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Double Bass NS Design WAV4 megathread part I

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#22
Arwai said:
There is no magnetic PUs on WAV series.
I really want to know how the sound with piezo only.
Is the magnetic PU important for a NS?
Click to expand...

I've taken both the CR series and BassCello out on gigs, as well as played them here in the shop, and I think it depends on your objectives. IMHO the piezo has a more URB-like, acoustic tone. I find that adding some of the magnetic signal "firms up" the sound, desirable if you're in a dense mix and need to punch through. I'd guess that a flexible EQ, either in the form of an external box (like the Fishman ProEQ Platinum Bass) or amp would help tailor the sound of the piezo to help with a dense mix in the absence of a mag pickup... but it wouldn't be the same, of course.

RE: Availability
My most recent word (Nov 9) from NSD on my first WAV4 shipment:
the first shipment is en route now, due to arrive to us Nov 17 thru Nov 22. we will be checking and shipping them
upon receiving them.

That's no guarantee but it looks like we'll start seeing them by the end of the month.
 
#23
I have to agree with Bob... the mag pickups are really nice to have at hand when you need a little ooomph. I initially thought that I would be using solely the piezos in the BassCello, and they do sound really good, but if I add some of the EMGs in certain situations, I can really tailor the sound to what's going on onstage.

I initially bought this bass as a necessity, since I have a whole bunch of touring on the books, and I hoped to like it enough to get through gigs with it. As it turns out, I like it very much indeed. I've had nothing but very positive response from everyone I've played with.
 
#24
I don't think I would enjoy my CRM5 nearly as much with no magnetic pickups. I tend to blend about 75-25 in both directions depending on what I want to hear.

The EMG-only tone is probably a little too EBG-like for most DB players' ears, but I think the piezo soloed are too tubby and hollow.

I like having what the piezos add to the attack of the note, but the texture of the magnetics. Best of both worlds, IMO.
 
#25
I looked at buying a WAV to start with, but ended up going for the CR4MG (which arrived today :D ) first impressions are that I made the right choice as the mag pickups add something to the sound that pleases me. With the strings that came with it on, it doesn't sound remotely like a "proper" double bass, but it makes noises that I like and the flexibility of the preamp is something I think I'd miss, though as it's my first EUB I am only presuming this.
 
#26
I am not real fond of the tone of the magnetic pickups on my CR4M. The piezos have such a growly, extended frequency range to them, the mag PUs sound bland and lifeless. If I were buying new, I would not bother with the mag PUs at all, the piezos are the real lifeblood for the NS sound.
 
#27
Hey folks,
I'm new here. I'm an electric bassist primarily, but I own a 3/4 DB - unfortunately, that huge ol' thing is back at my home in PA. I'm in Tennessee, with no vehicle large enough to get that down here (yet).

Thanks to car insurance money, I'm in the market for an EUB - and I'm looking at the NS Design WAV4.

Since my upright playing was mainly classical, I'm looking for something that bows well, but also feels like a real upright. These "sticks" make me kinda wary about that. But I'm also interested in something that'll play well with less gear to haul around.

So basically, what I'm asking from you guys is this: some info about the WAV4, things you've done to make it sound good arco (and pizz), or other basses that sound good.

I like the WAV4 so far since it has the tripod/endpin/strap options for versatility - but it's a stick, so i'm wondering how close it is to an actual upright.

Price-wise: anything that costs more than $1,500 is just simply too much for me right now.

Anyway, thanks for any help you can give!

EDIT: i'm an idiot. You guys have a thread for it already. But my one question stands - any other good EUBs that work for a more classical approach for under $1,500? Under $1,000 is even better.
 
#30
Arwai said:
There is no magnetic PUs on WAV series.
I really want to know how the sound with piezo only.
Is the magnetic PU important for a NS?
Click to expand...

I have an NS CR5 with no magnetic pickups and I prefer it this way - I tried version with mag pickup and didn't like the sound so I bought one without!

On position markers - I find these are essential as you have no other visual reference points - it's just one long neck!

It's completely different to a real DB - where I see no need for dots - but on the NS basses with no body to speak of - you really need some reference points as you go higher up the neck!!
 
#31
double_stop2584 said:
. . .I'm looking for something that bows well, but also feels like a real upright. . . .
Click to expand...

I don't think the NS basses feel anything like an upright. It's much more like an over-sized fretless EBG stood on end. Other than playing it upright, there is little comparison.

That said, I have an NS CR5M that I really enjoy playing. Although, I find it very difficult to bow. The bridge is too flat and the string spacing is too tight. It sounds OK but, it's tough to master. Granted I have only a few hours on it, but I don't see myself seeking to master arco on the NS. I may have a different opinion if I didn't also own a DB.

I suppose that the flat bridge may be a phenomenon of the extended range NS basses. That would make some sense. The four string may be more DBish in nature as far as the arch of the bridge. No doubt, the string spacing is more like that of a double bass.


If you are looking for an EUB that feels like a DB, I think the Eminence is probably the front runner. Although, you'll have to shop the used market to stay in your budget. I have seen them go for $1,500 used. I think one recently did here at TBDB.
 
#32
I used my NS CR5 at Jazz Summerschool this year for the "Free Jazz" sessions - I found that bowing can be great fun when you don't have to concentrate on intonation so much... :p

What I was finding was that bowing an NS bass is great for weird sound effects and the equivalent of over-blowing on a Sax - I also love bowing a really low note on the B string! It really makes everybody sit up and take notice!! ;)
 
#33
FYI, I just heard back from my NSD salesguy:

the WAV4 basses arrived right before the long weekend! today starts the process - opening, checking, re-boxing, and shipping out. I will have limited access to the shop for a few days while they work on this shipment.
Click to expand...

As you can see, they are checking the WAV4 basses just like they do with the CR models. it will obviously take some time for them to check each out, so shipping could be slow-- but at least we know the delivery times are getting closer!
 
#36
Hi,

just wondered, i'm new to the whole EUB thing, haven't yet bought one and considering the Wav, but are there any other EUB's out there for a similar price that are worth looking at?

Not to keen on the Dean offerings, they look a bit tacky to me!

Thanks
Jamie
 
#37
bassjamm said:
Hi,

just wondered, i'm new to the whole EUB thing, haven't yet bought one and considering the Wav, but are there any other EUB's out there for a similar price that are worth looking at?

Not to keen on the Dean offerings, they look a bit tacky to me!

Thanks
Jamie
Click to expand...

There are some threads on this in the EUB section of the DB forums--one with a big listing of EUB's. You might also consider an Ergo, or an Aria (I just got one of them, and it's rad. Little more pricey than a WAV though).
 
#39
Hi guys,

Sorry if this is covered elsewhere on the forum: -

I haven't yet been able to find anyone (other than NS!!) who has been able to get their hands on a WAV 4. I'm on the verge of ordering one to get myself started in the EUB discipline, but would really like to find out any opinions from someone who has bought or at least tried one out.

From Bob G's comments maybe they are not actually in the public domain anywhere just yet..?

Any views would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.
 
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