Strap for NS Design instead of tripod

I really like mine. I made a few improvements which made the whole thing better IMO, but even without doing these, I like it better than the tripod. Here's a link to that post http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=233558 Still undecided whether or not I like it more than the end pin stand though, that's a tough call.

 

I am also curious about the strap. It just seems to me that the bass rests too close to your body and would be uncomfortable to play in that position.

I have the tripod and have no issues with it, although I have considered buying the endpin. I like the tripod because there is no need for stand, and since, more often than not, I also have a conventional DB to deal with, it is nice to just step away from the bass with no need to deal with placing, balancing or protecting it.


When playing a gig with just the NS, I think the endpin would be nice in that you have a little more freedom.

 

I didn't initially respond to this, since I have the BassCello, but.... The bass does sit rather close to your body. I've always had the same issues with my Azola, which is on an endpin. I've just adjusted to it. I like the NS strap system.

 

I'm still waiting on mine. Last I heard, Bob told me they're on backorder and won't be shipped until NSD comes back from NAMM. I'll let y'all know when I get mine.

 

I would think the endpin would be more like playing a regular bass. You could use the extension that fits into your hip which would control the distance, or you wouldn't have to. In either case you are balancing the bass just as you would a DB.
And it would certainly be farther from your body than with the strap.

 

Onr thing worth mentioning about the strap system; It's actually possible to put some distance between your torso and the neck of the bass, just by pushing the neck away from you. The strap pivot stays in pretty much any position you like if it's tensioned properly. Of course, the body of the bass remains close to you, since it's attached to the pivot point, which rests against your body.

Kind of hard to describe in print.

 

Check out this picture from Tony Levin's website.Not the WAV, but it gives you an idea of playing position.

 

Has anyone tried both the older wooden strap syatem and the new Boomerang system? If so, what are your thoughts? Is the Boomerang as comfortable?

 

I liked the strap initially but then found it uncomfortable to wear on a full gig. That might be since I used it with an EU 5 bass which is among the heaviest of the lot. I went strap to avoid lugging the heavy tripod bass. But the new WAV4 has a very light bass that easily fits the supplied shoulder bag, so I'm back to the tripod.

 

Which strap were you using?

 

The NS Strap system.

 

Mac,

I should have been more clear, what I meant was, which NS strap were you using, the older wooden one or the newer Boomerang?

Thanks!

 

This one:
http://www.nedsteinberger.com/instruments/stand/Strap/strapsystem.html

 

OK, thanks!

 

After 3 months of waiting, I finally got the strap today and wrestled with it for about an hour and a half. Yes, it's weird, and difficult to get it situated right so that it's playable and comfortable. I'm just using the supplied strap. Next purchase will be a nice short and adjustable Levy's leather guitar strap.

Things I would suggest you consider before purchasing:

1) Don't expect it to put you in a similar position as with a DB or with the tripod or endpin stand. Obviously, the strap puts you a little too close the neck which puts your arms in acute angles trying to finger the neck.
2) The strap contraption is wooden or synthetic and very rigid. On a skinny bony guy like me, it was kinda of hard to find a comfortable spot. The wooden curve at the bottom would poke into my stomach if I tried to get it in a DB position.
3) I thought it overall was heavy, but it's not too bad.
4) Standing up isn't as comfortable as sitting down. Playing with the strap is relatively comfortable if you try to play it cello style or on the side (more on that).
5) I tried using a second strap to get into a traditional playing position but it ended up being uncomfortable.

So with all that, I found that the most comfortable standing was with the harness on my RIGHT hip, not the left hip as the instructions tell you. I have it where the bass is in halfway URB, halfway EB/porkchop position, The bass is tilted about 45 degress to the left. The fingerboard is rotated about 45 degrees on it's axis. I think it's the same position as Tony Levin has it in the pic posted above....



it's weird. But the biggest advantage is that now I'll be able to play at all hours at home! YAY!

HTHs!

p.s. I'll post some pics of how I have it and some deets as to what you might go up against. More as I experiment later.

 

OT... got a gig opening up for Randy Brecker next month. His bassist at the moment is apparently Tony Levin.

Yee-Hah..... Maybe we can compare boomerangs.......

 

Sweet BIGGUS! Congrats!

Yeah, make sure you get detailed photos of him wearing harness.