• 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 String spacing on NS EUB 4 strings

scootsmason

scootsmason

Apr 7, 2013
88
78
#1
Does anyone know the string spacing of an NS Design Wav 4 or a NXT4a EUB at the bridge, specifically between the center of the E string and center of the A string? I own an NS Nxt5a and the strings are considerably closer together than on my acoustic 3/4 upright. I'm really looking to find something in an EUB that is closer to feeling authentic. It just feels like my NS 5 string jams me up. Thanks!
 
#2
Asking out of ignorance here, as I own a 5-string NS Omni Bass but not an upright, but... Could the radius also be a factor? I've been meaning to measure the radius of an upright bass or even a cello for quite some time now. On my instrument the strings are closely spaced and the radius seems rather shallow, but no so much that arco is impossible.

But even before your post I've wondered whether the spacing, radius, or both are tighter than on a double bass.
 
#3
You got me curious, so I checked the measurements of my NS CR-5M EUB against the Estle Louis that's in the office. Both measurements are as you mentioned; center of E string to center of A string

Estle-Louis 4 - 17/16"
NS CR-5M - 15/16"

I'm not sure what DB you have, but I can't imagine the NS is that far off? I don't notice a difference between swapping them, unless I go to the Omni Bass that I have.
 
#4
Jon Moody said:
You got me curious, so I checked the measurements of my NS CR-5M EUB against the Estle Louis that's in the office. Both measurements are as you mentioned; center of E string to center of A string

Estle-Louis 4 - 17/16"
NS CR-5M - 15/16"

I'm not sure what DB you have, but I can't imagine the NS is that far off? I don't notice a difference between swapping them, unless I go to the Omni Bass that I have.
Click to expand...
Thanks! My double bass is 17/16" like yours but my nsd nxt5a is 14/16"
 
#6
Reg Braithwaite said:
How does the spacing compare to that of the Omni Bass? Are there any other factors that make the Omni Bass more of a switch?
Click to expand...

I just checked. The NXTa 5 string Omni Bass is 12/16" spacing, in addition to the 34" scale length (over the 42" on the EUB). It's a decent switch between, but I've been playing all sorts of different scale basses for a while now, I don't really notice it that much anymore.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Reg Braithwaite
#9
Adam... since you work at NS Designs, an interesting question would be to measure the string spacing on each of these models - but do so where your fingers actually pluck the strings.

So, on the regular basses, pretty much the end of the fingerboard.
On the Omnibasses, about halfway between the end of the fingerboard and bridge.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back