NS Design CR4T Traditional Electric Upright Bass
The new “traditional” version of the NS Double Bass is set up to satisfy the needs of the experienced upright bassist. Acoustic Helicore Hybrid™ strings by D’Addario, specially designed for NS basses, are standard on both 4 and 5 string CRT models. These deliver a classic upright tone, warm and percussive, with a great response to the bow. The bridge is raised to lift the strings above the fingerboard for action typical of the acoustic upright. Higher string tension and action make it possible to “dig in” like on an acoustic, with reserves of rich sound that can be eased back for a traditional tone, or brought forward for exciting new sounds.
Standard 106 cm acoustic upright scale length is employed to insure that fingering and string tension will be very close to conventional instruments. The neck shape is traditional, except that the small body allows unrestricted access to the upper register of the fingerboard. A small brass button on the back of the neck provides a tactile reference for the traditional “D neck” position. Optional dot markers provide a subtle but effective intonation reference.
The exclusive Polar™ pickup has 2 modes of operation, “arco” and “pizzicato,” that may be blended together. When blended equally (balance control centered) the response is similar to an acoustic upright. The arco mode enhances sensitivity to the bow, and the plucked response is extraordinarily percussive. In the pizz. mode the percussive attack is reduced for a smooth sustained response. Bass and Treble EQ controls, in combination with the Polar pickup options, provide tremendous tonal range.
An End Pin Stand is standard equipment with the CRT series. The fully adjustable mono-pod design allows the player to set the instrument in a position like that of an acoustic double bass. The point where the end pin touches the floor can be easily adjusted so that the weight of the instrument is centered over the tip. This balances the instrument leaving both hands free for expressive play. As with all NS Bass models, a Tripod stand and Strap system are available.
