I've played on this WAV4 a couple times in big bands and I find that when my hands grip the neck during playing, it can bounce around the the tripod stand. I sometimes end up putting a foot on the stand to keep it from moving around. I'm used to having the bulk of a bass to steady itself, but this setup seems light to me. Has anyone else found that to be the case and was there another setup that worked better?
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Double Bass NS Design WAV4 megathread part I
- Thread starter ElMon
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The CR stands work much better than stock (so I hear). I don't play a real double bass but I have the same problem with the WAV moving around too much. You're solution sounds about like what I've been doing.
I bought the endpin stand, which solves this problem. In my opinion, the endpin is the right thing for this instrument.
Jennifer
funkybassplayer
Commercial User
After battling with the unsteadyness of the stand while playing, and broken parts, i got myself the End pin stand too. It deffinatly fixed the movement issue. Now the only issue i have is finding a place on stage to lay it down when i'm not playing it.
I've been playing my WAV-4 for nearly a year now - not very much, though. Mainly use it for the barn dance band and we've not had much work since I got it.
Anyroadup, it's still unadulterated, no electronic or mechanical changes yet, including strings. A couple of nights ago, I idly checked the relief and was rather alarmed at how high it was. I wanted to find out what others had as relief, and, crucially, how to measure it. I have checked out this thread and found out suggestions, but suggestions like 2 - 2.8mm on the E string at the 7th position are meaningless without knowing how they're being measured. So (to echo another poster on about page 26), how do those of you who have measured their neck relief actually do so?
On a bass guitar, I fret at the first fret and the topmost fret and pluck the string just to make sure it vibrates. Doing the equivalent on the WAV-4, I've got a relief of somewhere round 5mm at the midpoint. Seeing as I'm in the throes of setting up because three of the bass guitars need some tweaking, I thought I'd do a little adjustment on their upright brother at the same time. Does my relief sound rather on the large side?
Anyroadup, it's still unadulterated, no electronic or mechanical changes yet, including strings. A couple of nights ago, I idly checked the relief and was rather alarmed at how high it was. I wanted to find out what others had as relief, and, crucially, how to measure it. I have checked out this thread and found out suggestions, but suggestions like 2 - 2.8mm on the E string at the 7th position are meaningless without knowing how they're being measured. So (to echo another poster on about page 26), how do those of you who have measured their neck relief actually do so?
On a bass guitar, I fret at the first fret and the topmost fret and pluck the string just to make sure it vibrates. Doing the equivalent on the WAV-4, I've got a relief of somewhere round 5mm at the midpoint. Seeing as I'm in the throes of setting up because three of the bass guitars need some tweaking, I thought I'd do a little adjustment on their upright brother at the same time. Does my relief sound rather on the large side?
Just looking for a shoulder to whine on... I just found out that the container my WAV4 was in was damaged in shipping. It's been months and there is now no end in sight.
I'm beginning to wonder if this was a really bad idea.
I'm beginning to wonder if this was a really bad idea.
funkybassplayer
Commercial User
Hopefully this wasn't ordered from musiciansfriend? Those dudes are always full of excuses. My orders always take for ever or at times never arrived. You would be best ordering from a company that follows through with their promises if this is the case. Either way good luck.
Thanks for the posts. You convinced me that the Wav4 is probably the right move for me going from BG to EUB. I scored a used red one on eBay at what I think it is good price. Can't wait to get it. I've read all 36 pages in this thread, and I think I'm ready to tackle the string, stand and preamp issues that have all been well documented and thought through by you kind folks. Just a quick question, I've seen some creative approaches to the stand issue (music stand bottom, end pin etc.). Has anyone tried modifying a drum cymbal stand? If I can do a mod cheaper than the $200 I'd pay for the "good" NS stand, I'd rather do that. Also any suggestions for a cheap bow for a newbie? I think I'll be mostly playing pizz, but I'd like to play with a bow as well.
Bob Golihur-- URBBob -- has decent fiberglass bows for a good price. I'd start there if you're not planning to use the bow much. Mine is just fine. I Also got my K&K Pure Preamp from Bob and it's perfect for the WAV.
http://www.gollihurmusic.com/
http://www.gollihurmusic.com/
I could have ordered from any number of places... some online and some TBer's as well, but I felt the need to support the local music store and am still glad I did... in the long run it's just smart business.
My WAV was supposed to be on the November shipment from oversees but apparently that order was not filled. Then I was due on the December shipment but it was delayed by several weeks. When they did ship, the container was not full and/or properly packed leading to the damage of many of the pieces. NAMM is also playing into the delay.
Hopefully they (NS Design) will see fit to find it in there heart of hearts to make sure mine gets shipped in the near future as my patience with them (not my local dealer) is running a bit thin.
My WAV was supposed to be on the November shipment from oversees but apparently that order was not filled. Then I was due on the December shipment but it was delayed by several weeks. When they did ship, the container was not full and/or properly packed leading to the damage of many of the pieces. NAMM is also playing into the delay.
Hopefully they (NS Design) will see fit to find it in there heart of hearts to make sure mine gets shipped in the near future as my patience with them (not my local dealer) is running a bit thin.
I've had my WAV since last spring and haven't changed the strings. I've just been too worried about spending $100 on strings and finding out that I don't like those strings.
I mostly play the bass in a rock band and the stock strings work pretty well for that, but I can tell that I'm going to have to replace them soon. Anyone else in a similar situation?
I mostly play the bass in a rock band and the stock strings work pretty well for that, but I can tell that I'm going to have to replace them soon. Anyone else in a similar situation?
I've had my WAV for about 24 hours and I'm looking forward to a new set of Hipshots before I start winding URB strings onto it.
I stripped the bass last night to clean and oil the fretboard and took one look at a tuner and yecht! I wouldn't put these on a kiddie-guitar. They're as cheap as they come. I understand keeping the price down and all, but there's no way I'm gonna wind a string that's got tension on one of these.
So a few days of oiling, polishing and general poking and prodding and I'll be playing it by next week.
Sure does look nice!
I'll bet it sounds good too! 
I stripped the bass last night to clean and oil the fretboard and took one look at a tuner and yecht! I wouldn't put these on a kiddie-guitar. They're as cheap as they come. I understand keeping the price down and all, but there's no way I'm gonna wind a string that's got tension on one of these.
So a few days of oiling, polishing and general poking and prodding and I'll be playing it by next week.
Sure does look nice!
I'll bet it sounds good too! Krispy,
I hear what you're saying about the tuners, but I've had Obligatos on my Wav for almost a year. No problems so far. Eventually, I may put Hipshots on there, but the stock tuners are fine right now. As far as stand issues are concerned, I've had to periodically re-tighten all the screws and nuts on my stand, but if I'm diligent about it the stand is holding up OK. However, the stand is the first thing I would change. (I may treat myself to the upgraded stand later this year.)
I hear what you're saying about the tuners, but I've had Obligatos on my Wav for almost a year. No problems so far. Eventually, I may put Hipshots on there, but the stock tuners are fine right now. As far as stand issues are concerned, I've had to periodically re-tighten all the screws and nuts on my stand, but if I'm diligent about it the stand is holding up OK. However, the stand is the first thing I would change. (I may treat myself to the upgraded stand later this year.)
What do your recommend to clean, oil or polish the finger board with? Being a newbie and all I don't want to guess and end up gumming up the bass and/or strings.
Hi Chuck,
Fingerboard care is really subjective and everyone has a preference.
For the past decade, i've used Pure Lemon Oil from a company called Invalid Link Removed. They're cold-pressed food-quality essences and contain no mineral spirits or other additives that can mess with the woods structure. I've had excellent results on my ebony, pao-ferro and rosewood boards and have used it for years and I like to stick with something when it works. (My wife cooks with the stuff and as a bonus, my cases all smell great!)
Again, it's a very subjective thing and if you search the forums you'll find as many product preferences as you can imagine.
My 2 cents.
Fingerboard care is really subjective and everyone has a preference.
For the past decade, i've used Pure Lemon Oil from a company called Invalid Link Removed. They're cold-pressed food-quality essences and contain no mineral spirits or other additives that can mess with the woods structure. I've had excellent results on my ebony, pao-ferro and rosewood boards and have used it for years and I like to stick with something when it works. (My wife cooks with the stuff and as a bonus, my cases all smell great!)
Again, it's a very subjective thing and if you search the forums you'll find as many product preferences as you can imagine.
My 2 cents.
How many guys here with WAV's were previously upright players? How do you feel about it?
I have an upright that I play maybe once every three months, and haven't played out with in years. It's just kind of packed up in the basement as I don't have room for it with everything else. In the interest of saving space I've been considering selling it and picking up a WAV4. I can't see myself playing out that much with it, but it'd be nice to have something that is easier to keep in my music room and keep the chops up.
With a good piezo buffer, proper strings, high-ish action, and good upright technique can you get a pretty convincing upright tone out of it?
I think i'd get the endpin stand as I'm someone who likes to lean into the instrument and play loud. Is it sturdy enough to crank on?
I have an upright that I play maybe once every three months, and haven't played out with in years. It's just kind of packed up in the basement as I don't have room for it with everything else. In the interest of saving space I've been considering selling it and picking up a WAV4. I can't see myself playing out that much with it, but it'd be nice to have something that is easier to keep in my music room and keep the chops up.
With a good piezo buffer, proper strings, high-ish action, and good upright technique can you get a pretty convincing upright tone out of it?
I think i'd get the endpin stand as I'm someone who likes to lean into the instrument and play loud. Is it sturdy enough to crank on?
funkybassplayer
Commercial User
I love my end-pin stand with my WAV4. The tri-pod just was too flimsy for playing out but i leave it set up in the corner of my living room so i can easily just set up and goof around if i want.
funkybassplayer
Commercial User
I am not a fan of the shiny glossy finish that some basses come with. I was wondering if anyone had tried to de-gloss thier WAV's body. i think the flame maple veneer would look great with a little less shine.
I also was wondering if anyone had tried to get through the finish on the neck taking it down to the wood. any one?
I also was wondering if anyone had tried to get through the finish on the neck taking it down to the wood. any one?
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