Double Bass NS Design NXT Megathread

[Hendricks97]

I'm trying out a used NXTa from a friend, with an eye towards buying it.

I wanted to ask advice from long-time NS players, preferably those who come to an EUB from a double bass. The biggest problem for me is the lack of landmarks on this basically "all-neck" instrument. Thumb position is not the problem, but I generally play in the nut-heel area by using the usual landmarks for DB players. So my intonation suffers. What have you done to make that adjustment?

Thanks.

When I got my NXT5, I hadn’t touched an upright in several years so that might have made the difference for me. The dots definitely help but aren’t too big as to be annoying. I’ve thought about trying to make my own “heel” to attach to the neck. NS makes one but it’s pretty expensive.

 

[J R Knots]

I am playing UB, NS NXT5 EUB, and both fretted and Fretless EB.

The markings on my NXT were essential to help me with intonation.

Over the years, muscle memory and focusing with my ears have become the most important.

The EUB and the are just different, so you have to find ways to adjust.

I was playing two set gig where there was very little light and that really forces you to be able to play by feel and just using your ears.

Also, hand positioning, (Simandl) really helps.

 

[paulhenry]

I know the two have differences (EUB & DB). The question for me in this particular case (buying an NS or not) is that there are EUBs that provide the usual landmarks for the DB player. And I didn't know that NS provided a heel. I'll look into that as well! Thanks.

 

[Hendricks97]

I know the two have differences (EUB & DB). The question for me in this particular case (buying an NS or not) is that there are EUBs that provide the usual landmarks for the DB player. And I didn't know that NS provided a heel. I'll look into that as well! Thanks.

They don’t exactly provide it. It’s a separate purchase.
Electric Bass Thumbstop - NS Design

 

[Michael F Clef]

[QUOTE="paulhenry, post:...And I didn't know that NS provided a heel. ...[/QUOTE]

I purchased the "Thumb Stop" that NS sells. It's the silliest, seemingly overpriced, little piece of wood you can imagine. Regardless, I am glad I purchased it. I personalized it a bit as I put it at the Db position, as opposed to the traditional D or Eb position of the Neck Heel. It has been a game changer for me in able to play in the middle positions of the neck and being able to navigate the fingerboard while reading music and not having to look at my fingers. Perhaps it is not necessary if you're playing the NS as a big fat bass guitar, looking at your fingers, not caring about thumb position, etc. But I want to approach study of electric upright so as to have as seamless as possible transition when playing Double Bass. I think that having the thumb stop to mimic the neck heel is another means to that end. My two cents on the matter.

 

[Hendricks97]

[QUOTE="paulhenry, post:...And I didn't know that NS provided a heel. ...

I purchased the "Thumb Stop" that NS sells. It's the silliest, seemingly overpriced, little piece of wood you can imagine. Regardless, I am glad I purchased it. I personalized it a bit as I put it at the Db position, as opposed to the traditional D or Eb position of the Neck Heel. It has been a game changer for me in able to play in the middle positions of the neck and being able to navigate the fingerboard while reading music and not having to look at my fingers. Perhaps it is not necessary if you're playing the NS as a big fat bass guitar, looking at your fingers, not caring about thumb position, etc. But I want to approach study of electric upright so as to have as seamless as possible transition when playing Double Bass. I think that having the thumb stop to mimic the neck heel is another means to that end. My two cents on the matter.[/QUOTE]
I’ve been thinking about making one. Looking at it, how hard do you think it would be?

 

[Michael F Clef]

I purchased the "Thumb Stop" that NS sells. ...

I’ve been thinking about making one. Looking at it, how hard do you think it would be?[/QUOTE]

It's probably a nice little woodworking project. Not difficult at all. I'm a professional carpenter and cabinetmaker actually. I purchased it because I have too many projects on my plate already and i just wanted to get on and play my bass. Gollihur gave me a really good deal on it a few years ago. I think they're now over a hundred or so bucks. That might motivate me to make one from scratch. I guess it depends on the ole your time versus your money balancing act. Bu yeah nah, it would be a fun little woodworking project if you have the tools, talent and a few hours. I'd probably approach it with a coping saw, belt sander, and hand sanding; unless you want to go the carving chisel route.

 

[Les Fret]

I purchased the "Thumb Stop" that NS sells. It's the silliest, seemingly overpriced, little piece of wood you can imagine. Regardless, I am glad I purchased it. I personalized it a bit as I put it at the Db position, as opposed to the traditional D or Eb position of the Neck Heel. It has been a game changer for me in able to play in the middle positions of the neck and being able to navigate the fingerboard while reading music and not having to look at my fingers. Perhaps it is not necessary if you're playing the NS as a big fat bass guitar, looking at your fingers, not caring about thumb position, etc. But I want to approach study of electric upright so as to have as seamless as possible transition when playing Double Bass. I think that having the thumb stop to mimic the neck heel is another means to that end. My two cents on the matter.

That's an overpriced piece of wood indeed!

I am wondering if you want the feel and the physical aspects to be the same as on an acoustic upright why did you choose the NS? Wouldn't a Yamaha SB be a much better choice? The NS never really translates the acoustic upright feel because not having the transition to thumb position or the real need for thumb position playing Even with the thumb stomp added, you still miss the body. That makes it a different instrument than an acoustic upright altogether. The Yamaha has a much more similar feel to a real upright and from what I heard also sounds more like a real upright.

 

[Hendricks97]

That's an overpriced piece of wood indeed!

I am wondering if you want the feel and the physical aspects to be the same as on an acoustic upright why did you choose the NS? Wouldn't a Yamaha SB be a much better choice? The NS never really translates the acoustic upright feel because not having the transition to thumb position or the real need for thumb position playing Even with the thumb stomp added, you still miss the body. That makes it a different instrument than an acoustic upright altogether. The Yamaha has a much more similar feel to a real upright and from what I heard also sounds more like a real upright.

I already own the nxt, so adding the thumb stop is much cheaper than buying the Yamaha. I’m fine with the sound, with the right effects and eq, I get a very possible tone

 

[Les Fret]

I already own the nxt, so adding the thumb stop is much cheaper than buying the Yamaha. I’m fine with the sound, with the right effects and eq, I get a very possible tone

ok, thanks. Sure, it was just a thought that crossed my mind. I have the opposite approach to an EUB. I just see it as a different instrument which doesn't have to match the feel or sound of my acoustic upright at all. Both instruments have their advantages and disadvantages. But how you approach the instrument is personal and different for everybody, there is no right or wrong.

 

[Hendricks97]

ok, thanks. Sure, it was just a thought that crossed my mind. I have the opposite approach to an EUB. I just see it as a different instrument which doesn't have to match the feel or sound of my acoustic upright at all. Both instruments have their advantages and disadvantages. But how you approach the instrument is personal and different for everybody, there is no right or wrong.

I run mine in to my pedalboard so I have a ridiculous amount of options tone wise including some pretty wild stuff

 

[paulhenry]

I looked at the thumbstop. If I get the instrument, Ill either pony up the oddly expensive cost, but I might simply put a small adhesive pad on the back to mark the spot. That may be all the landmark I need.

 

[Michael F Clef]

I looked at the thumbstop. If I get the instrument, Ill either pony up the oddly expensive cost, but I might simply put a small adhesive pad on the back to mark the spot. That may be all the landmark I need.

Yeah I think any tactile landmark would serve the purpose.

 

[Hendricks97]

I looked at the thumbstop. If I get the instrument, Ill either pony up the oddly expensive cost, but I might simply put a small adhesive pad on the back to mark the spot. That may be all the landmark I need.

Where exactly are you putting it?

 

[paulhenry]

I haven’t done anything yet! Im checking out the bass with the possibility that I may buy it.

If I buy it I’ll put it on the underside of the instrument under the 5th harmonic, i.e., the D of my G string.

 

[Pilgrim]

If you or a friend are looking for a 4-string NXT, I just listed mine in the Classifieds. It's in great shape and comes with soft case and a Fishman Platinum Pro-EQ pedal and full documentation. I hope it finds a good home. Located in Fort Collins Colorado so it's an easy drive from Denver to avoid shipping charges.

 

[MichaelPatrick]

Loving my NXT. Two questions for the group:

1. Is there a better soft case gig bag to the one that comes with the bass? I love a gig bag, but are better options with at least a touch more padding?
2. I’ve now gone through two of the standard tripods. Is the CR version significantly better? Are there better alternatives?

 

[Michael F Clef]

Loving my NXT. Two questions for the group:

1. Is there a better soft case gig bag to the one that comes with the bass? I love a gig bag, but are better options with at least a touch more padding?
2. I’ve now gone through two of the standard tripods. Is the CR version significantly better? Are there better alternatives?

I've been playing my NXT5 since 2017. I go out to jams about 4 times a month since 2019. My gig bag is still holding up. If I ever get a new one, I was checking out some hard shell carrying cases at a gun shop that looks like they would do the trick nicely. I had to replace the knob that locks the legs of the tripod stand. NS sent it to me for like $5 bucks no big deal. Other than that, the stand is still holding up. I have seen the tripod stand for the CR. It is significantly sturdier. I might treat myself to it one of theses days.

 

[Hendricks97]

I've been playing my NXT5 since 2017. I go out to jams about 4 times a month since 2019. My gig bag is still holding up. If I ever get a new one, I was checking out some hard shell carrying cases at a gun shop that looks like they would do the trick nicely. I had to replace the knob that locks the legs of the tripod stand. NS sent it to me for like $5 bucks no big deal. Other than that, the stand is still holding up. I have seen the tripod stand for the CR. It is significantly sturdier. I might treat myself to it one of theses days.

I just picked up the CR stand. It’s a huge improvement, well worth the money.
I looked into a number of rifle cases and none of them were deep enough. I use a ski flight case with the bag inside it when I need a little more protection, but the bag has been fine for the 5 or so years I’ve been playing mine

 

[J R Knots]

I upgraded to the CR stand and using it to gig regularly… no regrets and it offers a smaller footprint.

My soft case is holding up well, no complaints. I did purchase a travel case from Gollihur but I have only used it for gigs where I have to worry about its vulnerability during transport.

I usually set the soft case on top of the amps, PA,stands and stuff, so it’s pretty much protected.