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Double Bass NS EUB megathread

#301
Thomastik makes a fifth-tuning Spirocore set. (called the Red Mitchell set)
It's 100% metal so no problem with a mag pickup!
Pirastro Obligatos are now available in a fifth-tuning set, but I'm not sure they work well with a mag pickup, since the core is synthetic.

However, you can also that kind of setup:
1st string: a solo-tuning G (A)
2nd string: a regular D
3rd string: a solo-tuning E (F#) tuned up to G
4th string: a low C or even a low B tuned up to C

With this setup you get a much wider choice.

Hope this helps!
 
#302
thejimfactor said:
When I first got my EU6 I thought that maybe the B was a little softer than the E string. However, I think that was just my adjusting to how fat that B string is. A change of strings and a bit more oomph in my pluck did the trick.

It might be possible that something is wrong in your pickup system. If you bought it new, certainly talk to NS. They offered the best customer service I've ever experienced.
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Hey Jim. could you relay what make/model B string you are currently using on your EU6? thanks.
 
#303
I'm considering a CR4M, but I haven't been able to actually get my hands on one. Can someone tell me if, using the standard tripod stand, it is possible to play the instrument in a vertical, double bass position while seated in a regular chair (not a stool), with both feet on the ground?
 
#304
Vlad Estragon said:
I'm considering a CR4M, but I haven't been able to actually get my hands on one. Can someone tell me if, using the standard tripod stand, it is possible to play the instrument in a vertical, double bass position while seated in a regular chair (not a stool), with both feet on the ground?
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I think it is pretty much possible to adjust the stand to any position - I always prefer standing up - but there have been a couple of times, where I was a bit "hung over" and tired ;) when I lowered the stand and played sitting down! :p
 
#306
Hi there,

first of all please forgive my poor english ^^°

i was looking for an EUB to buy for a folk/songwriter project (much like brassens & similar) and maybe some jazz when i get older ;). i really dig NS compactness and design much over palatino-like EUBs but i read some opinions about NS sound much more like a fretless bass guitar than a double bass.

now

i think that an EUB can't simply sound as the real thing so i'd only like to understand if the NS (i'm looking for the CR4M for the flexibility of the magnetic pickups) can simply be up for the job.
I'll also appreciate some samples (bowed or pizzicato) of your NS if you're so kind to provide them ;) in return i can offer some free italian-english translations :D
 
#308
giovane acero said:
Hi there,

i think that an EUB can't simply sound as the real thing so i'd only like to understand if the NS (i'm looking for the CR4M for the flexibility of the magnetic pickups) can simply be up for the job.
I'll also appreciate some samples (bowed or pizzicato) of your NS if you're so kind to provide them ;) in return i can offer some free italian-english translations :D
Click to expand...

Giovane - there are lot of samples of artists using NS EUBs on the NS site. Goto Mike Rosch and you'll here the fantastic sound he gets from his EU6, IMHO. He uses the original strings too. Here's the link.

http://www.nedsteinberger.com/artists/artists.html

mburd - that's great stuff you had on your link. Very tastfull playing, spot on for the music. Have you raised the action at all on your bass?:)

I'm awating delivery of a CR4M. Excited? Like a little boy waiting for his new toy. Can't wait!!!:hyper:
 
#310
BassBus, My bass is out of reach, but off the top of my head I'd say the string height on mine is approx 7mm-4mm E-G measured fingerboard to string underside.
The bass is very easy to adjust, but I suggest that you record the measurements of the original setup spec before you start tweaking in case you need to "go back". Adjust in small increments too.. Have fun with your new bass! FYI, on my recent visit to the UK the bass was still in tune when I arrived at my first gig. The bass travels very well.

Giovane, The NS website details the model differences, but looking at the website "artist" page I can see where there may be some confusion. Somewhere on the website you may find some model history info, but I'll make a crude attempt at taxing the limits of my leaky brain:
For quite some time the CR was the only series offered following the discontinuation of the original US bass, so those links may be an artifact of that period.
The CR is made in the Czech Republic:
http://www.nedsteinberger.com/instruments/bass/crseriesbass.htm

The EU (also Made in CR) has more of the attributes of the original US model, such as the concave neck profile and laminated construction:
http://www.nedsteinberger.com/instruments/bass/eu/eubass.htm

One of the many benefits of living in Maine is the close proximity I have to the NS folks. David Kowalski (shop manager) has been very responsive to my needs.
 
#313
coyoteboy said:
the stand sure is nice when changing strings too. re: Corelli B-string: I've got a Forte guage to try with the group tomorrow, I'll report soon.
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Probably bad ettiquette to reply to onesself, but the jam with the new Forte B string went well, although, I'm still having definition issues with the B. I just got an interesting reply from Savarez saying that they will in fact make custom length strings. Why do I want a custom length string? To utilize the achor point at the end of the instrument instead of the one 'round the back. I can't think of why this string isn't working other than at this gague, that almost 90 degree bend at the bottom is too much. this would perhaps open up the possibility of getting NS length strings for the entire set from Savarez. Of course I don't really need them as the rest of the set sound fine, great in fact, but having a matching set would be nice. I'll report when something else happens on this front.

anyone else with Corelli experiences on an NS like to comment?
 
#315
I just ordered one of these from here.

Invalid Link Removed

I've been playing bass for over 20 years, but I'm new to EUBs, and I have only played a double bass a couple of times, probably for a total of about 10 minutes.

I plan on taking lessons, just so I don't go and sprain anything.

I've been wanting one of these for years, I'll probably get a real double bass at some stage, but it just seems a bit too scary.

I have a couple of questions that I'd like you to answer please.

I keep reading that it's best to fit real DB strings, but do they do a low B string, and where do you get them from.

I play a 6 string electric bass, strung with DR fatbeams, medium gauge, so if I do change the strings on my NS what should I go for.

I play mainly jazz and funk, this should sound great in a jazz setting.

Also I've read in other threads, particularly the one about the WAV model, that you might need to put it through a preamp, depending on your amp.

I use an Epifani UL502, I take it that I can just plug the EUB straight into one of the channels and adjust the gain and EQ as normal.
 
#317
"I keep reading that it's best to fit real DB strings, but do they do a low B string, and where do you get them from."

I also bought a CR5M a few months ago. I put thomastik spirocore weich (light gauge) strings on it. With the NS you need to get full size strings (not the usual 3/4). Other strings you should probably get 3/4, but the weichs are too short. They also come in a low B, which I had no problem putting on. I ordered mine through lemur music (Invalid Link Removed. You'd probably enjoy these, they're great for jazz. They have a steel core, so they work ok with the magnetic pickups. I have found that the magnetics give a lower output than the piezo with these strings, but it really hasn't made much of a difference for me.
 
#318
Big Bass Daddy said:
Anyone out there have any comments on the ns bass cello?
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I've got one & love it. It's doing at least half my gigs these days. Upright-ish enough tone for the straight ahead stuff. It can get pretty good p bass sounds, too. I like a very modern sounding tone with lots of growl so this does it. Makes an acceptable latin bass thud, too.

There is a bit of a visual disconnect with it, though. I get people at every gig coming up & asking how all that sound comes out of such an anorexic looking thing. I explain the basics and tell them the rest is magic & years of practice.
HTH
John
 
#319
kewleb said:
Hello fellow NS lovers

I live in Liverpool, England and own a CR4M and it's the best thing I've ever owned!! (Hey bassisten! I thought I was the only owner of an NS in Liverpool; nice to see there's at least one other here)
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Well there's 3 of us now (if bassisten is still at LIPA)!
Just picked it up, appropriately on my birthday as it happens, and I couldn't be more pleased. Paid a ridiculous price off ebay (£750) and it's only a year old, hardly played and in pristine condition. :hyper:
Lots of helpful tips in the archives on how to get what I want from it (thanks all) but I was wondering if anyone had tried a set of guts perhaps?

Steve
 

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