Double Bass NS Wav5 String hitting Fingerboard

[Koawood]

Just got my NS Wav5 and no prior experience on an EUB. Having to deal with strings hitting the fingerboard when plucking. I don't think the bridge height is the problem as I adjusted from the factory setting to higher, then lower and still hitting the fingerboard.

If I am working on a fast song that has a lot of action, it is really nuts! Would appreciate some advise. Thanks!

 

[Matthijs]

Hi Koawood, are you a DB player that’s new to EUB, or a Eb player that’s new to UB? I’m asking because this could either be a setup or a technique problem.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

I think the stock strings are low tensioned (for the BG player probably).
The Traditionals are higher tensioned as most DB strings.

If you are coming from a DB you might need to change technique a bit too. Not generally for EUBs, but for an NS or Ergo and similar sticks with integrated fingerboard and a low bridge.
The fingerboard might have some bumps and/or no or a too small relief.

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend a NS EUB or similarly constructed instruments to a DB player. Also none of the below US$1000 EUBs since they are machine made and in almost any cases without DB knowledge.

 

[Koawood]

Hi Koawood, are you a DB player that’s new to EUB, or a Eb player that’s new to UB? I’m asking because this could either be a setup or a technique problem.

I started many years ago on the DB and changed over to the EB for a long time. New to EUB but loving it. Stock strings and have ordered some D'Addario strings for the NS. (not sure if these will help, but needed a back up set)

 

[Matthijs]

I have to adjust my technique a bit when I’m playing my wav. it’s set up as close as possible to my DB, but IME lower tension Obligato’s sound better. They do lead to more clacking for me ( wich is basically due to poor technique I apparently can get away with on the spirocores on my DB ). A professional fingerboard planing did help. With the Obligato’s I now have a working compromise between sound, left hand comfort, as high as possible action for my right hand, and a less ham-fisted right hand. I still get in trouble when the band digs in. An EUB just doesn’t have the same dynamic range as a DB.

 

[BarfanyShart]

The fingerboard is weird on some EUBs. DB should be planed with a scoop to allow for DB technique, and a fretless BG has to be straight with just the right amount of relief to feel good - and a lot of EUB fingerboards can't decide which kind of setup they are going for. I think you gotta decide which kind of setup you want, and then get someone to optimize it in that direction.