CLASSIC UPRIGHT TONE & PERFORMANCE

This "traditional" version of the NS CR Series 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 Double Basses, are standard on both the 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 an action typical of an acoustic upright. Higher string tension and action make it possible to "dig in" as one would on an acoustic, with reserves of rich sound that can be eased back for a traditional tone, or brought forward for exciting new sounds.

A standard 106cm acoustic upright scale length is employed to ensure 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. 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 (with the balance control centered) the response is similar to an acoustic upright. The arco mode enhances sensitivity to the bow, whilst the plucked response is extraordinarily percussive. In the pizzicato 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. In conjunction with the NS End Pin Stand Conversion Kit, the End Pin Stand can be "parked" on the NS Tripod Stand to hold the instrument upright for on-stand performance or when not in use. In addition, the NS Frame Strap and Boomerang Systems are available, offering full on-stage mobility.

Maple Body & Neck

The body and neck of the CR Series Double Bass are crafted from solid rock maple, with a flame maple face. The neck has a traditional upright profile, but with extended access to the upper register of the fingerboard. The solid-body design enhances sustain and clarity and is resistant to the adverse effects of temperature change and humidity.

Ebony Fingerboard

The seasoned ebony fingerboard is hand graduated to ensure that each note is even and buzz free.  Fingering & intonation are referenced with cascading dot makers. An adjustable truss rod allows positive relief to provide optimal action.

Polar™ Pickup System

The Polar™ directional piezo pickup system responds selectively to either lateral string vibration (for arco, dynamic bowing and a percussive plucked sound) or vertical string vibration (for the sustained plucked/pizzicato sound). A balance control allows the player to set the level of each mode as desired.

Accessories

Endpin Stand
Offers full freedom of movement. Height, tilt and "right bout" angle are fully adjustable providing a more conventional feel. Weight 2.3kg (5lbs).

Padded Gig Gag
Padded tube with handle and shoulder strap, 137 cm (54") long; 18cm (7") in diameter. Loaded weight is 8.2kg (18lbs), including stand.Fits in the overhead luggage compartment of most commercial aircraft.

Optional Extras

Boomerang Strap System
Provides full mobility and the freedom to play in virtually any position, with instant adjustment for bow and pizzicato technique, without stress and fatigue.

Adjustable Tripod Stand
Heavy duty steel construction; Full height and tilt adjustments allow the player to select the ideal position, seated or standing.

End Pin Conversion Kit
Converts NS Tripod Stand into a support for the End Pin Stand.

Frame Strap System
A light frame structure supported by a single guitar style strap extending over the left shoulder. This holds the bass in the correct positions for both pizz and arco styles and offers full mobility and amazing comfort.

Flight Case
Aluminium edged plywood, 145cm (57") long; 25cm (10") wide; 25cm (10") high. Loaded weight is 22kg (48lbs), including stand.

The NS Design Polar™ Pickup System

THE POLAR™ PICKUP SYSTEM allows the player to select the direction of response to control attack, sustain, and bow response characteristics. The result is an exciting new dimension in string instrument performance, featuring:

• Powerful dynamics
• Rich, full sound
• High sensitivity to the bow
• Sustained pizzicato
• Extended versatility

As a player, you may not think about the direction your strings are vibrating, or even be aware that string vibrations on a musical instrument are polarized in relation to the fingerboard and the motion of the plectrum and bow. Yet direction is one of the most significant factors influencing the tone and response of a stringed instrument. In fact, instruments from the violin family are different from the lute or guitar in large part due to the effects of string polarization.

The bow drives the string back and forth in the direction of the bow, while at the same time it suppresses the up and down vibration. You can see this effect with the naked eye by watching the wide excursion of the lowest strings when bowed. From the front, you can see a wide lateral pattern of string vibration, but looking from the side you can see almost no pattern at all. Instruments in the violin family have a tall bridge in combination with an asymmetrical support structure of bass bar and sound post that efficiently translate the sideways motion of the bowed string into sound.

The Polar pickup responds with a high degree of lateral sensitivity and vertical rejection that is tailored to mirror the polarity of the bowed string. The result is a remarkably dynamic, rich tone that responds effortlessly to the bow.

The Polar pickup takes this concept one step further, and is able to switch from lateral to vertical sensitivity, which is ideal for pizzicato. Unlike the violin, a flattop guitar or lute respond in the vertical direction, to minimize the plucked attack and store energy for longer sustain. With the touch of a finger, the polar pickup can switch from lateral to vertical mode. In the vertical mode the attack is controlled for a sustained, singing pizzicato response. The lateral mode has the opposite effect, and the plucked response is extraordinarily percussive, like a traditional bowed instrument, only more so. This dual capacity allows the player to control attack and decay, adding new expressive potential to the violin family of instruments.

All NS Design instruments are equipped with the dual-mode Polar Pickup System.

On EU and CR Series instruments, active bass and treble EQ controls combine with the Polar pickup options to provide tremendous tonal range. Additional magnetic pickups, switching and associated pre-amp circuitry vary from model to model.