. I can see it being a bit unwieldy with anything larger than an omni.

I've quite wanted an omni tuned to octave cello (C - G - D - A - E) which is one of the string sets they offer. But I just got a 7-string cello instead, which has the same kind of range and more. Blasphemy of blasphemies, I wanted the fretted one, because there are some kinds of tunes I'd love that kind of pitch stability and sustain on.