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Double Bass NS Design NXT Megathread

#721
Hi all. New member to the forum.

I have an NS NXT that I use primarily for musical pits.

The issue I have is with the arco/pizz switch. In many spots there just isn't enough time to drop the bow, flip the switch, then play. I'm wondering if there would be a way to wire the toggle switch to a foot switch.

Maybe put a 1/8" female adapter in the spot of the switch that would be connected to a latching foot switch?

Has anybody tried this, or think it could be done?
 
#724
That switch is not wired like you might think, as in simple reverse contact mode. There is something going on under the tape covering the two bridge piezo elements that is a little weird. Not how I would have wired a dual element piezo setup. I didn't want to strip the tape off as some piezo elements are thin film, not thin crystal substrates, so to me anyway, the entire circuit remains a mystery!
 
#725
I always though pizz mode sounded too much like a fretless electric, even with the Traditional strings and a healthy string height, but everyone's looking for something different.

I just got in the K&M electric upright stand, and it's GREAT. I'm relieved to finally have a place to put this thing between sets. I think I'm close to spending as much on accessories as I did on the bass itself (end pin stand, k&m stand, Traditionals, undercover case,) but I think it's worth it to have something that sounds this good and is so portable. Just need a preamp and some Hipshots and it'll be perfecto.
 
#726
I also need some quick changes from pizz to arco, mostly using the pizz setting for pizz. If I'm playing orchestral stuff with lots of changes, I usually keep it in arco mode, and the more "outward" pluck with bow still in hand seems to sound ok in that mode, but I wouldn't use it for other styles

Anyway, I use a weird modification to make the changes really quick - I made a little tube extension that fits onto the toggle so it projects out about 1.5" - then I can quickly flick the switch brushing past without having to fiddle with it. I also use a different setting on a foot pedal to change the volume and a little EQ. All a bit cumbersome but it does make the change that little bit quicker

Bertie : )
 
#727
RJP4 said:
The issue I have is with the arco/pizz switch. In many spots there just isn't enough time to drop the bow, flip the switch, then play.
Click to expand...

Hi RJP4,

I have the same situation. Medleys often have quick changes that don't leave time for a proper change.

My approach is a combination of using a quiver and this bow grip:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=afTruloiJx4‎

This leaves me enough time to flip the switch by extending a finger (most often the thumb) from my right hand.

hope this helps
Simon
 
#728
Bertie's tube mod with Simon's bow grip will make for some very quick changes.

I brought my stomp box idea to a local luthier, he thinks it's doable, but suggested we try a blend pot like the CR series. We are a little stumped on the wiring though, as mentioned before, something strange is going on under the tape.

I'll follow up if and when we successfully get the blend pot working.
 
#733
DoubleMIDI said:
So you can disable passive electronics for a better sound, but then why do I want the passive electronics at all if the sound gets worse?
It would make sense if it was active electronics when the battery goes down to be able to get a signal out.
Click to expand...

Many people - not just on the NXT, but on Jazz Basses, P-Basses, etc. over the years - pretty much run the bass "wide open," with the tone controls and volume controls at 10. In this case, if you could simply take the circuit completely out of the signal path (since you're effectively not using it anyway) there is a difference in overall gain and "openness" of tone. So it's there if you want it.

I don't use the jackpot; on my bass I roll off most of the highs. But it's nice to have it you want it.
 
#735
Anyone found a good solution for neck heel/thumb stop on the NXT?

I know there were prior discussions about the NS thumb stop and general thought was that it doesn't work for the NXT. Anyone figured out a good way to make that work, or any other satisfactory solution?
 
#736
Has anyone else monkeyed around with getting a blend pot working?

edit: I just ordered the Cafe Walter piezo preamp - could have built it myself but I can't do surface mount at all and I wanted the reliability of that. I think I'll change the volume pot to a push/pull so I can disable the preamp in an emergency situation. I really don't need EQ on it past the tone pot so that's fine, but I really would love having a blend pot for the piezo.

edit2: I emailed NS to ask.

Actually the pickup system including the underlying circuitry which enables blending of the arco and pizz signals in the CR models is different and more complex than what you will find in the NXT. The means that there is really no practical way to accomplish blending the two modes in an NXT.
Click to expand...

soooo that's that I suppose
 
#737
And that's that.

6r7tmxG.jpg


Doesn't sound too different (and I may have goofed the tone pot) but I was checking through computer speakers. TONS of output now, though.
 
#738
grimesfan said:
Anyone found a good solution for neck heel/thumb stop on the NXT?

I know there were prior discussions about the NS thumb stop and general thought was that it doesn't work for the NXT. Anyone figured out a good way to make that work, or any other satisfactory solution?
Click to expand...


I attached a small square cut from an IBM adhesive-backed label on the back of the neck at the "D" position--it isn't really a stop, but it does let my right thumb know where it is.
 
#739
Just got this used NXT in the mail a few weeks ago. This thread was a great help in my decision to buy one. I have played BG for almost 20 years, so this is my first EUB. Just found an upright teacher and can't wait to take some lessons.
e422fd384cb16770c9c93dda03412002_zpsb2053609.jpg
 
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#740
I recently bought the NXT4 and am having mixed feelings. I didn't like the standard strings, so I upgraded to the Traditionals, which sound much better, and upgraded the tuners. At home, the bass sounds good now, both arco and pizz.

I've played two duo gigs with an acoustic guitarist in a medium-sized club (with very small audiences, unfortunately). The problem I'm having is that the D and especially the G seem to disappear when playing pizz. I'm getting a nice, thick sound from the E and A, but the G is much quieter, with the switch in both arco and pizz positions. The difference is not as noticeable when playing arco. I difference in volume on the G string is not very noticeable at home, but is glaring (to me, at least) at the gig.

I'm playing through f-deck's Series 3 HPF into a Markbass LMIII and fEARful 12/6. My ply DB sounds great through this rig in the same venue.

Anyone else experienced this?
 

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