NDH

I have an NS NXT4 which I've used for a couple of years+ without a preamp, with a Markbass 12inch combo [I think it's a Mini 121].I've usually been happy with the sound - no problem with volume, bags of extra if needed, but occasionally a room makes it difficult to reduce a hollowness in the sound that I don't like. Gain needs to be a tad more than I use with my BG, with volume about the same. No drums in this band though, and its possible you may need a bit more umph for the low 5th, although I've never found this with BG. I've often thought about a Fishman which, from what I've read, will tighten the sound and give you more control, but have always decided against on the grounds of clutter. We like to travel as light as possible- the fewer plugs and leads and things to fiddle with the better. Perhaps I'm getting a bit old!

I have also had an NXT 4, which is the same as the WAV, for about 18 months. I use it mainly with a three piece in small venues - no drums. I have it strung with Obligatos, as is my DB. I go straight into my Markbass mini 12inch combo and, with tweaking for the venue, I generally get a sound a I like very much. It's not a DB sound, but it is popular. I get more compliments about the sound than I ever do with EB, and the band prefer it - my DB playing isn't good enough for compliments of any sort! I use a Bassmax straight into the same amp for DB but have had more difficulty getting a sound I enjoy - partly my rough technique. The NXT is versatile, easy to transport, and provides an enjoyable playing experience. Nigel

[quote name='ficelles' post='1170241' date='Mar 21 2011, 12:16 AM']Interested in this, are you wrapping the Obligatos round the end of the NXT and anchoring in the backplate? I've considered this (as the WAV also has the alternate full-length anchoring) but am worried about damage to the finish at the wraparound point and stress on those lightweight machine heads... ficelles[/quote] Yes, I wrap the strings around the bottom of the bass [see pic]. I cut the strings so that they fit neatly into the head. This means you couldn't reuse them for a DB, but makes fitting on the NXT alot easier. [attachment=75345:nxtback.jpg][attachment=75346:nxttop.jpg]

I spent a couple of weeks practising bowing on my NXT, which is same design as the WAV, when I was between DBs. The feel is very different but the bow works fine even with the very low action. I found it useful to work on specific issues but was glad to get back to the DB. I used it very gently amplified and I have full DB strings [Obligatos] on the NXT. I have bowed the NXT for just one number at a gig, when we were supporting a choir! I had lots of comments on the rich sound and how well it supported the voices. I will certainly try it again. Hope his helps a bit. Nigel

The Hidersine all weather was the first rosin I bought - back in November - becaused it was cheap! I too was a bit taken aback at its bonefire toffee nature, as the stuff I had borrowed from my teacher was quite gloopy. However, rub it on and it works fine, just a bit dusty. My teacher said it was OK and I used it until a couple of weeks ago when I got some Nymans, on recommendation from this forum. This has a satisfyingly giving nature and I will use it rather than the Hidershine, but I was most annoyed to find that it didn't make me play any better. Nigel

I use Oligatos on my NS NXTand I like the feel and sound very much. Plenty enough suistain for me and a richer sound than the originals. I have also put these on my DB which I bow a lot more than the NS - they work fine. Nigel

I've had my DB about a month now and have been having classical lessons since October. I have a tiny white paper marker on the far side of the board at third position [C on the G string]. I have found this is just enough to help me play more fluently with the bow in 3rd position, and that my bowing has become much more confident. My teacher is OK with this and says that she sometimes marks a number of positions for students. I guess there will come a time when the marker will have to go and I will have to invest time in learning to cope, but by then I should have fewer other issues to worry about. I was at band practice last night using my EUB, which I hadn't touched for a week, and found I was constantly having to make adjustments for tuning in the first half an hour, and to look at the board a lot more than I would with DB. Possible because I stand for EUB but sit for DB, possible because the EUB parts are quite a bit more complex. Have a good time with the new beast. Nigel

I've just got a gig bag with wheels and it works great - thinking of having a tow bar fixed to the car. Nigel

As a recent starter on DB, I agree with Bilbo; get a bass and start playing. I had a beast of a hire bass that nonetheless got me going. The awfulness of the hire bass pushed me to go for a new bass as there was nothing second hand I wanted to look at within 250 miles of where I live. I decided on a Zeller eventually and bought the 1408 model from a local supplier - not specialists but with a technician who was able to guarantee a basic setup. I think this bass is similar to the Zeller model on the Omega website - but bass only. This bass looks a horrible orange colour on the site photo, but is actually a quite pleasant subdued lightish brown, I've only managed two decent sessions with the bass so far but first impressions are favourable; I have been able to replicate a number of walking lines I use on my EUB, and the bowed sound is much improved with the Obligato strings I have used. I'm happy that, after three weeks bowing on the EUB, I can wrestle with a real bass again and think that I have made the right decision to go for one of the recognised starter instruments just to get playing. The other bass I seriously considered was the Thomann 33 you mention. The reason I didn't go for this was that my teacher told me that local luthiers were very busy at present and there would likely be a wait to get it set up. Wouldn't surprise me if the Zeller and Thomann were made in the same Romanian factory. Good luck with your choosing. Nigel

I've had one on these for about four months. Best bass move I've made. I use it with a four piece standards band, no drums, and the sound attracts more positive comment than I've had in 20 years of playing bass guitar. It's a delight to play and easy enough to convert your bg lines with a bit of adjustment to avoid higher postitions. I changed the strings for a DB set which sound a bit better and feel much better, but I don't think this is necessary. Be careful though, my next move was to proper double bass and this is deep into the Bermuda Triangle with dodgy GPS. Nigel

Thanks again for posting this. I've found this thread and the one about bowing very encouraging and useful. However, as my bowing gets better I can just hear more clearly how much work I need to do on intonation! I am interested to hear that you have used Simandl - my teacher hasn't mentioned it, but I found that using the quite long exercises in half and first position really helped to reduce the horrible scrapes and squeaks I was making with the bow. I collect the new bass at the end of the week - mildy excited. Nigel

Hi Mike, thanks for posting this - makes me feel better about my struggle to make a good sound with the DB. I play electric bass in a functions band and EUB in a 4 piece [standards, 50's R&B]. I'm on my 5th classical DB lesson using a hired instrument. This bass has huge action which I am now getting used to, but I am looking forward to getting my own instrument and having the set up seen to. My teacher is very good and will gently remind me about arm poisition, thumb poisition, finger position and my drooping bow, and be very positive if I actually play a phrase correctly. I have found myself struggling over scales that I have been able to play for years. I've been encouraged however, to find that focussed practice really does work and things are geting a bit more conforatble. Arm ache [lieft elbow mostly] tired hands, a bit of back ache all now OK. I got over using the third finger quite quickly, although I use it lots on the bass guitar. My main target at the moment is to keep my thumb in the right position opposite the second finger. My main irritation is the poor tone I get when I'm concentrating on other things, such as thumb position. This is all down to bow technigue I think. I was interested that you have bought a stool. I use a kitchen stool having been told that classical players all sit down; I find it quite comfortable but had wondered about getting the real thing. Good luck with your venture and I'd be interested to hear how you are getting on after a few more lessons. Nigel