Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Double Bass NS EUB megathread
- Thread starter FretNoMore
- Start date
Well, I got the EU6 in. There is so much to love about the instrument, and there's so much they did right in the construction. However, I'm sad to report that I'm trying to decide what to do considering a particular issue amid minor blemishes that come from a handcrafted instrument.
The one I'm having trouble swallowing is how the tuners were drilled. On the inside of the head, there was splintering that happened when the drill popped through for each tuner hole. I've attached the a jpeg of it. I'd appreciate if any other NS owners could confirm if this happened to their basses.
I'm waiting for a response from my dealer but NS has already responded quickly and kindly assuring me that this sometimes happens but affects neither the stability nor the warranty of the bass. It pains me to say this, but I just don't know if I find that acceptable considering the price. The overall feel of the instrument and its sound are outstanding. The maple/graphite design is very unique and may exasserbate the splintering issue I'm describing. I've just got to think that the same ingenuity that produced this instrument should be able to eliminate such a comparably minor challenge.
The one I'm having trouble swallowing is how the tuners were drilled. On the inside of the head, there was splintering that happened when the drill popped through for each tuner hole. I've attached the a jpeg of it. I'd appreciate if any other NS owners could confirm if this happened to their basses.
I'm waiting for a response from my dealer but NS has already responded quickly and kindly assuring me that this sometimes happens but affects neither the stability nor the warranty of the bass. It pains me to say this, but I just don't know if I find that acceptable considering the price. The overall feel of the instrument and its sound are outstanding. The maple/graphite design is very unique and may exasserbate the splintering issue I'm describing. I've just got to think that the same ingenuity that produced this instrument should be able to eliminate such a comparably minor challenge.
Attachments
Mine came the same way. I was a little bummed, but like you said, the rest of the instrument is exceptional. I have often contemplated mentioning it to the dealer I purchased it from.
thejimfactor said:
I can't find anything on their web site about it. You might want to ask whoever you bought it from. I can do the same.
After a bunch of thought and consultation from PJ at NS and BassCentral, I decided to keep the EU6 I received. It just played and sounded too good for me to reject it for a minor cosmetic issue. Bass Central gave me a small discount as a concession. I think the picture above makes it look worse than it really is. I'll post some shots of the rest of the bass later.
The warrantee is 5 years and the customer support I've received from NS has been great. Likewise, BassCentral, the premiere NS dealer in the US, has been outstanding.
The warrantee is 5 years and the customer support I've received from NS has been great. Likewise, BassCentral, the premiere NS dealer in the US, has been outstanding.
I've read through this thread and gleaned some great info but I would like to pose the same question with my particulars. In 3 weeks, I'm going on tour for 12 days of non-stop playing and I won't live to tell about it if I don't get this instrument set up right. I really don't have time to experiment right now and I hope the collective expertise that is available here can help.
I'm an upright player that recently took a gig with a swing and dixieland band that has an NS Design CR4. This is my first experience ever with an EUB. The first thing I did was have the bass re-calibrated to factory spec with a new set of the Helicore hybrids. I played it with this "new" setup for the first time last weekend.
The instrument sounds much better now but the action was so high that my left hand hurt for 2 days. I lowered the action for this weekend and it definitely helped. We're now at a more reasonable height but these Helicores are too stiff for me. I use Spirocore Weich on my acoustic upright.
My requirements, therefore, are:
1) Strings (EUB or regular upright) that are not as stiff as the NS Design Helicores; and
2) A sound that is as close to a real acoustic as possible. The sound of the Helicore Hybrids is acceptable although I gather from this thread that there may be some better choices in the regular upright string category.
Any and all input is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I'm an upright player that recently took a gig with a swing and dixieland band that has an NS Design CR4. This is my first experience ever with an EUB. The first thing I did was have the bass re-calibrated to factory spec with a new set of the Helicore hybrids. I played it with this "new" setup for the first time last weekend.
The instrument sounds much better now but the action was so high that my left hand hurt for 2 days. I lowered the action for this weekend and it definitely helped. We're now at a more reasonable height but these Helicores are too stiff for me. I use Spirocore Weich on my acoustic upright.
My requirements, therefore, are:
1) Strings (EUB or regular upright) that are not as stiff as the NS Design Helicores; and
2) A sound that is as close to a real acoustic as possible. The sound of the Helicore Hybrids is acceptable although I gather from this thread that there may be some better choices in the regular upright string category.
Any and all input is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
My experience taught me that in order to get a tone closer to a real DB, the best is to use orchestral strings.
Some are darker; eg Flexocors, some are brighter; eg Permanents.
Some are available in gauges, others in solo-tuning, which can be used at orchestra pitch as extra-light gauge.
Do you want sustain and growl or more thump?
Some are darker; eg Flexocors, some are brighter; eg Permanents.
Some are available in gauges, others in solo-tuning, which can be used at orchestra pitch as extra-light gauge.
Do you want sustain and growl or more thump?
Francois,
To my ear, the thump is more acoustic-sounding and sustain is more electric-sounding. While some growl is ok, it gives a more electric sound beyond a certain threshhold. I did get the sense from the thread that acoustic orchestral strings are the best choice for what I'm looking to get from the EUB and I'm glad you confirmed that for me.
I want to get as close as possible to the gauge and tension of the Spirocore Weichs which are what I use on my DB. Unfortunately, from what I read, the Spirocores are fine for the DB but too bright for the EUB.
So, wanting more of the thump and less of the sustain and growl and also wanting to approximate the feel of the Weichs, which orchestral strings would you recommend?
Many thanks,
Fred
To my ear, the thump is more acoustic-sounding and sustain is more electric-sounding. While some growl is ok, it gives a more electric sound beyond a certain threshhold. I did get the sense from the thread that acoustic orchestral strings are the best choice for what I'm looking to get from the EUB and I'm glad you confirmed that for me.
I want to get as close as possible to the gauge and tension of the Spirocore Weichs which are what I use on my DB. Unfortunately, from what I read, the Spirocores are fine for the DB but too bright for the EUB.
So, wanting more of the thump and less of the sustain and growl and also wanting to approximate the feel of the Weichs, which orchestral strings would you recommend?
Many thanks,
Fred
Orchestral strings are usually loaded with dampening stuff, which reduces the metallic edge, but also the sustain, and stiffens them.
Pirastro Flexocors are possible the best choice for a very warm tone, but the E may seem dead or too floppy.
My favorite bottom strings so far are the Pirastro Chromcors.
Very warm, some sustain and growl, good volume.
The Pirastro Original Flat-Chromesteel D works fine for me and in combination with the Chromcors. It has more output than the Flexocor D.
The Flexocor G is hard to beat when you're looking for warmth in a steel G string.
I'm waiting for Kolstein Varicor Excels D & G in the mail.
I'm hoping they will provide better clarity, flexibility and power, while still being very warm.
I find the Flexocor D & G to feel somewhat stiff.
Hope this helps!
Pirastro Flexocors are possible the best choice for a very warm tone, but the E may seem dead or too floppy.
My favorite bottom strings so far are the Pirastro Chromcors.
Very warm, some sustain and growl, good volume.
The Pirastro Original Flat-Chromesteel D works fine for me and in combination with the Chromcors. It has more output than the Flexocor D.
The Flexocor G is hard to beat when you're looking for warmth in a steel G string.
I'm waiting for Kolstein Varicor Excels D & G in the mail.
I'm hoping they will provide better clarity, flexibility and power, while still being very warm.
I find the Flexocor D & G to feel somewhat stiff.
Hope this helps!
I put some Thomastiks on my cr4 and found I was getting closer to the sound I'm looking for (warm, thumpy,). I'm considering try some gut strings in hope of getting a more organic sound. Anyone have experience with this?
TIA-
Charles
TIA-
Charles
hi Folks,
After some advise on Amps for my now well played in NS5M...
I still love it!!!
I have an Eden 2x10 cab and 300w head (i forget the models)i use for larger gigs...
but would like something for smaller venues..that fits in car without having to fold seats down would be great... and light also....(must be getting old!!!!!!)...but.. powerful enough to cope with say a big band!
any ideas?
acoustic image look good...bloomin expensive!...would they be up to the job though re volume?
edit*** what about this... Gallien-Krueger MB150S-III/112
around £600... any good?
Jim
After some advise on Amps for my now well played in NS5M...
I still love it!!!
I have an Eden 2x10 cab and 300w head (i forget the models)i use for larger gigs...
but would like something for smaller venues..that fits in car without having to fold seats down would be great... and light also....(must be getting old!!!!!!)...but.. powerful enough to cope with say a big band!
any ideas?
acoustic image look good...bloomin expensive!...would they be up to the job though re volume?
edit*** what about this... Gallien-Krueger MB150S-III/112
around £600... any good?
Jim
nothin on TV last night and me and my housemate got bored, so we did some drum and bass in the lounge... we have a nice big lounge with a full drum kit in the corner, so he sat on the drums and i knocked the stuffing out of my NS through a line 6 synth emulator (dont know what its called, but its purple!) and did drum and bass and breaks, basically made lots of noise. I love my neighbour too, shes a sweet old lady who loves us and never complains about the noise.... but she cant play bass fo' s**t so she wasnt invited.
Roni size eat your heart out hehehe.... NS rocks....
Roni size eat your heart out hehehe.... NS rocks....
Howdy folks. I just sold an EUB -- a BSX Allegro 4 string. I loved it very much in that it looked like a real DB and played/sounded like one. I sold it to invest more resources & energy in my acoustic instrument. However...I will still be in need of a portable EUB for various trips/tours I'm planning in the future and have often given consideration to the sleek design of the NS basses -- and might also spring for a 5 string to get more range.
I realize you can strap this thing on like a vertical electric bass, but I'm curious if anyone uses the endpin option? Having a tripod stand looks lovely for many reasons, but I might like something with a more traditional feel.
So, the real question is...can you stow this bad boy in the overhead compartment on an airplane? That is, will the stand/endpin also fit in the gig bag and still be easy to tote around the airport? I hated the idea of buying a flight case for the BSX and having to break it down and pay for oversize luggage everytime I needed to travel.
I realize you can strap this thing on like a vertical electric bass, but I'm curious if anyone uses the endpin option? Having a tripod stand looks lovely for many reasons, but I might like something with a more traditional feel.
So, the real question is...can you stow this bad boy in the overhead compartment on an airplane? That is, will the stand/endpin also fit in the gig bag and still be easy to tote around the airport? I hated the idea of buying a flight case for the BSX and having to break it down and pay for oversize luggage everytime I needed to travel.
Jason Hollar said:
I dont know anything about the end pin option, but I can tell you that when these are packed up in the soft bags they are tiny. I have no doubt that it would fit into the overhead compartment of an airplane. A full size bass hard case fits too, but they usually want you check it.
I had to take my Pedulla ET-6 on a plane once (in a hard case) and they told me I had to check it. I literally told them to kiss my a$$ (typical teenager, hehe) and proceeded to put in the overhead, which fit nicely. Don't let those bone heads tell you a bass case won't fit. Although, you could prob be nicer than I was
I know, tangent...
Im not convinced about getting it through on the airport as hand luggage... for its size it does go very compact, but its still about 4 ft long in its sleek black tube. Its pretty light, but they may give you grief about the length.
Not that im a fully travelling, gigging musician or anything, and have never flown with the bass before (i KNOW they dont put surfboards in overhead compartments!). Maybe someone has flown with them before, but i reckon they are too long...
2 cents again...
Not that im a fully travelling, gigging musician or anything, and have never flown with the bass before (i KNOW they dont put surfboards in overhead compartments!). Maybe someone has flown with them before, but i reckon they are too long...
2 cents again...
Yeah, it is pretty damn long. I should also point out that my story took place about 10 years ago. Way before all this BS you have to go through now. You can always ask to put it in the coat closet on the plane too. When they tell you that you have to check it, ask them if they want to be liable for a 3K instrument knowing how there people handle luggage. Despite what they say, they are 100% liable.
Jason Hollar said:
Yes. I use the endpin option. I like it very much. It does give me a more traditional feel. That is, I can tilt and adjust my bass as I like.
Jason Hollar said:
Sometimes. It depends on the plane you're flying in. I don't remember the plane types, but it fit perfectly on one plane and it didn't fit in a smaller plane. I could just squeeze it into one of the vertical closets.
Jason Hollar said:
Well...the endpin and tripod stand are VERY heavy. I checked them with my non-carry on luggage...I repeat it is VERY Heavy. (Also, My NS gig bag doesn't have room for the stand/endpin.) Maybe the NS gig bag from Basscentral can accommodate both and distribute the weight?
Cleveland
Klelewon said:
I have to concur, the tripod stand is super heavy duty and probably weighs as much if not more than the actual bass itself. If I was still actively gigging I would toss it in my drummers hardware case.
Klelewon said:
I agree that the standard black gig NS bag is very poor and I always used to find that the bass would get knocks when carrying it about and it felt heavier than it should...
Gard's bag from BassCentral makes a huge difference and the whole thing feels much lighter when carrying it about, as it is so well balanced.
I don't have an endpin, but the pocket for the tripod stand is pretty big and there is also a pocket for bows which I use. It just feels so much more comfortable to haul around and the thickness of the padding means I never worry about dings now - whereas before it was a real problem.
I think one of these bags is an essential for travelling about with the bass!
