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Double Bass NS EUB megathread

#581
I have my Aguilar Tone Hammer pretty much permanently on -- the sweepable mid is a nice addition to my EQ (fixed bands on the F1), and there are a few songs we do that call for a bit of grind from the AGS. I have a pretty extensive range of effects, but so far haven't used any other pedals (apart from my trusty Peterson Strobostomp) on a gig. I'd consider the new Tone Hammer 500 amp when it is finally released, but it'll be hard to justify in addition to the Markbass, about which I have no complaints.
 
#582
Thought I'd carry on this conversation with myself....

Since my last post, I've started using a TC Electronics RH450. My initial reasons for considering it alongside the Tone Hammer 500 and something from the Genz Benz range were the included frills (onboard tuner, compressor and TubeTone overdrive), which allow me to reduce even further the size of my rig and setup time -- I play with 2 acoustic guitarists who have no setup time to speak of. Trying before buying where I am is not an option for very many brands, and I was assisted in my search by TB in general and KJung in particular; his video playing a Mouse semi-acoustic bass guitar through the amp finally convinced me that I could have it all!

I find it to be a great amp for the CR4M -- the tone is (uber-subjective verbiage spoiler alert) "dark", "woody", "organic", against the Markbass' punch and clarity, and it brings me a step closer to an acoustic tone, helped considerably by the incredibly flexible EQ section (4 semi-parametric bands), and very conservative application of the compressor (3-"band", controlled by one dial) which at a few clicks brings up the G-string level without noticeably limiting the dynamics of the lower strings, and equally judicious use of the TubeTone, which gives the tone a bit more "depth" before it adds any real grit or grind (although it does this in spades at higher settings).

Certainly worth a try, in my view, although it's clearly not for everyone -- TC doesn't seem to get an awful lotta love on this side of TB.
 
#583
I've played some Markbass gear, and it was a great fit for EB, but not EUB. Then again, I wasn't using a Tone Hammer with it either. Have only played EB through TC, but was impressed.

I think having an EQ section that works is important. My main amp is a Peavey Tour 700. UB sounds great through it, and my NS does, too. The Tour has a nice EQ section, but I like the addition of the GEB-7 in my line up for fine tuning. I probably could have left out the LPB-1, as the gain on the GEB-7 more than makes up for a preamp. Even so, I keep the LPB-1 on about 11 o'clock and keep the level on the GEB-7 in the middle. I have tons of output (with more to spare), and it sounds great. In our last 2-3 shows, I've gotten a sound that is old school upright. Couldn't tell it was EUB. I also like the fact that I can cut off the EQ, flip the piezo switch, turn the tone knob, and still get a tasty, mid-rangy mwah sound, even with NS Traditional strings.
 
#584
GrowlerBox said:
Thought I'd carry on this conversation with myself....

Since my last post, I've started using a TC Electronics RH450. My initial reasons for considering it alongside the Tone Hammer 500 and something from the Genz Benz range were the included frills (onboard tuner, compressor and TubeTone overdrive), which allow me to reduce even further the size of my rig and setup time -- I play with 2 acoustic guitarists who have no setup time to speak of. Trying before buying where I am is not an option for very many brands, and I was assisted in my search by TB in general and KJung in particular; his video playing a Mouse semi-acoustic bass guitar through the amp finally convinced me that I could have it all!

I find it to be a great amp for the CR4M -- the tone is (uber-subjective verbiage spoiler alert) "dark", "woody", "organic", against the Markbass' punch and clarity, and it brings me a step closer to an acoustic tone, helped considerably by the incredibly flexible EQ section (4 semi-parametric bands), and very conservative application of the compressor (3-"band", controlled by one dial) which at a few clicks brings up the G-string level without noticeably limiting the dynamics of the lower strings, and equally judicious use of the TubeTone, which gives the tone a bit more "depth" before it adds any real grit or grind (although it does this in spades at higher settings).

Certainly worth a try, in my view, although it's clearly not for everyone -- TC doesn't seem to get an awful lotta love on this side of TB.
Click to expand...

I appreciate this post as I have a Rh450 which I love for elec bass. I am getting my first EUB soon and was wondering how others have enjoyed it on their EUB's. Cheers!
 
#585
engedi1 said:
I appreciate this post as I have a Rh450 which I love for elec bass. I am getting my first EUB soon and was wondering how others have enjoyed it on their EUB's. Cheers!
Click to expand...

I'll be keen to hear how you like it, and if so, how you get your tone out of it. I found that time spent shifting the centre/shelving points on the various EQ bands was well repaid on the EUB, where the factory settings work nicely on my horizontal. Of course, this will all depend very much on your bass and cabinet(s), as well as the room you're in, and this is where the 3 channels are so useful.

Enjoy!
 
#586
Hey guys. So I ordered up a CR4M and it came with a couple cosmetic blemishes. No prob though because NS quickly exchanged the bass. Very good customer service. Unfortunately I had the NS Traditionals on the blemished bass and didn't get them back. I sent an email to NS though and I'm sure they'll send them back to me ASAP. My question is regarding how the stock strings interact with the piezo pickup modes. I didn't notice the following issues when using the NS Traditional strings so I'm now wondering if I have a defective instrument or if these stock strings react strangley with the piezo pickups. The issues are the following. First, the 50 percent pizz/50 percent arco mode (center indent) is quieter than 100 percent pizz or 100 percent arco. Also when panning between the two modes the output gets quieter just before it hits the center indent on both sides of the pan. It sounds like the two sets of piezos are not panning smoothly but maybe its the strings. The second issue is that when playing fingerstyle in arco mode (to get a more thumpy sound) the sound swells in rather than an immediate punch that I remember with the bass I exhanged (def could be the strings). The most strange is that there is a noticiable chorus and reverb like effect when in arco mode but playing fingerstyle. Another way to desribe the arco mode is that there sounds to be some sort of resonance in the tone that does not exist in the pizz piezo mode. So I wonder if these issues are normal with these stock strings or if I have a defective preamp or piezo?? Any opinions on these issues?

Thanks,
Mike
 
#587
jazzmcs said:
So I wonder if these issues are normal with these stock strings or if I have a defective preamp or piezo?? Any opinions on these issues?

Thanks,
Mike
Click to expand...

I've never played with the stock strings (I had them changed out for Spiros before it was delivered), but this sounds more like a pickup issue than a string one. Do you have the magnetic pups dialled right out? I find the response is a little smoother with about 10-15% dialled in, while maintaining the basic piezo tone. I also have the piezo control blended between arco and pizz, but definitely weighted towards the arco side. Oh, and change out the batteries -- I do recall hearing something akin to what you describe as the batteries deaden (use good alkaline ones, I find I get pretty good mileage out of them).

I would email NS with pretty much a cut and paste of your query here if those suggestions bring no joy.
 
#588
Mike,

I've had similar issues with my CR4M when I first got it. The NS does take some getting used to as far as dynamics go, and I know what you mean about the 50/50 arco/pizz/magnetic volume issue. I've found that you need to run the master volume pretty hot, at least 3:00 or more to get the most out of the instrument. Anything less, and it seems like the treble side has less output than the bass side. I think the volume decrease with the piezo/magnetic pickup is logical when you think about the power distribution: 50% is going to the magnetic pickups, 50% to the piezos, so the volume will be a bit less than if you were running 100% into either dedicated pickup. I typically run everything totally flat on my bass with the volume at 3:00 or more depending on the room, and then roll toward the magnetic pickups if I need a volume boost for solos.
 
#589
Actually the volume decrease that I speak of is when panning between the arco and pizz mode. It's noticably quieter when set 50 50 than on 100 arco or pizz. Also like said the arco tone has a chorus like effect when plucked. I still wonder if this is due to the stock strings since I was used to the ns traditionals.
 
#591
Yup, tried that. Both the pizz and arco are loud and equal on there own but the blended tone is quiet. Also like said the arco tone has the chorus like effect. I suppose it could be the way the lateral pickup is working with the plucked string. I'm gonna put obligatos on when I get home to test this issue further. This will help determine if its the stock strings causing this sound.
 
#592
jazzmcs said:
Also like said the arco tone has the chorus like effect. I suppose it could be the way the lateral pickup is working with the plucked string. I'm gonna put obligatos on when I get home to test this issue further. This will help determine if its the stock strings causing this sound.
Click to expand...

I seem to remember my CR4M having a similar "effect" to the tone with the original strings. I have Flexocors on now and I can't say I notice it.

Beware with Obligatos you'll get next to no sound from the mag pups as those strings have a synthetic core. Something like Flexocors or Belcantos will give the orchestral tone but have a metal rope core so can be used with the mags.
 
#593
I just put on the Olbigatos and the chorus effect is still there but lessened obviously due to the far less metallicy string. What is more evident with these strings is some sort of compression on especially the upper strings. Like the tone gets choked off at first then swells in but only during arco mode while plucking. Strange. The bass I exchanged for this one (both new) didn't sound like this. Hmm.


Update: After sharing some emails with NS it seems the problem was the setup of the internal piezo volume adjusters. I had both Arco and Pizz set to sound equal in volume when played pizz (fingerstyle). NS said the Arco should be set substantially quieter when played pizz style but will be equal in volume with the bow. From the factory it was actually setup with the Arco mode way too loud even when playing pizz for that thumpy sound (as if the internal pots were set opposite of where they should have been). That is why I had set them even in volume right away. As NS stated the correct way to set up the internal volume pots is to compare the Pizz mode with fingerstyle with the Arco mode with the bow and match the volumes. To get this match in volume I had to bring down the Arco pot quite a bit. It does sound better now. Maybe the Arco pot was so loud that it was driving the internal preamp too much and running out of headroom? Who knows, but it all sounds better now.

BTW, using Pirastro Permanents right now which bow nice but have Spirocore Mittels on the way for a brighter more growly jazz sound.
 
#594
Waiting anxiously for the delivery of my new to me NS CR4T that should arrive at my door tomorrow!!! I have a bow and rosin purchased and can't wait to get at it. I primarily play fretless EB and have a PentaBuzz and Tacoma 5 acoustic frettless to choose from for my primary axes. I also have a Jazz 4, but rarely play it. I have been "hearing" arco lines in everything I'm playing and can't wait to start to learn this new process! My new bass is pre-owned and I don't know what strings are on it but think they are the stockers.
 
#595
Got it and LOVE it but really want a 5 string! Stock strings and it's in incredible shape! Very good condition

Boy do I have a FEDEX story!!!!!

Does anyone have a stock type gig bag for sale?? Mine came with a slightly padded nice boom mike case, but it has no separate compartments in it nor a bow pocket.
 
#596
jazzmcs said:
I just put on the Olbigatos and the chorus effect is still there but lessened obviously due to the far less metallicy string. What is more evident with these strings is some sort of compression on especially the upper strings. Like the tone gets choked off at first then swells in but only during arco mode while plucking. Strange. The bass I exchanged for this one (both new) didn't sound like this. Hmm.


Update: After sharing some emails with NS it seems the problem was the setup of the internal piezo volume adjusters. I had both Arco and Pizz set to sound equal in volume when played pizz (fingerstyle). NS said the Arco should be set substantially quieter when played pizz style but will be equal in volume with the bow. From the factory it was actually setup with the Arco mode way too loud even when playing pizz for that thumpy sound (as if the internal pots were set opposite of where they should have been). That is why I had set them even in volume right away. As NS stated the correct way to set up the internal volume pots is to compare the Pizz mode with fingerstyle with the Arco mode with the bow and match the volumes. To get this match in volume I had to bring down the Arco pot quite a bit. It does sound better now. Maybe the Arco pot was so loud that it was driving the internal preamp too much and running out of headroom? Who knows, but it all sounds better now.

BTW, using Pirastro Permanents right now which bow nice but have Spirocore Mittels on the way for a brighter more growly jazz sound.
Click to expand...

Glad you got your problem sorted.
 
#597
mtb777 said:
Got it and LOVE it but really want a 5 string! Stock strings and it's in incredible shape! Very good condition

Boy do I have a FEDEX story!!!!!

Does anyone have a stock type gig bag for sale?? Mine came with a slightly padded nice boom mike case, but it has no separate compartments in it nor a bow pocket.
Click to expand...

I'm SO glad I got a 5 string and not 4. It is HUGE. LOVE IT. NS may offer a better bag. I have the stock bag, and it serves my needs alright, as I hardly ever have need for arco playing on the job. I also have an NS flight case, and it does it's job well during travel, however, it is too unwieldy for daily use.
 
#598
Has anyone played the Shoulder Strap System with your NS Bass? I am wondering about the feel and weight. How it distributes the weight through your shoulders and torso. I like the stand and it doesn't bounce around very much, and it's nice that you can walk away for a second or during a break but to have mobility while playing.
Anyone have any experience with one?

It would be nice to try one without buying one!!!
 
#599
IT's time for me to get new strings for my CR 4 ... With Mags and of course the peizo. I have only used the NS design strings on this bass in the past. Are there any other suggestions out there that I might try? I play this bass in a variety band. Jazz, Big Band, Rock and even disco. This is becoming my main instrument to play. Thanks
 
#600
bluesdragon said:
IT's time for me to get new strings for my CR 4 ... With Mags and of course the peizo. I have only used the NS design strings on this bass in the past. Are there any other suggestions out there that I might try? I play this bass in a variety band. Jazz, Big Band, Rock and even disco. This is becoming my main instrument to play. Thanks
Click to expand...

The only strings I've used have been Spirocore Weichs -- I had the stock strings changed out before I took delivery, so I can't compare them to anything else. That said, I like the tone and the playability, and have had no problems with the mag or piezo pickups. They are a popular string here, especially if you're primarily or exclusively a pizz player. I find them difficult under the bow, but that is likely me rather than the strings.
 

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