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Upright Bases & EUB's:
Electric Upright Basses
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WAV 4 Electric Upright Bass by NS Design |
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Manufactured by:
NS Design
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The WAV4 Bass has been extremely popular, and as a result all three colors are temporarily out of stock at Gollihur Music (and at every other retailer that we know of). This is a unusual - we have most every item in stock at all times.
We have many basses on order, and we've been told that the availability has been delayed even further. NS Design now states that their shipment of basses is expected to be at the end of June. Anyone who says they'll get them sooner is misinformed.
To ensure that you can get a WAV4 when they do arrive, we strongly recommend putting one on order. Because of the bass' popularity, they won't last long once they come in. If you pre-order your bass here, you can rest assured that your credit card is not charged until the item is in stock and available to ship. Also, if the wait from order date to availability date is more than one month, we will contact you prior to executing your preorder. |
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When NS Design introduced the WAV4 I was really shocked at the price, I expected it to come in at around $1200. I don't think there is anything in its class at this price point. They've taken the popular design of the CR/EU basses and had them constructed in China using strict quality controls implemented by NS Design, and the basses are then reinspected by NS Design staff when they are received in the states.
The well known and respected Ned Steinberger, designer of the WAV Series (and countless other instruments over the years), commented: "This is the part I love, where we can put a fine instrument in a players' hands at a price that makes them smile."
The first instrument in the WAV series is a full (3/4 size) scale four string instrument featuring NS Design's proprietary PolarTM piezo pickup system. The WAV 4 Bass is available in a choice of three finishes, a transparent Amberburst or Red, and piano black. Each bass includes a foldable tripod stand and a padded gig bag that will hold the bass, the stand, and also has a pocket for a bow.
The instruments have two transducers beneath the adjustable bridge, and a switch to toggle between them for bowing (arco) and plucking (pizzicato), because the strings vibrate differently under the bow than when plucked. Unlike the CR and EU basses, to keep the price down the system is passive, with just a single volume and tone control. I recommend you consider a suitable outboard preamp or be conscious of the fact that, like any instrument with a passive piezo-based pickup, some EQ work will be a good idea to shape the tone to your preference.
This is a true electric upright bass, not a fretless bass guitar that you play vertically. The fingerboard is curved, so it can be bowed. While there is a truss rod, there is relief in the fingerboard for typical upright bass style play; if you want very close action for fretless bass guitar style mwah up and down the board, additional fingerboard work may be needed.
The stock strings are a light gauge steel that serve as a reasonably decent hybrid sort of sound, but the instrument responds well and can handle most standard 3/4 size upright bass strings. I and others report good success with strings such as the Pirastro Obligatos, which are a popular, heavier gauge upright bass string that delivers a more traditional sound, with less sustain and more body than the stock strings. Keep in mind, however, that the tuning machines are similar to bass guitar tuners, so very heavy gauge strings (like the Eurosonics) typically cannot be accommodated. However, since the pickups are piezo-based, which sense vibration, most any 3/4 size upright bass string can be a candidate. They designed the rear control cover that allows you route the excess string around the bottom of the bass and anchor them in keyholes.
The Endpin Stand, Strap System, and Tripod Stand for the CR/EU models (see below) are compatible with the WAV4 as well. However, the CR/EU Stand Conversion Kit, which enables the docking of the Endpin Stand to the CR/EU Tripod Stand, will not work the the WAV stand.
A page with WAV4 comments from Bob, such as what to expect and how to get the best results from it, is included with each bass.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- LENGTH: 132 cm (52")
- WEIGHT: 4.8 kg (10.5 lbs.)
- SCALE LENGTH: 106 cm (41.73")
- STRINGS: 4
- CONSTRUCTION: Solid beech wood neck and body, flame maple face veneer
- FINISH: Gloss polymer
- COLORS: beautiful shaded Amberburst, Transparent Red, or Piano Black. The Amberburst and Trans Red show off the figured maple veneer tops, and the Solid Black presents a very clean and professional "black on black" look.
- FINGERBOARD: Ebony; 43.1mm (1.7") wide at nut; 89.0mm (3.5") max. width
- BRIDGE: Rock maple (dyed black); radius 7.9cm (3.1") string spacing 80 mm (3.14")
- NUT: Macassar Ebony; radius 7.9cm (3.1"); string spacing 31mm (1.22")
- POLAR™ PICKUP SYSTEM: The directional piezo pick-up system responds selectively to either vertical vibration (for the sustained plucked sound, like an electric bass guitar), or lateral vibration (for dynamic bowing, and a percussive plucked sound)
- ELECTRONICS: passive volume and tone control
- TRUSS ROD: Powerful rod design provides positive relief adjustment, accessible at nut. See text above outlining range, it cannot completely flatten the board.
- TUNING MACHINES: Fully encased worm gear tuners; black finish
- STRINGS: Light tension flatwound steel strings are standard. Accommodates all NS length strings and most long scale acoustic double bass strings.
- TRIPOD STAND: (standard) Black steel, fully adjustable, standing tripod design. Weight 3.2 kg (7 lbs.)
- END PIN STAND: (optional) Offers full freedom of movement. Height, tilt and "right bout" angle are fully adjustable providing a more conventional feel. Weight 2.3 kg (5 lbs)
- SHOULDER STRAP SYSTEM: (optional) guitar style shoulder strap for full mobility
- GIG BAG: (standard) Padded gig bag with integrated bow pocket, handle and backpack style strap. External pockets for stands and accessories
FLIGHT CASE: (optional) Aluminum edged plywood
LIST PRICE:
$1195 - NS Designs WAV4 Electric Upright Bass
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Additional Photos of this Product
Simply "mouse over" the small thumbnail image to see the full-sized version.
FAQs Associated With This Product
PREAMPS: Do You NEED a Preamp with Your URB Pickup?
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Eminence Electric Upright Bass
I still gravitate to an instrument that feels familiar to my hands and ears, and the Eminence bass really fits the bill. Available in 4 and 5 string versions, with either a fixed or removable neck...
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NS Design CR4M & CR5M Electric Upright Bass
This beautifully designed bass is crafted in the Czech Republic, and features a full-scale fingerboard with adjustable relief to suit varying players' preferences. Available in 4 and 5 String versions...
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NS Design Bass Cello Electric Upright Basses: 4 and 5 string, and Fretted Versions
The Bass Cello from NS Designs is uniquely attractive to players who play mostly electric bass and want a "crossover" instrument. Now available in both 4 and 5-string versions, and new 5-String FRETTED...
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Flight Case for NS Design Basses and Bass Cello
For the frequent NS Design bass players/flyers in the group, this flight case is a necessity for keeping your axe in one playable piece...
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Endpin Stand (and accessories) for NS Design Basses
Endpin - lets you use a more traditional type of playing position than a tripod; has a hip bout and an optional add-on for the stock stand to make the tripod a storage stand...
From $52.00
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Tripod Stand for NS Design Basses
Tripod Stand - standard equipment with the EU and CR basses, and an upgrade for the WAV4...
$188.00
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Strap System for NS Design Basses
With the Strap System to you can achieve full mobility with amazing comfort. For the NS Design basses and BassCello...
$156.00
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String Set for NS Design Basses - NS4FL, NS5FL
Original Equipment on the NS Design basses, they're designed for the shorter length of the WAV4, CR4M and CR5M basses...
From $58.00
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String Set (OEM) for NS Design WAV4 Bass
Original Equipment on the NS Design WAV4 basses, they're designed for the shorter string length of the WAV4 and CR4 basses...
$40.00
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Here is what some of our customers think about this product:
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Bob & Mark,
Wow! I am always amazed at how quickly I receive orders placed with your company. My Wav 4 arrived today. I am thrilled. I changed out the strings to Obligatos, and raised the bridge. This thing is great! While it doesn't sound exactly like my Englehardt, I love the sound of it. I've really come to trust your recommendations and it is a joy to deal with both of you.
Thanks again!
—Alan T
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Mark/ Bob,
Just dropping you a line to express my complete satisfaction with the NS Design WAV 4 bass - and your superb service. The treatment I got from you guys puts all those mega-huge etailers to shame. Great, timely responses on my emailed questions, and once I finally placed my order you got it out to me at lightning speed.
—Dan B
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Dear Gollihur and Son,
I've been gigging with the WAV 4 you sold me for about 2 months now. 1 month ago, I restrung it with Pirastro Obligatos, also purchased from you. All in all, probably the smartest $1,000 I've ever spent. This thing is really a monster, tonewise. My initial approach was to try to make it sound as much like an acoustic upright as possible (hence the Obligatos.) But as I started closing in on that, it began to dawn on me that the WAV 4 is a totally different animal, sort of a "third way" for bassists. So now I've developed a hybrid tone (or, more accurately, tones - this thing is really versatile) that fuses a foundation of a more traditional upright sound with qualities that can be attained with an electric instrument. One tonal configuration I find particularly beguiling is adding just a whisper of compression, chorus and "room" (reverb) - so subtle that you wouldn't really notice it unless it was taken away. It's very thick and lyrical, but with crystalline definition and, of course, volume is no problem with the WAV 4 (I've played it for 2 hours with a drummer, electric guitar, acoustic 12 string and electric violin - the WAV stayed in the mix beautifully, and I wasn't the least bit fatigued at the end of the night.)
So, thanks again for a bass n' strings combo that has actually changed my life.
—Dan B
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Mark, Bob ;
I recieved my WAV 4 bass on 10/4, set it up and played, in 10 min I was in
Love...........
Thanks for all your help really enjoyed doing business with you, and would
again in a snap.
—Nick S
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Thank you Bob. We waited nearly two months for "brand X" to deliver my sons WAV 4 before I finally cancelled and ordered from you. You did it in 4 days. We love it and he's now got enough time to get comfortable with it prior to his performance next Friday. We really appreciate your prompt personal service. You are our new official supplier of bass supplies!
—Greg O
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My WAV 4 arrived in perfect condition. Thanks for the nice, no- hassles, easy shopping experience from such a small place. I'll certainly be buying accessories from you guys!
—Josh F
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Dear Bob, on Oct 22nd, 2007 I ordered an NS WAV4 Bass from your website. I was thrilled when 2 days later I was learning my way around my new instrument. What a great experience - my compliments to you and your operation. The information you included with the bass was very insightful and helpful. Thank you.
—Ben L
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Dear bob, I just recived the WAV, and it was pure heaven. The sound, the tone, it's so rich and full. It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Thank you for selling a reasonably priced instrument, and speedy one too!
—Leonardo N
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