Double Bass NS Design WAV4 megathread part I

[yadistingray]

What is the latest regarding the availability of WAV4 basses?

 

[rarnett47]

Although I've read nothing online to confirm it, I received a call yesterday from a local shop that my WAV 4 had arrived. I've been waiting since April so I'm psyched but I'd like to know for certain that it is the new model.

 

[rotassator]

Has anyone tried Pirastro Eva Pirazzis on an NS WAV or CR model?

I'm getting an NS WAV for Christmas (it's sitting in a box until I get to open it... the anticipation!) and will want to change the strings to "proper" double bass strings. This is my first (electric) double bass, so I'm after some guidance.

I've been reading up on double bass strings and it sounds like the Eva Pirazzis would be a good match for what I'll be playing (pizz and arco; playing jazz, rock and in orchestras for musical theatre). Every review I've read describes them as having a beautiful, dark tone that I think would warm up an EUB, and that they are great for both pizz and arco.

However, I've noticed that some people have had trouble fitting DB strings on the WAV. I've searched high and low on TB and elsewhere and here's a brief summary of people's impressions about some DB strings for the WAV:

• Thomastic Belcanto: awesome arco, so-so pizz; fit OK on a WAV
• Pirastro Obligato: great pizz tone, arco not so good; problems fitting E string
• D'Addario Helicore Hybrid: good for pizz & arco but can be scratchy/bright; fit OK
• Thomastic Spirocore: ???; need 4/4 length (3/4 don't fit)
• Pirastro Eva Pirazzi: great pizz & arco; haven't seen anyone mention them for WAV

Has anyone tried the Eva Pirazzis? Does anyone have more comments on strings? Anyone disagree with anything?

 

[DaBassman]

Has anyone attempted to "flip" the strings on this to play lefty? Usually the curvature of the fingerboard would be the issue. Thanks.

 

[frede]

...So I took off the bridge and cut a wooden shim. Then glued it to the foot of the bridge. I talked to the folks at NSD up in Maine and they are willing to cut a higher bridge if you send them the specs...

So what kind of specs would I send them? I'd really love a higher bridge. How high can it go?

 

[Bluedawg]

Just picked up a WAV at The Bass Place in Scottsdale, AZ.

They had a black one that may still be there.

Sounds OK in my Ampeg BA 210, but I think it needs the preamp and the Helicore strings for this amp,

Unfortunately, that will take a couple of months as I recover from buying this thing ......

and the Christmas bills.

 

[Bard2dbone]

I haven't been checking back in on this thread very much since I got my WAV. I've actually been playing more than looking at TB.

I also discovered that I am awful at URB now. Go figure. And after only a couple of decades of not playing URB at all. How very sad.

I'm getting better, but I sure wouldn't take it on a gig yet.

So what is the preferred preamp to make it sound as DB-like as possible?

 

[smakbass]

I am using the K & K here.

 

[rotassator]

I didn't get any replies on my string question, so I thought I'd follow up.

Does anyone have more comments on DB strings for the WAV? Eva Pirazzis? String comments about how they perform for pizz/arco and any problems fitting them to the WAV?

Steve

 

[sapo2]

Anyone knows when the WAV4 will be a available again ? Where can i buy it ? .

 

[Francois Blais]

Check with Bob Gollihur.
He's a reseller.

 

[Bob Gollihur]

Check with Bob Gollihur.
He's a reseller.

Ned Steinberger flew to China over a week ago to personally check out the current production, to give it a thumbs up or thumbs down. I have email into NS Design to find out which way the wind is blowing and will post any update on the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]when I know. Ned is a very precise sort of guy and won't approve instruments unless they meet his specifications.

 

[funkybassplayer]

so have there been any upgrades since the inital release of the WAV?

 

[Bob Gollihur]

so have there been any upgrades since the inital release of the WAV?

Nope, not with the bass. However, the original stands had some issues; I understand the top section has been redesigned to be more stable and dependable.

 

[sapo2]

Thanks for the aswers , waiting for good news soon , i can`t wait to have my NSWav

 

[frede]

Nope, not with the bass. However, the original stands had some issues; I understand the top section has been redesigned to be more stable and dependable.

Is there going to be an upgrade path for us early adopters with “less then suitable stands”

 

[Bob Gollihur]

Is there going to be an upgrade path for us early adopters with “less then suitable stands”

I've not heard of anything official. I'd wait until the new ones come out and give NSD a call. Most of the stands were ok and are working well for players.

 

[Bard2dbone]

My WAV came without a stand at all. (I think someone broke it at GC.) so NSD sold me a Czech stand for the difference in cost between a Chinese stand and a Czech one.

You can't beat that.

 

[Bob Gollihur]

What is the latest regarding the availability of WAV4 basses?

FYI, from my site:

The WAV4 basses are currently in a "pre-order" status. On December 12, 2008 we were advised that production of WAV basses has resumed, having passed the personal inspection of Ned Steinberger. They tell us "mid first quarter" (perhaps February), but that could vary a couple weeks both ways.

That's no guarantee, but what I was told. In the meantime there will be a few stray basses shipping to selected dealers as NSD has some before the large shipment reaches the US.

 

[JBuckley]

I just ordered my Transparent Red Wav 4 from Musicians Friend today! They say the ship date is 1/5/09. I think Ned managed to get some of these out early to the bigger retailers. I can't wait to play this baby. I tried the 5 string bass cello at a jam session and while I know the neck is longer and there won't be nearly as much power in the sound just plugged directly into an amp, I am really looking forward to exploring the world of EUB after years of just playing EBG. I'll give a full review and report when I get it in a few weeks.