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Double Bass NS Design NXT Megathread

#41
"So far the clips I've heard of the NXT have more of a fretless bass guitar sound than an thumpy DB sound."

There's a switch below the volume and tone pots. When it is in the down position, yes the bass gets a 'thumpy' sound and the notes seem to NOT sustain. Perhaps that's more the sound you are seeking.

It's an electric instrument, don't see how ANY electric would sound like an acoustic bass - although some here seem to think differently.

For the extra $300, it buys different woods. As far as a $300 sound difference, I don't know.

BTW, I am happy with the stock strings. I don't know enough to even know if I would appreciate a set of $175 Obligatos.

I could post a sound sample with the switch down.
 
#42
Sound clips would be great. Sustain isn't so important to the sound I'm after. Obviously an electric instrument will never sound just like an acoustic bass, but I have neither the apartment space nor transportation required to play a DB.
 
#43
"Sound clips would be great."

The switch has to be UP for the 'more DB/pizzacato' sound (I indicated the opposite in my previous post).

Here's a very simple bass line example:

Full Mix

Bass 'featured' Mix

THe NXT is plugged into: a Fishman Pro-EQ Platinum Bass to an Avalon VT-737SP to an A/D converter. There was NO EQing. Both the volume and tone pots are full open, the switch is in the "pizzacato" position.

The rest of the track is RealStrat and BFD2.
 
#44
Hi Stick Player, Nice lines. Could you post one for without the preamp? I'm curious to see what the NXT sounds like plugged directly into an amp as that is how I'm setting mine up once I get it due to limited resources. Not enough vitamin M. :)
 
#46
Bintang said:
Does the NXT have the same issues with the tuners as the WAV? Will Obligato's fit without a Hip(shot) replacement?
Click to expand...

Upon visual inspection, the NXT appears to have the same tuning machines as the WAV. They have the same logo on the cap, same look and dimensions. The Hipshot tuning machines are a worthwhile upgrade, IMHO, if only because they're smoother and a lot more confidence-inspiring.

But FWIW, Obligatos do fit on the WAV and the NXT without a tuner replacement; I've personally installed Obligato sets onto several of both models. A pair of long-nose pliers makes it a lot easier - you trim the string, put a right-angle bend in the end, and use the pliers to press the end into the hole. Even, smooth/neat winding - particularly on the E string - is prudent, no matter which tuning machines you have on it.
 
#47
sixandeightstringer said:
Upon visual inspection, the NXT appears to have the same tuning machines as the WAV. They have the same logo on the cap, same look and dimensions. The Hipshot tuning machines are a worthwhile upgrade, IMHO, if only because they're smoother and a lot more confidence-inspiring.

But FWIW, Obligatos do fit on the WAV and the NXT without a tuner replacement; I've personally installed Obligato sets onto several of both models. A pair of long-nose pliers makes it a lot easier - you trim the string, put a right-angle bend in the end, and use the pliers to press the end into the hole. Even, smooth/neat winding - particularly on the E string - is prudent, no matter which tuning machines you have on it.
Click to expand...

Thanks, for the info. I have an NXT coming and while working in SE Asia it would be prudent to have the tuners as backup. Difficult to find quality bass parts here in Sumatra.
 
#50
Hi Bintang,
Could you post a couple of photos of your NST once you get it? I'd really like to know what the new stock stand looks like as I understand the older one had some problems. I'm probably be able to get a NXT by mid next year but should be worth the wait.
Thanks
 
#52
dbassnut said:
Hi Bintang,
I'd really like to know what the new stock stand looks like as I understand the older one had some problems.
Click to expand...

FYI: The stand is exactly like the (updated) one which came with the newest shipments of the WAV4; it has a strengthened head joint which addressed the breakage issue with the original WAV stands.
 
#56
So my amazing wife got me an NXT for my birthday today. Haven't had the chance to plug it in yet, but it played great and the black satin looks amazing. I cannot wait to get home and hear it through my amp. Best. Birthday. Ever.
 
#58
I tried the NXT today at a dealer's. I really like it. Things I noticed:
  1. The purr that I always look for in a bass is very good. Better than I heard on many fretless basses.
  2. The neck is very long. Thumb position will hardly be needed.
  3. It has a very good overall finish. No rough edges, flawlessly painted. Clean ebony fingerboard.
  4. A different stand than is on the website. I liked it better than the one on the site and it's very sturdy. I have no pictures but it was similar to the bottom half of snaredrum stand. Invalid Link Removed.
  5. I tried bowing it (I hadn't used a bow for over 20 years so made excusses before making a sound) and I was quite pleased with the sound (not with my bowing)

All that is left is convincing my wife that we need it in our living room. I am thinking about hanging it on the wall, out of reach of my youngest offspring.
 
#59
So I've had my NXT for about a week now and am very pleased. After spending some time tweaking the preamp I'm very pleased with the range of sounds I can get out of it. I do, however, have two little quibbles:

1. The volume output is very low. I had hoped to run this instrument into an A/B box and be able to use both the NXT and my BG through my effects chain, however the output from the NXT is so much less than my Warwick that I can't do this, at least not without dialing the volume way back on the 'wick which kinda kills the tone. For a solution, I was thinking about picking up a Radial Bassbone or similar pre-amp that has some leveling abilities. Anyone tried this, or have any other suggestions?

2. Every now and then when I pluck the A string I get a popping-type sound, kind of like the sound of an overloaded compressor kicking in. I know less than zero about EUB maintenance, so I'm hesitant to start fiddling around with anything. Has anyone else experienced this issue or have any suggestions as to what might cause it?

Again, I'm very pleased with the bass overall and would not hesitate to recommend one to someone who is looking for an instrument with quality that surpasses its cost.
 
#60
The volume output is very low. I had hoped to run this instrument into an A/B box and be able to use both the NXT and my BG
Click to expand...

I sound like a broken record... you REALLY need an outboard preamp with the NXT.

I am using the Fishman with the NXT and it puts out MORE level than my bass guitar.
 

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