Double Bass Tried out an NS EUB

[pbass2]

Had my first chance to try out an EUB today in GC of all places. It was an NS--don't recall the model exactly.
Anyhow, I felt pretty comfortable on it, etc. And, it was running through the same little Markbass 1X12 combo I use which was cool.
So, my feeling is, it sounded awesome, but more leaning towards a fretless BG than the idea I have in my head for what I'd hope my EUB would sound(I have played UB's before that were laying around the studio and whatnot, and I've recorded my fair share of them).
Anyhow, as cool as this NS sounded, I just kinda want more of a thud, more of a thump I guess. The "mwah" thing is very low on my list and this seemed to have mwah and sustain for days. I just want it for thumping along with the groove on my roots rock, singer-songwriter, chillout, etc. etc. productions.
So now that I have a EUB reference point, which models would you say fall more into the ballpark I'm after? Should I go the Baby Bass route after all for the thud? Is an Azola Bugbass more of a thumper than the NS? All two cents welcome!

 

[MacDaddyBass]

I have an NS CR5M and I somewhat agree with you about the lack of a thud, but really it just needs to be dialed in to get that thud. However, if that's what you're after I'd try the Azola, great instruments. The baby bass is probably your best bet for a good thud.

 

[pbass2]

Yeah, that's what I'm wondering. Maybe something Baby Bass-like is for me. The Ramirez Travel Mate looks intriguing and the price is right, but I've seen mixed reviews about his QC and customer service. A new Azola is outta my budget unfortunately.

 

[MacDaddyBass]

Mine also, that's why I settled for a used NS.

 

[endorka]

I think NS Design should make it more obvious what settings to use to get the "thump" you mention; it can be done, but it takes a bit of experimentation and is not necessarily intuitive. For example, on the WAV, you get the thump by playing pizzicato style with the mode switch set at "arco" rather than "pizz". "pizz" gives you the aforementioned fretless bass style "mwah" sound. On the higher end NS double basses, I believe the magnetic pickups also give you the "mwah".

It would seem that the proportion of settings that give you the best upright sound is actually quite small on these instruments, and consequently difficult to stumble across when trying the instrument in the shop, or indeed when you first buy one.

I think it would be to NS Design's advantage to label the functions of their basses more intuitively, e.g. "double bass/bass guitar" sound rather than "arco/pizz", and perhaps put some removable labels on their basses to reflect this.

Jennifer

 

[sidonbass]

Hi there
I have an Azola Bug Bass II that will be for sale soon. I researched EUB's alot and am very glad to have chosen the Azola. The thud you refer to is absolutely here. The cool part about these basses is depending on the way you play, and the eq settings or lets say "your touch" you can get the mwah or the thud. I have another azola coming soon and will need to let this one go. Let me know what info you need if interested and of course...pictures.
By the way...I too played the NS before I got the Azola and the big difference I found besides the sound was that the Azola was easier to play. The neck felt much more user friendly. The workmanship is superior also.

 

[daHammer]

I play an NS Bass Cello and an Eminence EUB. The Eminence will give you all the "thud" you desire. I love both instruments but the Eminence is the nearest sound to a full size acoustic bass (amplified, of course) that you're likely to encounter.

 

[glenfong]

sidonbass Hi there
I have an Azola Bug Bass II that will be for sale soon. I researched EUB's alot and am very glad to have chosen the Azola. The thud you refer to is absolutely here. The cool part about these basses is depending on the way you play, and the eq settings or lets say "your touch" you can get the mwah or the thud. I have another azola coming soon and will need to let this one go. Let me know what info you need if interested and of course...pictures.
By the way...I too played the NS before I got the Azola and the big difference I found besides the sound was that the Azola was easier to play. The neck felt much more user friendly. The workmanship is superior also.

sidonbass, which model Azola are you having made?

 

[sidonbass]

I am having a Lightning Bug hollow body made. Striped Ebony body and fingerboard. I need the portability.

 

[gurzil]

So, my feeling is, it sounded awesome, but more leaning towards a fretless BG than the idea I have in my head for what I'd hope my EUB would sound(I have played UB's before that were laying around the studio and whatnot, and I've recorded my fair share of them).
Anyhow, as cool as this NS sounded, I just kinda want more of a thud, more of a thump I guess. The "mwah" thing is very low on my list and this seemed to have mwah and sustain for days.

The strings matter a lot on the NS bass. Every time I try an NS in the store, I am reminded about the stock strings being sooo bass guitarish. I am using Permanents on mine, and they are wonderful for arco, and with and EQ pedal I am liking the pizz sound more as well.

If you have a chance to try an NS with different strings, jump at it.