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Upright Basses & EUB's:
Electric Upright Basses
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NXT 4 and 5 String Electric Upright Basses by NS Design |
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Manufactured by:
NS Design
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Choices starting at $1,195.00
(click on arrow next to Add To Cart button)
Shipping Cost: Starting at $0.00*
* Shipping cost assumes shipment to the Eastern Continental USA. You can temporarily add the product to your shopping cart to view actual shipping charges, or
Log in or create an account with a shipping address to automatically see shipping charges on each product page. We usually combine shipping costs for multiple item orders.
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Email To Friend!
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The latest shipment of NXT4 basses has arrived in the US, and they are being prepared for shipping. While we expect a decent number, most will be sent to those who have pre-ordered their bass. PREORDER NOW to ensure that you receive the color you want. We do not charge your card until we have a bass ready to ship, and you can cancel your preorder before we ship if that becomes necessary.
NXT5 basses are not expected to arrive in the US until mid-April or later. Preorder to reserve one. Again; we do not charge anyone until the bass is in hand and ready to ship. |
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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 that price point.
The WAV4 really turned the EUB market on its head. Who could have expected to see an NS Design bass for under $1000? It's been a roaring success, but supplies have been limited, and it will be sometime in 2010 before more WAV4 production reaches our shores.
Meanwhile, Ned Steinberger has been at work on Plan B. As you may already know, the NS Design Electric String Instruments have a long and noble history. The EU series came first, and they were initially made in the US and were quite expensive. The CR series were introduced as a more affordable version made in the Czech Republic. They got to be so good at it that they make the EU series now, too! Finally, the WAV4 were introduced at a remarkably low price, good quality instruments made in China to Ned Steinberger's strict quality standards. Now, the Czech shop is making a version of the WAV4 bass — the NXT Bass.
The NXT Bass is very much the same as the WAV4, but with some notable differences.
| Model |
NXT |
WAV4 |
| Made in |
Czech Republic |
China |
| Body Wood |
Maple |
Beech |
| Fingerboard Wood |
Ebony |
Black Rosewood |
| Finishes Available |
Amberburst, Black Satin |
Amberburst, Cherryburst, Piano Black |
| List Price |
$1595 |
$1195 |
| Our Price |
$1195 |
$895 |
Like the WAV4, the NXT is a full (3/4 size) scale four string instrument featuring NS Design's proprietary PolarTM piezo pickup system. The NXT Bass is available in either a transparent Amberburst or Black Satin finish. Each bass includes a collapsible tripod stand and a padded gig bag; it holds the bass, the stand, and also has a pocket for a bow.
The instruments have two differently-mounted transducers beneath the adjustable bridge for sound. There is a switch to toggle between them for bowing (arco) and plucking (pizzicato), because the strings vibrate differently under the bow than when plucked; each pickup in the "Polar Pickup" system is specialized for each task. To keep the price down, the system is passive, with just a single volume and tone control (Unlike the CR and EU basses, which have an active preamp built-in). 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 desired.
LEFT HANDED VERSIONS of the NXT bass can be special ordered for $150 over the prices shown. Contact us to make arrangements. Payment for special order basses must be made in advance; allow three months for this special order instrument.
 The stock strings are a light gauge steel that serve as a reasonably decent hybrid sort of sound, but the instrument responds well to - and can handle - most standard 3/4 size upright bass strings. I and others report good success with strings such as the Pirastro Obligatos (see related items, below), 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 - strings can be made of any material, as they do not have to have magnetic content. NS Design specifically designed the rear control cover with keyhole slots, which allow you to route the longer strings around the bottom of the bass and anchor them there.
The Endpin Stand, Strap System, ATA Rated flight case, and Tripod Stand for the CR/EU models (see below) are compatible with the NXT as well. We also have a lighter-weight hard case available which works well with this bass. However, the CR/EU Stand Conversion Kit, which enables the docking of the Endpin Stand to the CR/EU Tripod Stand, will not work with the WAV stand. See those optional accessories below.
A page with NXT 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: exact weight not specified yet
- SCALE LENGTH: 106 cm (41.73")
- STRINGS: 4
- CONSTRUCTION: Solid maple
- COLORS: Transparent Amberburst Satin or Black Satin.
- 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: 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.) Note: All basses come with the newest version stand with the redesigned head.
- 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
Comments from Mark, reproduced from our November 2009 newsletter:
The brand new NXT Electric Upright Bass from NS Design is really something! While on the surface it may seem that it's just a WAV4 bass with a higher price tag, a closer look reveals some key differences.
For one, the finishes are gorgeous; they're not glossy like the WAV, they're a matte finish, which is more like the high-end CR models. The black has a matte - rather than glossy - finish, it's super sharp. And the AmberBurst is nothing like the WAV's faux-flame; it's real wood with grain showing, and a traditional burst application (also with a very classy matte finish.)
What also strikes me is the acoustic resonance of the instrument - the construction is "tight" and the physical vibration throughout the entire instrument is quite apparent. This may also be wood choice; for the body and fingerboard, the NXT features maple and ebony, rather than the WAV4's poplar and black rosewood, respectively.
Plugged into the shop amp, an Acoustic Image Contra, it sounds quite good; it still needs some tone-shaping to get a more "real" URB sound, but it speaks well, even with the stock strings. Electronically, it looks like they're using better pots and switches on the NXT, too. I haven't opened up the cavity yet, but the switch is obviously different (bigger paddle, feels more substantial) and the knobs are different. The design, accessories, and stand are all essentially the same, so it's still compatible with the various stand and strap options, as well as the cool molded plastic case I found for the WAV4.
I still love my WAV4, but this new NXT bass is really slick, and I think the extra refinement is worth the difference in price. NS Design continues to impress. -- Mark
LIST PRICE:
$1595 - NS Designs NXT Electric Upright Bass
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Choices starting at $1,195.00
(click on arrow next to Add To Cart button)
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