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Double Bass NS Design NXT Megathread
- Thread starter dbassnut
- Start date
Did a hit last night with the NXT, after taking delivery of it last week. It's a country/bluegrass thing with a female songwriter, guitar, and keys. No drums last night. Generally this group's instrumentation lends itself to DB -- there's not really a lot of sonic competition with other instruments, and I'm able to roll back the upper mids. The room was smallish, maybe 30-40 max.
I put Oblis on and it wasn't necessarily a night/day difference from the stock strings, but it did warm it up a little. One annoyance is that the strings actually cut into the wood body where they wrap around the bottom before going into the string holes.
The NXT's tone fit in the same "sonic space" as my Kay except that all of the notes were very even and consistent, it was easier to physically play, and easier to intonate due to the clarity (and dot inlays.) I had the big big big sound that I can't get with the electric and the tactile pleasure of really being able to dig in and get that payoff of huge notes.
On the negative side (or maybe positive) was that the notes sustained forever, so I had to be more conscious on which songs to mute a little more with the left hand. Also, while the tripod stand seems to be made well, the bass was a bit wobbly when I was digging in and/or playing faster passages. I'll probably spring for the endpin stand soon.
Slapping hasn't been coming out as well, as its electric nature tends to shine through a lot more. But you still get some fingerboard smack for the folks in the front row.
I had some friends trying it out while I stepped out into the room and the sound was VERY DB-ish. Really full and round notes. I also had the piezo tone control rolled all the way off to eliminate brightness. In a more rocking format I would probably dial it up a little, or add in some upper mids. The rig was an Ashdown MK500 through an Epifani UL112.
Considering the playability, tone, and portability factor, I will be playing this bass A LOT. And I love that it's all passive.
I'll try to get some pics or a video posted soon.
Thanks!
Fabio
I put Oblis on and it wasn't necessarily a night/day difference from the stock strings, but it did warm it up a little. One annoyance is that the strings actually cut into the wood body where they wrap around the bottom before going into the string holes.
The NXT's tone fit in the same "sonic space" as my Kay except that all of the notes were very even and consistent, it was easier to physically play, and easier to intonate due to the clarity (and dot inlays.) I had the big big big sound that I can't get with the electric and the tactile pleasure of really being able to dig in and get that payoff of huge notes.
On the negative side (or maybe positive) was that the notes sustained forever, so I had to be more conscious on which songs to mute a little more with the left hand. Also, while the tripod stand seems to be made well, the bass was a bit wobbly when I was digging in and/or playing faster passages. I'll probably spring for the endpin stand soon.
Slapping hasn't been coming out as well, as its electric nature tends to shine through a lot more. But you still get some fingerboard smack for the folks in the front row.
I had some friends trying it out while I stepped out into the room and the sound was VERY DB-ish. Really full and round notes. I also had the piezo tone control rolled all the way off to eliminate brightness. In a more rocking format I would probably dial it up a little, or add in some upper mids. The rig was an Ashdown MK500 through an Epifani UL112.
Considering the playability, tone, and portability factor, I will be playing this bass A LOT. And I love that it's all passive.
I'll try to get some pics or a video posted soon.
Thanks!
Fabio
Hi Fabio,
Looking forward to your videos. I'm still saving up for a NXT & should have scrapped enough together by mid next year. In the mean while I just drool over your videos. I'm also playing in a setting with no drummer, a pianist who hits the accelerator when he solos & a sax player who is ok. Tough time keeping everyone in time without drowning them out without a drummer. Whats your tip? Me, I start slapping out the time on the fingerboard of my acoustic with the palm of my hand which works most of the time as I usually stand right next to the pianist. lol. We play mostly swing & a little bossa.
Regards,
dbassnut
Looking forward to your videos. I'm still saving up for a NXT & should have scrapped enough together by mid next year. In the mean while I just drool over your videos. I'm also playing in a setting with no drummer, a pianist who hits the accelerator when he solos & a sax player who is ok. Tough time keeping everyone in time without drowning them out without a drummer. Whats your tip? Me, I start slapping out the time on the fingerboard of my acoustic with the palm of my hand which works most of the time as I usually stand right next to the pianist. lol. We play mostly swing & a little bossa.
Regards,
dbassnut
I ordered one last night from Gollihur... shipped this morning...fast service. Ill post some pics when it arrives of course. Im on the other side of the continent so it may take a while.
Here's a pic of what I mentioned about the Obligatos cutting into the body.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
you bend obligatos like that and they'll snap. no wonder your g string broke.
on another note, a friend of mine has the high end NS bass and i tried it the other day. he had it on an upgraded heavy duty tripod stand, but when i tried to play it it moved around too much. the bottom was firmly anchored in place, but it had this kind of springy diving board effect. whenever i dug in or tried to change positions alot the thing moved way to much for me to ever consider getting one. are there any solutions for this?
on another note, a friend of mine has the high end NS bass and i tried it the other day. he had it on an upgraded heavy duty tripod stand, but when i tried to play it it moved around too much. the bottom was firmly anchored in place, but it had this kind of springy diving board effect. whenever i dug in or tried to change positions alot the thing moved way to much for me to ever consider getting one. are there any solutions for this?
No strings have broken. I have the stock NS string on the E and the rest are the Obligatos.
I'm thinking maybe a small piece of PVC pipe cut down the middle could be sandwiched between the strings and body to prevent the cutting and give the strings a smoother break over the lip.
I posted a vid on youtube but the sound came out really badly once it was on the site. I'll try to fix that and get it posted soon.
Fabio
I'm thinking maybe a small piece of PVC pipe cut down the middle could be sandwiched between the strings and body to prevent the cutting and give the strings a smoother break over the lip.
I posted a vid on youtube but the sound came out really badly once it was on the site. I'll try to fix that and get it posted soon.
Fabio
Not sure what's going on with the sound, but here's a quick clip.
[EDIT]
Here's just the mp3 audio.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[EDIT]
Here's just the mp3 audio.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Ahh, absolutely. Thanks for the pic. I was also considering taking a small section of some rubber tubing and feeding the string through it so that it rested on the corner. I like the idea of the hard plastic as shim too.
Fabio.
Fabio.
As Francois said, what a shame that they left such a severe string break angle in the body design.
They could have so easily chamfered or rounded over the sharp corner or done a bit of ramp-like shapework there instead.
More for the sake of the strings than the finish on the body. The windings of the strings in the photo look like they're separating as they go over the corner.
They could have so easily chamfered or rounded over the sharp corner or done a bit of ramp-like shapework there instead.
More for the sake of the strings than the finish on the body. The windings of the strings in the photo look like they're separating as they go over the corner.
Perhaps route out that area and fit in a nice piece of ebony with a more gentle curve? Should be able to make it look untouched really.
Stick_Player
Inactive
- Nov 13, 2009
- 4,149
- 937
- Disclosures
- Endorser: Plants vs. Zombies Pea Shooters
I've been following this topic - NXT Bass - for a while.
I took delivery of a black one yesterday. While I don't consider myself an upright player, I have had various uprights over the years and have utilized them a bit.
My last EUB was a Clevinger 6-string. Just too big for me, so I sold it - years ago.
Anyways, I was ready to get the WAV 4 when I heard the NXT was soon to be available. Then I came across this thread. Next, I contacted Gollihur, talked with Mark, then made the purchase.
I am very happy - 24 hours into the instrument. I am glad I don't know enough about strings to want to remove the stock strings. They are just fine.
I am posting a couple audio files for those interested. I plugged the NXT (with the volume and tone knobs full open and the switch in the down position) into a Fishman Pro-EQ Platinum Bass. The EQ setting on the Fishman is set to emphasize the bass (bass-to-treble sliders appx +9, +4, +3, +2, -1). The compression is at 10 o'clock, depth at 2 o'clock. The Fishman is plugged into an A/D. No other EQ was used.
Having said that... the tonal variations available are infinite with the combination of what's on the bass and the Fishman. I HIGHLY suggest using a preamp with this instrument.
This is a 'balanced' mix: NXT Demo A
This mix features the bass: NXT Demo B
I took delivery of a black one yesterday. While I don't consider myself an upright player, I have had various uprights over the years and have utilized them a bit.
My last EUB was a Clevinger 6-string. Just too big for me, so I sold it - years ago.
Anyways, I was ready to get the WAV 4 when I heard the NXT was soon to be available. Then I came across this thread. Next, I contacted Gollihur, talked with Mark, then made the purchase.
I am very happy - 24 hours into the instrument. I am glad I don't know enough about strings to want to remove the stock strings. They are just fine.
I am posting a couple audio files for those interested. I plugged the NXT (with the volume and tone knobs full open and the switch in the down position) into a Fishman Pro-EQ Platinum Bass. The EQ setting on the Fishman is set to emphasize the bass (bass-to-treble sliders appx +9, +4, +3, +2, -1). The compression is at 10 o'clock, depth at 2 o'clock. The Fishman is plugged into an A/D. No other EQ was used.
Having said that... the tonal variations available are infinite with the combination of what's on the bass and the Fishman. I HIGHLY suggest using a preamp with this instrument.
This is a 'balanced' mix: NXT Demo A
This mix features the bass: NXT Demo B
I've posted a new You Tube Video here
I am enjoying the bass more as time goes on but I am thinking about getting a preamp at the moment. I am playing in a pit band at the moment and was playing through a Roland Keyboard amp but the sound was too bright. Although when I took the bass home and played through my Fender Bassman Compact the sound was perfect.
I am enjoying the bass more as time goes on but I am thinking about getting a preamp at the moment. I am playing in a pit band at the moment and was playing through a Roland Keyboard amp but the sound was too bright. Although when I took the bass home and played through my Fender Bassman Compact the sound was perfect.
Stick_Player
Inactive
- Nov 13, 2009
- 4,149
- 937
- Disclosures
- Endorser: Plants vs. Zombies Pea Shooters
1undread,
I am really enjoying your video postings. It's great how you are incorporating the several mediums.
What are you using to create/playback loops of the NXT bass parts?
I use a Boomerang, but it's part of my Chapman Stick set up.
As far as using a preamp... yes, get one! I already had the Fishman Pro-EQ Platinum Bass that I use with the bass side of the Stick so I have been using that with my NXT.
I was successful at getting a good sound plugging the NXT straight into a bass amp (GK-700RB) as you were with your Fender Bassman. It's an ohm-matching issue.
There is MORE than enough low end coming from the NXT pick-up if it is matched to a good preamp.
Keep posting your works!
I am really enjoying your video postings. It's great how you are incorporating the several mediums.
What are you using to create/playback loops of the NXT bass parts?
I use a Boomerang, but it's part of my Chapman Stick set up.
As far as using a preamp... yes, get one! I already had the Fishman Pro-EQ Platinum Bass that I use with the bass side of the Stick so I have been using that with my NXT.
I was successful at getting a good sound plugging the NXT straight into a bass amp (GK-700RB) as you were with your Fender Bassman. It's an ohm-matching issue.
There is MORE than enough low end coming from the NXT pick-up if it is matched to a good preamp.
Keep posting your works!
Given Ned Steinberger's reputation for tinkering with tuning machines, you'd think he'd have come up with some innovative mechanism for dealing with normal-length upright bass strings at both the pegbox and tailpiece ends of the WAV, NXT, and the CR4, for that matter.
I find it odd that he just slapped bass guitar tuners on and cut out some keyhole slots in the back. Those are some definite design flaws.
I find it odd that he just slapped bass guitar tuners on and cut out some keyhole slots in the back. Those are some definite design flaws.
Hi All-
I'm mainly a bass guitar player, haven't played DB regularly in about 12 years. I was looking into rounding out my rig with an EUB. I had pretty much decided on spending my upcoming tax return on a WAV, but the NXT has thrown me a bit of a curve ball. My style is jazz/funk in the vain of MMW, and Chris Wood's playing is a huge influence on me. So far the clips I've heard of the NXT have more of a fretless bass guitar sound than an thumpy DB sound. Is this a matter of set-up and playing style, or is this just how that instrument sounds? And, of course, the $64,000 question, is the NXT worth the extra $300, or am I better off buying a WAV and investing the money saved into a good outboard pre? Or, do I hold out and save a little longer for a used CR?
Thanks for entertaining some noob questions.
I'm mainly a bass guitar player, haven't played DB regularly in about 12 years. I was looking into rounding out my rig with an EUB. I had pretty much decided on spending my upcoming tax return on a WAV, but the NXT has thrown me a bit of a curve ball. My style is jazz/funk in the vain of MMW, and Chris Wood's playing is a huge influence on me. So far the clips I've heard of the NXT have more of a fretless bass guitar sound than an thumpy DB sound. Is this a matter of set-up and playing style, or is this just how that instrument sounds? And, of course, the $64,000 question, is the NXT worth the extra $300, or am I better off buying a WAV and investing the money saved into a good outboard pre? Or, do I hold out and save a little longer for a used CR?
Thanks for entertaining some noob questions.
