Double Bass NS EUB megathread

[Les Fret]

Yes, I see it now the body looks different
But what is it then?

It sounded really cool

I have read in an old interview that she use a Vector upright, but it does not look like that either

 

[Les Fret]

Now I know for sure it is a Vektor (germany). Not a Vector with a C
Actually this company is only a 45 minutes drive from my place.
They are quit expensive though.
Still it is the first electric upright that I really like until now

 

[planetguy]

ok, so i think i'm ready to take the plunge on my first EUB and i'm trying to decide whether to go w the WAV 4 or go the (considerably) extra beans for the CR4.

i've read the descriptions and feel like i have a pretty good understanding of the differences between the two.....but i guess i would like to hear from users of either/both...what do you feel are the compelling reasons to go one way or the other?

is the CR4 really worth the extra $1200 or so?

FYI...i play both elec and DB and would be using this EUB for both pizz and arco.

thanks all!

 

[SteveC]

I have not played the CR4. I have played the WAV4 and NXT4. I would definitely spend a couple hundred more for the NXT over the WAV.

From what I hear, the CR is worth the money, but only you can decide if it is for you.

 

[Pat Harris]

The CR4 and the CR4M are worth every penny you spend on them. If something were to happen to my CR4M, I'd find a way to immediately replace it. If you go for the CR4, it's worth the extra extra cash to get the CR4M with magnetic pickups. The tonal options and ability to tweak are pretty limitless.

 

[scubaduba]

Can't speak for the CR series but definitely get the NXT over the WAV. I love my NXT.

 

[JtheJazzMan]

The CR series is worth it.

The WAV series is very disappointing in comparison. Not only the instrument but the mounting hardware, like the tripod stand, is total cheap crap compared to the metal hardware with the czech ones.

It isnt just nitpicking either, the amount of play in the tripod joints made the instrument unstable and unweilding. One joint eventually snapped revealing the horrible metal casting.

Plus the tone of the CR is killer. Its definitely a professional musical tool.

 

[scubaduba]

Do you use an external pre-amp with your NS EUB? If so, which one. I've heard great things about the Fishman Pro EQ Platinum.

If you do use one, why?

If you don't use one, why?

 

[Pat Harris]

If you have a WAV or NXT a preamp is highly recommended.

If you have a CR4M there is an internal 18v preamp already in place.

 

[scubaduba]

Yes I have a NXT. Why is a pre so highly recommended?

 

[boylebass]

For those considering a wav bass, act fast. They have been discontinued as of a few months ago. I got one of the last ones that (AH) Bob had. I think bass central has a few left. One of my students saw mine and was interested so I called around and BC said they had a few.

I broke the cheap stand on the very first gig I took it to, but my anal-retentive habit of showing up early allowed for enough time to make it to a hardware store to get a c-clamp. NS was very apologetic and sent a replacement stand immediately as well as a shipping label for the return.

The stock strings were not to my liking. I installed a set of new helicore hybrid mediums that are working well.

Preamp? Most definitely. Fishman PP. I own 2 and I 'don't leave home without it."

I miss the physical landmarks of the neck heel and the upper bouts. That is still taking some time to get used to.

For me it's 'another voice' rather than a replacement for my real bass. I love using it to emulate the baby bass sound.

 

[Pat Harris]

Yes I have a NXT. Why is a pre so highly recommended?

With only piezo pickups and the on-board tone controls, you may run into some impedance issues depending on what amp you use (IE: low output, very little low end, very brittle treble sound, etc.)

Since the NXT can only function in either arco OR pizz mode an external preamp can further help shape the tone. If you currently like the sound of your NXT, though there may not be a reason to get a preamp for it.

 

[mrpackerguy]

I'll be a dissenter here and tell you I love my WAV. I got is ued for $600 on the BG side and think it's great for my uses. I put Heliocres on it, and also recently changed the tuners to Hipshots. I use a K&K Pure preamp with it as the highs are hard to tame in both the arco and Pizz modes. I think the stand is sturdy and works great for me.

Not that I wouldn't try an CR if one at a good price presented itself.

 

[scubaduba]

Thanks all. I have a Fishman PP on the way.

 

[Franco Bollo]

I have had an NXT-5 for a couple of months. For an external preamp I am using an Aguilar Tone Hammer. Why? Because I already had one that I use with electric bass guitar.

I cannot comment on how this preamp would compare to a Fishman or K&K, but it definitely sounds better than no preamp. Additionally, if you play other basses besides the NXT on a gig and want the tone settings on your amp to be appropriate for these instruments, you can use the tone controls on the external preamp to tailor the sound of the NXT.

 

[buffalobillh]

I have an NXT-5 on the way. I play upright through a Fishman B-II. I'll let you know how that works out. If highs are a big issue, I may upgrade to the Pro.

 

[trkkazulu]

I use the Fishman Pro EQ Platinum with the WAV and NxT. Brilliant on both instruments.

 

[Pat Harris]

Has anybody flown with their NS EUB and been able to carry it on/gate check it instead of checking it with all of other luggage? It seems like it should pass the test if you call it a "bass guitar" at the desk.

 

[buffalobillh]

Has anybody flown with their NS EUB and been able to carry it on/gate check it instead of checking it with all of other luggage? It seems like it should pass the test if you call it a "bass guitar" at the desk.

I have the same question. I do not yet have a flight case (going to build one), but we are flying to California in a couple of weeks and I want to take it instead of my upright (and pay for overages).

We are flying Southwest, so I think I'm gonna call 'em. I'll report what I find out.

 

[buffalobillh]

Pat,

I called Southwest yesterday. The gig bag should fit easily in the overhead compartment of the 700 series aircraft we will be flying. The lady seemed to think it would fit in most overheads. She said the policy exceptions to musical instruments regarding carrying on instruments in soft-sided cases were somewhat ambiguous. She said that the instrument must fit in the carry-on testing box, but that it may extend out "a reasonable length." She said that personnel at each airport may have different opinions about what is reasonable, as this situation is not a "daily common occurrence." Not sure if I want to take a chance or not! I have the shipping container - maybe I can bubble wrap the heck out of it and check it as baggage in case they don't let me carry it on???