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Double Bass NSD CR4M (Took the plunge..again) - Setup tips and some thoughts
- Thread starter jharms80439
- Start date
I can only address 1) since I have only owned a CR5M (about 15 years now):
If you anticipate ever playing the NS in louder rock-type situations, then you should consider the magnetic pickup model. The piezo bridge is great for arco and for the "woodiness" it adds to pizz, but to really cut through in loud situations you're going to want that magnetic pickup. My usual setting is about 60/40 magnetic/piezo and that's for rock/country/Americana-type material (if I'm playing jazz I prefer a real upright) and I find I get a great sound for it.
I also recently took Mark Gollihur's advice and raised the action quite a bit after having very low action (too low, really) for years. The higher action makes it feel a bit more like playing a real upright to me and I've got a more even response from the pickups across the strings.
Hi LesFret;
I think the reason you didn't get more responce is because your question would have been better served in one of the NS Design mega threads. Most of your questions are already addressed or answered there. I agree with StringTapper. Originally I was planning to get a CR4T. But ended up buying a used CR5M early this last summer. I find that having the magnetic pickup comes in handy and I use it more than I anticipated. I also found that I enjoy playing Arco on it more than I thought I would. Let us know what you end up doing.
I think the reason you didn't get more responce is because your question would have been better served in one of the NS Design mega threads. Most of your questions are already addressed or answered there. I agree with StringTapper. Originally I was planning to get a CR4T. But ended up buying a used CR5M early this last summer. I find that having the magnetic pickup comes in handy and I use it more than I anticipated. I also found that I enjoy playing Arco on it more than I thought I would. Let us know what you end up doing.
Ok great. Thank you both for the reply. What do think of the magnetics sound? Doesn't have to sound like a real upright but does it sound good on its own?
Just get the magnetic version. You'll probably keep second guessing your purchase if you don't, you can always dial out the magnetics if not appropriate for the sound. The magnetics to my ear (and setup) sound quite similar to the stereotypical Eberhard Weber sound, they don't even sound like an acoustic double bass fitted with a magnetic pickup.
Keep in mind string brands and string height will make a big difference to the magnetic sound. So even if you don't find your sound at first, you have options to experiment with.
Keep in mind string brands and string height will make a big difference to the magnetic sound. So even if you don't find your sound at first, you have options to experiment with.
Agree. with John Burgess and check out his YouTube channel for a taste if how good these things can sound in the right hands. . And Yes I think you can get a good sound with the magnetic pickup by itself. One thing that I've read a lot here is that it 'sounds like a giant precision bass or Jaco-ish. I have a magnetic krivo Pickup on my actual upright for backup or that I only use when I have to play with loud knuckle heads. The NS Design mag pickup sounds quite similar in a live situation.
ok thanks that's good to know. I don't have any shop where I can try out the NS CR so it will be a bit of a gamble I guess. I never really wanted an electric upright but lately I am using some effects on my double bass for a new project and that might be better suited with an electric upright. Also it can come in handy for quick (home) recordings.
Also I wonder how it feels playing seated when you don't have a body like on a real double bass? Most feel strange and awkward at first? Playing in thumb position will be totally different I guess? And maybe you also have to get used to the bowing position?
Also I wonder how it feels playing seated when you don't have a body like on a real double bass? Most feel strange and awkward at first? Playing in thumb position will be totally different I guess? And maybe you also have to get used to the bowing position?
It's similar to a cello position, with the bass angled back. The lower mid to upper registers of the instrument are very comfortable and accessible that way, with only the lowest few notes being a bit tiring if you have to play there all night. The position might be a bit more difficult with a german bow, compared to french.
With the NS stand, the lower it's set, the more stable the instrument will be, hence I sit down. There were probably some other reasons but I've been playing this way for about 10 years. Seems to have worked out for me. I haven't missed the body of an acoustic, in fact I really like the minimalism.
Though I would say, since you are talking about effects, be prepared to delve into the world of signal processing if you want to make the most of your instrument. Think about how the electric guitar has found a multitude of voices that have evolved over the decades. The sound is a finely tuned combination of instrument, processing and amplifier. I wonder if some of the disappointment surrounding electric double basses is comparable to a guitarist plugging their guitar directly into a mixing desk and wondering why it sounds terrible.
With the NS stand, the lower it's set, the more stable the instrument will be, hence I sit down. There were probably some other reasons but I've been playing this way for about 10 years. Seems to have worked out for me. I haven't missed the body of an acoustic, in fact I really like the minimalism.
Though I would say, since you are talking about effects, be prepared to delve into the world of signal processing if you want to make the most of your instrument. Think about how the electric guitar has found a multitude of voices that have evolved over the decades. The sound is a finely tuned combination of instrument, processing and amplifier. I wonder if some of the disappointment surrounding electric double basses is comparable to a guitarist plugging their guitar directly into a mixing desk and wondering why it sounds terrible.
I have no worries about that since besides being an upright player I am also a guitar player and own plenty of effect gear.
Hmmm....now I have to find a good deal on one...
One more question: Does the NS CR4 (or 5) also have side dots? Think I saw a picture of that but the dots were between the dots on the neck (so not on the same place). Looked confusing to me. But it might be that someone made those side dots himself. Can't find that picture anymore.
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Mine has side dots up to the C# on the E string but I believe they are after market. (it's had several owners)
