That’s a ski case. Basically the same thing I have
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Double Bass NS Design NXT Megathread
- Thread starter dbassnut
- Start date
Okay, I did end up buying my friend’s NXTa. So NBD for me! I’m really enjoying it.
I had some leftover small adhesive-backed furniture felt pads, so I stuck one on at the 5th, about where the heel starts on my UB and that, along with the dots, took care of my landmarks in the upper portion of the neck.
I’m still struggling with the low end. For some reason, I keep creeping up until I’m about a half a semi-tone sharp. Not sure why. I re-read several of the comments here. I wish there was an easier trick, but I think J R Knots had it right when he wrote:
[QUOTE="J R Knots, post: 28199237, member: 272534”]. . .
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.[/QUOTE]
I had some leftover small adhesive-backed furniture felt pads, so I stuck one on at the 5th, about where the heel starts on my UB and that, along with the dots, took care of my landmarks in the upper portion of the neck.
I’m still struggling with the low end. For some reason, I keep creeping up until I’m about a half a semi-tone sharp. Not sure why. I re-read several of the comments here. I wish there was an easier trick, but I think J R Knots had it right when he wrote:
[QUOTE="J R Knots, post: 28199237, member: 272534”]. . .
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.[/QUOTE]
What are folks using to amplify their NXT's? I typically have used a Radial Bassbone OD into a Aquilar ToneHammer 500 into a Berg CN cab and was a fan of Obligato strings. A couple years back one of my tuners snapped and ruined a string. I ended up with a new set of tuners and a new set of Obligatos. It always seemed very dark with the new Obligatos (I don't know if they changed anything?) so I got a set of Traditionals but still was too dark and too bass heavy.
Yesterday I had a chance to try the NXT with all my amp, pre and cab options. I have a older Rumble 150 head and the TH500. Found that I disliked the TH with the NXT, very bass heavy, hard to eq all that low end out of it. I liked it least with any pre or cab combination. The Rumble is nothing fancy but has decent sound and still good low end (just avoid the scoop/punch buttons). I've played tons of gigs with the TH500 and was surprised when I finally did a shootout that I much preferred the Rumble, still will be loud enough for most things I do.
For pres I have the Radial w 10m ohm input and a Broughton Messenger. I'd never tried the Messenger w NXT before because the Radial should work better with the high z input. The board with the Broughton has a Poly Tune 3 on it with the buffer setting which gives you a 1 meg ohm input. The Messenger was much clearer and still had good low end but not too dark or heavy. I love the Messenger with my P as it is very clear and present sounding (not sure how else to describe). Was surprised it worked so well with the NXT without the high z input (some of the Messenger models are available with a high z input but not mine.)
Trying my cabs any of them seemed to work well when not using the TH500 but the Berg CN210 was clearer than the Barefaced One10 but a little less low end than the Berg CN112. I have an upright gig this week and am looking forward to trying the "new" Messenger, Rumble, Berg rig.
Yesterday I had a chance to try the NXT with all my amp, pre and cab options. I have a older Rumble 150 head and the TH500. Found that I disliked the TH with the NXT, very bass heavy, hard to eq all that low end out of it. I liked it least with any pre or cab combination. The Rumble is nothing fancy but has decent sound and still good low end (just avoid the scoop/punch buttons). I've played tons of gigs with the TH500 and was surprised when I finally did a shootout that I much preferred the Rumble, still will be loud enough for most things I do.
For pres I have the Radial w 10m ohm input and a Broughton Messenger. I'd never tried the Messenger w NXT before because the Radial should work better with the high z input. The board with the Broughton has a Poly Tune 3 on it with the buffer setting which gives you a 1 meg ohm input. The Messenger was much clearer and still had good low end but not too dark or heavy. I love the Messenger with my P as it is very clear and present sounding (not sure how else to describe). Was surprised it worked so well with the NXT without the high z input (some of the Messenger models are available with a high z input but not mine.)
Trying my cabs any of them seemed to work well when not using the TH500 but the Berg CN210 was clearer than the Barefaced One10 but a little less low end than the Berg CN112. I have an upright gig this week and am looking forward to trying the "new" Messenger, Rumble, Berg rig.
I use my Fishman Platinum Stage or my Fishman Platinum Pro as a preamp and plug it into the fx return of my Phil Jones amp. My cab is a custom made hi-fi with a 10" driver.
I play an NXT5 (low B). I run it into a Sansamp ParaDriver into my Phil Jones BG400 or my Traynor SB115. I am very happy with my sound, as are my Jam Mates. Right now I'm playing on Evah Pirazzi Mediums. She's a Boomer.
Is there a published list of NS Design serial numbers anywhere? (Google didn't turn up anything.) I'm curious about the age of the NXT I bought earlier this year.
I'm sure an email to the good folks at thinkns.com would be fruitful in this matter. They have always been very responsive in my dealings with them.
Hi to all NXT Owners,
I have been able to adapt drum stand bases to the NXT stand hardware to make two stands for my NXT5. NSD kindly sold me the stand tops.
This is a great instrument, very well made with a host of useful features. The price was right at 1600.00 used, including a case but no stand. I bought it so I can sit and bow in the pit using a standard chair or stool (18"). The bass head is only a few inches higher than mine so I don't block the audience's view.
Note that the fingerboard is not a section of a cone as an electric bass would have. Relief has been carefully cut into the fingerboard at just the right amount below each string (usually about the diameter of the string). It is good to keep this in mind when adjusting the truss rod and sighting down the edge of the board.
I will have to do some work on it to make it work in the pit and above ground.
This will include updating the electronics to active (mine is an early one with only passive components). NSD will sell you the circuit for about 175.00. There is plenty of room for this in the control cavity. I am currently using an outboard preamp to tame the mids and trebles (Fishman ProEQ).
The bass needs and more orchestra-like strings with some damping materials in them (thread or whatever D'Addario uses). The bridge can be replaced with a wider one for more bowing room. Many thanks to the NSD staff at NAMM2024 for all their advice (and the NSD sticker that graces one of may many toolboxes).
The case has been reinforced with leather in spots that wear is likely (pocket bottoms, bottom of the case), and padded with 3/4" dense closed-cell neoprene foam. This can be sewn in by your local shoe repairman. The shoulder strap makes transport easy, especially important when two basses are needed for a gig. I have had to learn how to sew dense fabrics to repair the strap. It needed sewing on its edges to make it lay flat at the D ring.
The sound is quite good, I used it in the pit of A Charlie Brown Christmas. The band on the original 1965 recording was top notch (!).
Concerning the stands, the repairs are detailed in the attached PDF "A Permanent Repair for Drum and Cymbal Stands." Best to all of you, Dr. Chris Berry aka Claremont Guy.
P.S. Thanks to (the amazing) Chris Fitzgerald for his help with forum technical issues.
I have been able to adapt drum stand bases to the NXT stand hardware to make two stands for my NXT5. NSD kindly sold me the stand tops.
This is a great instrument, very well made with a host of useful features. The price was right at 1600.00 used, including a case but no stand. I bought it so I can sit and bow in the pit using a standard chair or stool (18"). The bass head is only a few inches higher than mine so I don't block the audience's view.
Note that the fingerboard is not a section of a cone as an electric bass would have. Relief has been carefully cut into the fingerboard at just the right amount below each string (usually about the diameter of the string). It is good to keep this in mind when adjusting the truss rod and sighting down the edge of the board.
I will have to do some work on it to make it work in the pit and above ground.
This will include updating the electronics to active (mine is an early one with only passive components). NSD will sell you the circuit for about 175.00. There is plenty of room for this in the control cavity. I am currently using an outboard preamp to tame the mids and trebles (Fishman ProEQ).
The bass needs and more orchestra-like strings with some damping materials in them (thread or whatever D'Addario uses). The bridge can be replaced with a wider one for more bowing room. Many thanks to the NSD staff at NAMM2024 for all their advice (and the NSD sticker that graces one of may many toolboxes).
The case has been reinforced with leather in spots that wear is likely (pocket bottoms, bottom of the case), and padded with 3/4" dense closed-cell neoprene foam. This can be sewn in by your local shoe repairman. The shoulder strap makes transport easy, especially important when two basses are needed for a gig. I have had to learn how to sew dense fabrics to repair the strap. It needed sewing on its edges to make it lay flat at the D ring.
The sound is quite good, I used it in the pit of A Charlie Brown Christmas. The band on the original 1965 recording was top notch (!).
Concerning the stands, the repairs are detailed in the attached PDF "A Permanent Repair for Drum and Cymbal Stands." Best to all of you, Dr. Chris Berry aka Claremont Guy.
P.S. Thanks to (the amazing) Chris Fitzgerald for his help with forum technical issues.
Great info and enjoyed your story in your profile.
Glad you got your EUB… sounds like you’ll be enjoying it.
Curious about your mods to your strings… I play mostly pizzicoto ( using the Traditionals)but I would like to hear your thoughts.
Enjoy your new bass.
Glad you got your EUB… sounds like you’ll be enjoying it.
Curious about your mods to your strings… I play mostly pizzicoto ( using the Traditionals)but I would like to hear your thoughts.
Enjoy your new bass.
I have switched pre’s on my nxt, I ordered a Broughton Messenger Jr with a high impedance input since I have liked my Messenger v1 for eb. The Broughton is much more natural sounding than my Radia which had become very dark to my ears. Have only used it a few times but have been very happy.
Gentle Readers,
This is the results of an experiment. It is for experienced crafts people with a lot of tools.
I was able to adapt used orchestra strings to my NXT5. The procedure is detailed in the file below. It involves careful marking and trimming the strings. The bridge end of the string gets a crimping loop (think wire rope). The tuner end loses a few windings and gains a little heat shrink tubing. It worked and will allow me to try my collection of old strings to find the best ones for my use on this instrument.
Note: I tried using the strings as they are with the holes in the back plate, but it made an unwelcome ringing sound!
Enjoy, Chris Berry
This is the results of an experiment. It is for experienced crafts people with a lot of tools.
I was able to adapt used orchestra strings to my NXT5. The procedure is detailed in the file below. It involves careful marking and trimming the strings. The bridge end of the string gets a crimping loop (think wire rope). The tuner end loses a few windings and gains a little heat shrink tubing. It worked and will allow me to try my collection of old strings to find the best ones for my use on this instrument.
Note: I tried using the strings as they are with the holes in the back plate, but it made an unwelcome ringing sound!
Enjoy, Chris Berry
I am interested.
I doubt I could do what you did … but I am curious how your bass sounds and feels with these strings.
Please give us your feedback when you can.
I doubt I could do what you did … but I am curious how your bass sounds and feels with these strings.
Please give us your feedback when you can.
- Jul 19, 2000
- 2,014
- 2,224
- Disclosures
- Owner/President, Gollihur Music LLC
I love your creative and industrious solution.
FWIW, the "NS Electric Traditional" strings are pretty much the same as a set of medium Helicore Orchestra strings, but have shortened afterlengths to suit the NS Design basses. Though I see you're using a different low B string.
This interests me - I wonder why? I've put lots of full-length strings on a lot of different NS basses, and never had a hint of a ringing sound from any of them (I've done Obligatos many times, as well as light Helicores, Spirocores, and at least one or two others). It's designed to handle those strings, so I wonder where your ringing sound was coming from? I'm actually surprised that those untethered "loops" you've created don't buzz and ring with the vibration.
In any case, bravo on your solution.
A Hand Crank for the NXT Bass Stand.
More on my NXT5 (passive, 2011-2015 according to Greg Kneisen at NSD). I made a hand crank for the NSD bass stand so as to save time in mounting the thing. Please see the attached article. Best, Chris Berry.
More on my NXT5 (passive, 2011-2015 according to Greg Kneisen at NSD). I made a hand crank for the NSD bass stand so as to save time in mounting the thing. Please see the attached article. Best, Chris Berry.
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Adapting Full Length Orchestra Strings to the NXT Bass.
Here is how I got some old Corelli strings to work on my NXT5. It required muting the back plate, muting the afterlengths, and adapting the tuner ends of the strings. As noted in the article, I will probably end up using the Traditioanl NXT strings, but I wanted to try tis before buying. It also opens up my string choices for this particular (early model) NXT5. Brothers and sisters, enjoy.
Here is how I got some old Corelli strings to work on my NXT5. It required muting the back plate, muting the afterlengths, and adapting the tuner ends of the strings. As noted in the article, I will probably end up using the Traditioanl NXT strings, but I wanted to try tis before buying. It also opens up my string choices for this particular (early model) NXT5. Brothers and sisters, enjoy.
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Hi J R Knots, The orchestra strings are much better suited to my uses (pit, bowing, jazz groups) than were the stock strings. I am a big fan of D'Addario products and the people who run the place. I can now buy the traditional set with confidence, or just keep recycling 30+ years of old strings... Best, CB
Improvements to the NXT Bag/Case.
My used NXT5 came with a bag. It is well-designed and carries everything for this instrument. Since I did not want to go to a hard case, I made a few improvements costing about 165.00. My local shoe repairman did a wonderful job of sewing 3/4" closed-cell neoprene foam into the top and back, along with a leather patch on the bottom. I sewed the back straps where they were fraying, and put a leather patch in the bottom inside of the stand compartment. My leather sewing is improving after more practice on my friends' cymbal cases. Best, Chris Berry.
My used NXT5 came with a bag. It is well-designed and carries everything for this instrument. Since I did not want to go to a hard case, I made a few improvements costing about 165.00. My local shoe repairman did a wonderful job of sewing 3/4" closed-cell neoprene foam into the top and back, along with a leather patch on the bottom. I sewed the back straps where they were fraying, and put a leather patch in the bottom inside of the stand compartment. My leather sewing is improving after more practice on my friends' cymbal cases. Best, Chris Berry.
Hi everyone! This is my first post on the DB side of this forum, as I just picked up my first ever DB-ish instrument- an older passive NXT-5 in black.
I spent quite a bit of time perusing this thread to familiarize myself with what to look for and expect before going to try it out after seeing it nearby on FB Marketplace. So thanks everybody for all the extensive posts on here!
I'm coming into the DB world as a longtime jazz fan, but the man who really caught my ear was Eberhard Weber and his EUB work that I first heard with Kate Bush and subsequently having spent a number of years listening to his solo albums. So my interest unlike many around here is not so much in trying to sound like an acoustic DB, but to maximize the electric upright sounds. I am definitely considering grabbing a high-C string to get more range out of the instrument (I don't see using a low B nearly as much, though it sounds massive!).
I've only had it a few days, but currently running it through a Fishman Para Acoustic DI and am getting some good tones via boosting some high-mids and presence through my regular electric bass "home" rig (Mesa WD800 through an Ampeg 210 cab). Looking forward to hearing it through my Mesa Walkabout 15 combo at some point (currently at a rehearsal space). I'm definitely curious about some other preamp options people are digging to expand the tweakability for non-DB and "mwah"-heavy EUB tones? The Fishman is nice but not really a bass preamp at heart. I do have an fDeck HPF-Pre that I will try with it too (maybe in conduction with the Fishman as the Fishman Low control is centered quite high). Surprisingly I actually like the sound of the NXT plugged directly into my amp despite the non-ideal input impedance (I believe the WD800 has a 1megohm input impedance). The high-passing as a result actually works decently for the sound I think I want to hear.
I plan to rock it as is while I familiarize myself with the instrument (long ways to go), but curious about potentially adding some magnetic pickups alongside the piezo at some time in the future if anyone has done this on their NXT and can offer any advice?
I'm sure I'll have many other questions as I start my DB journey, but thanks in advance!
I spent quite a bit of time perusing this thread to familiarize myself with what to look for and expect before going to try it out after seeing it nearby on FB Marketplace. So thanks everybody for all the extensive posts on here!
I'm coming into the DB world as a longtime jazz fan, but the man who really caught my ear was Eberhard Weber and his EUB work that I first heard with Kate Bush and subsequently having spent a number of years listening to his solo albums. So my interest unlike many around here is not so much in trying to sound like an acoustic DB, but to maximize the electric upright sounds. I am definitely considering grabbing a high-C string to get more range out of the instrument (I don't see using a low B nearly as much, though it sounds massive!).
I've only had it a few days, but currently running it through a Fishman Para Acoustic DI and am getting some good tones via boosting some high-mids and presence through my regular electric bass "home" rig (Mesa WD800 through an Ampeg 210 cab). Looking forward to hearing it through my Mesa Walkabout 15 combo at some point (currently at a rehearsal space). I'm definitely curious about some other preamp options people are digging to expand the tweakability for non-DB and "mwah"-heavy EUB tones? The Fishman is nice but not really a bass preamp at heart. I do have an fDeck HPF-Pre that I will try with it too (maybe in conduction with the Fishman as the Fishman Low control is centered quite high). Surprisingly I actually like the sound of the NXT plugged directly into my amp despite the non-ideal input impedance (I believe the WD800 has a 1megohm input impedance). The high-passing as a result actually works decently for the sound I think I want to hear.
I plan to rock it as is while I familiarize myself with the instrument (long ways to go), but curious about potentially adding some magnetic pickups alongside the piezo at some time in the future if anyone has done this on their NXT and can offer any advice?
I'm sure I'll have many other questions as I start my DB journey, but thanks in advance!
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