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Double Bass NS EUB megathread

#681
Hey everyone.

I have CR5M EUB and recently found annoying "fret" buzz on my open D string. Other positions are OK and if I just "touch" D string _near_ nut(from the fingerboard's side) buzz disappears.

It seems like nut problem, but maybe there could be something else? I cant actually get the new one quickly, because I live in Russia, and it's a real problem to get new or even used spare parts for EUBs here. So, if it's nut, can I fix it by myself?

Thank you.
 
#686
Has anyone had a chance to play both the NXT and the CR (+/- /M) versions of the NS EUBs, or for that matter the NXT vs CR versions of the Omnibass?

Hoping to get one in a few months but won't be able to find a local (i.e. Aussie) store with both in stock in order to try them both out myself and compare, and curious to hear what people think of the differences between the two?
 
#688
Nordic Groover said:
Has anyone had a chance to play both the NXT and the CR (+/- /M) versions of the NS EUBs, or for that matter the NXT vs CR versions of the Omnibass?



Hoping to get one in a few months but won't be able to find a local (i.e. Aussie) store with both in stock in order to try them both out myself and compare, and curious to hear what people think of the differences between the two?
Click to expand...


One important thing and step, sound wise, is my CR-4T has a blend knob for the Piezo settings from Pizz to Arco modes and that is so nice. The NXT has toggle switch where you have an either or choice. The M models add the magnetic pickups which give even more choices for more Fretless type tones. Dimensionally, I believe they are all very close. Quality wise there are differences. Minor, from what I understand.
 
#689
mtb777 said:
One important thing and step, sound wise, is my CR-4T has a blend knob for the Piezo settings from Pizz to Arco modes and that is so nice. The NXT has toggle switch where you have an either or choice. The M models add the magnetic pickups which give even more choices for more Fretless type tones. Dimensionally, I believe they are all very close. Quality wise there are differences. Minor, from what I understand.
Click to expand...

Interesting, as i sometimes think a 3-way switch would be easier, as i generally only use each pup solo.
 
#690
Nordic Groover said:
Has anyone had a chance to play both the NXT and the CR (+/- /M) versions of the NS EUBs, or for that matter the NXT vs CR versions of the Omnibass... curious to hear what people think of the differences between the two?
Click to expand...

mtb777 said:
One important thing and step, sound wise, is my CR-4T has a blend knob for the Piezo settings from Pizz to Arco modes and that is so nice. The NXT has toggle switch where you have an either or choice. The M models add the magnetic pickups which give even more choices for more Fretless type tones.
Click to expand...

mtb777 nails a couple important differences; the CR's "dot" shaped EMG magnetics are actually quite useful, as well - they provide a much more useful range of tone than one might expect. And you can blend them with the bridge Polar pickup via the preamp. And yes, the CR Polar pickup has a blend knob for the two modes, while the NXT features a switch only.

Important to note that the CR models feature a built-in preamp with ACTIVE EQ (bass and treble), while the NXT models have a passive (volume and treble roll-off style tone) setup.

Constructionally, they're of almost identical dimension and design. They're made in the same factory by the same people, so that makes sense. But the CR model has the following upgrades:

  • Better quality woods
  • Better finish quality
  • Tighter overall construction *
  • Higher grade gig bag (more durable, nicer fit and finish)
  • Much nicer tripod stand (stronger, smaller footprint, far more adjustment available)
  • Better quality hardware (pro-grade tuning machines)

* As far as the difference in build quality, fit and finish, etc. - I usually make the analogy thusly: Consider you have a pair of Fender P-Basses; a Mexi-made Standard, and an American Standard. Both instruments will cut the gig; they're professional-grade instruments that have essentially the same features, very close in tone quality, and look pretty much the same to the audience. You could play the Mexican Fender Standard P-Bass and enjoy it for life. But when you play the two basses back-to-back, you can tell the difference.

Hope that helps!
 
#691
Thanks guys! Much appreciated.

Leaning strongly towards a CR4M with zebrawood finish (I have a Birdsong custom short scale BG of solid zebrawood with maple fingerboard, and love the way it looks). :-)

The option of different timber/finish, better tripod & hardware is enough to justify the price difference even if raw playability is indistinguishable.
 
#692
To throw my 2 cents in, I just bought a CR4M from the boys at Gollihur, and could not be happier with the bass and their service. Very flexible instrument. I considered the Omni, but the longer scale is really the way to go. Makes me fretless electric basses sound weak, and I own some pretty nice ones. You won't regret the investment, money well spent!
 
#693
I bought a CR4M from a member here about a month ago and have played it everyday since having it. It really is a blast to play!

Yesterday I picked up one of my BG's and the neck felt like a toothpick and I thought I was going to break the strings!

My biggest struggle now is controlling my GAS for an acoustic upright bass but I wonder if it will be as much fun to play as my CR4M. Especially since I am all over the neck and the CR4M allows this easily.

Tonally though, after replacing the stock strings with the Orchestra's, adjusting the bridge and neck relief, a little amp modeling with my Line-6 and adding some reverb, I am very satisfied with the way this bass can emulate a doublebass's sound, so my curiosity is mostly around the playability. I cannot imagine a 3/4 doublebass being more fun to play than the CR4M.
 
#694
Your NS is going to be much easier to play, the fingerboard is much easier to access and you can get a lot more sounds out of it than an AUB. That said, the acoustic upright can just be a blast to plat and you can battle a couple of acoustic guitars and hold your own. This of course depends on the upright you compare it with. $$$ will get you something sweet and somewhat easier to play, will have very strong tone. The NS will be more versatile.
 
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#695
I am the proud owner of an NS CR4M I have had for about 6 months and enjoy quite a bit. I am playing with the stock strings. I use both the piezo and mag pick ups for different situations. I feel like my G string is somewhat weaker than the other strings, just kind of thin sounding, especially in the upper registers. I am thinking about replacing either just that string or the entire set for a more balanced sound. I don't really think there is anything wrong with the bass and was wondering if anyone has any thoughts or suggestions. Primarily pizz jazz playing. Thanks for your responses, and Happy New Year!
 
#699
That's probably correct, D'Addario makes them for NSD and they parallel the Orchestra and Hybrid strings.

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#700
Thanks for the replies. I've done a lot of reading about the EUBs and the consensus seemed to be that a change of strings was performed quite often in favor of the traditional strings. Just want to make sure that's not what was already on this bass before I consider spending money on strings. This is what I have...

C8133CA6-6488-457E-9F6E-310E11C72936_zps3uozhrj4.jpg
 

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