NS Design CR5 Omni Bass

List Price:  €4,066.20UK Price:  €3,703.85 - Inc. 20% VATSave:  €362.35 (9%)Worldwide:  €3,086.55
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NS Design Frame Strap SystemNS Design Frame Strap System
NS Design CR Tripod StandNS Design CR Tripod Stand
NS Design Bass BowNS Design Bass Bow
NS Design Custom Flight CaseNS Design Custom Flight Case

Designed for the bass guitarist looking for upright bass performance characteristics, as well as for upright bassist looking for a more portable performance partner, the Omni Bass is a radical new electric bass that smashes conventional barriers, combining the tonal purity of the acoustic upright with the awesome power of a full-blown electric, resulting in the most versatile bass on the market today.

All CR Series Omni Bass models - 4 and 5 string, fretless and fretted - feature the familiar 34" bass guitar scale and use identical fingering to that of the conventional bass guitar, making them uniquely attractive to electric bass players seeking an authentic sounding "crossover" instrument that bridges the gap between electric and upright bass. The Omni Bass also calls to upright bassists and intrepid cellists who require a more portable, electric alternative and who seek to expand their expressive range and discover dynamic new plucked and bowed sounds.

From punchy, percussive attack to smooth, singing sustain, the NS Polar™ piezo pickup is the only system that allows the bassist to control the attack and decay of the plucked string. EMG magnetic pickups add classic electric sounds. The on-board pre-amp, EQ, and mixer allow the player full control of this wide tonal palette right from the instrument.

The Omni Bass responds to the bow with a natural and expressive voice, combining powerful bass resonance with brilliant harmonics. The strings are easily driven on both fretted and fretless models, making it possible for bassists with little bowing experience to add this beautiful dimension to their music.

Deep, resonant bass response is the essence of this remarkable new instrument. Whether plucked or bowed, the Omni Bass delivers pure, exciting acoustic and electric bass sounds that can be tailored to compliment virtually any musical style or gig.

34" Scale


The 34" scale length of the Omni Bass is the same as standard electric bass. Tuned in fourths (E-A-D-G for the 4 string Omni Bass or B-E-A-D-G or E-A-D-G-C for the 5 string model), the fingering positions and spacing are identical to the bass guitar, and therefore immediately familiar to any bass player.

The Omni Bass can also be tuned in fifths (C-G-D-A / C-G-D-A-E) for fingerings that are more natural for the cellist seeking enhanced bass range.

Hand Crafted Maple & Ebony


Each instrument is hand-made in the Czech Republic to the highest standard by craftsmen steeped in a long tradition of instrument making.

The Omni bass sports a solid rock maple neck and body with a flame maple face, finished with a traditional amber stain and a clear, semi-gloss polymer coating. 

Custom finish options for the CR Omni Bass include a Slate Grey Finish and a choice of exotic wood tops : Quilted Maple, Poplar Burl or Zebrawood.

Please CONTACT The Bass Centre for all NS Design custom options, prices and availability.

TransRadius™ Fingerboard


All fretless Omni Bass models now feature the hand graduated TransRadius™ fingerboard which employs a unique compound curve to provide the comfort and ease of a nearly-flat profile as the fingerboard approaches the nut, while transitioning to a curvature optimized for either plucked or bowed performance at the bridge. 

For a left-hand feel which is familiar to an experienced bass guitarist, the radius at the nut is 9.25" whilst,  at the end of the fingerboard near the bridge, the radius is just 2" - large enough to maintain good string-to-string articulation with the bow, yet still comfortable for pizzicato (plucked/picked) style. The transition from nut to bridge features a carefully calibrated asymmetric convex curvature, providing optimal fingerboard relief at each position. For even greater control, players can adjust the truss rod to tailor the neck relief to their particular needs.

The result is a remarkably comfortable, even feel for every style of performance. Bass guitarists will find the Omni Bass even more inviting than ever as a "cross-over" instrument whilst traditional upright players will find the TransRadius design familiar since many upright basses are designed with some degree of compound fingerboard curvature.

Cascading Position Markers


Dots for each semi-tone cascade across the fingerboard, a unique configuration that provides a clear visual fingering reference. The logical dot pattern is of critical value to the novice player, and an invaluable reference guide for the seasoned pro.

Fretted Omni Bass variants sport conventional bass guitar style dot markers.

Polar™ Pickup System


The bridge mounted Polar™ directional piezo pickup 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).

The multiple sensor system has two modes of operation : "arco" and "pizzicato". This allows the player to optimize bowed response, and to control attack and decay characteristics for plucking. The deep bass and brilliant highs possible with piezo crystal technology give the instrument a beautiful, dynamic, and versatile sound. (Note: For bowing, it is best to use the bridge pickup only in arco mode).

EMG™ Magnetic Pickups


Custom designed EMG low impedance magnetic pickups have a smooth response with lots of sweet midrange for the quintessential "electric" tone. Their relatively flat frequency response allows the natural sound of the instrument to project through. Each pickup is individually adjustable and internally shielded an internal preamp system for hum free performance.

Active Controls


Twin balance controls allow unlimited mixing options for the magnetic and dual mode Polar Pickup systems. The on-board pre-amplification provides a mono output signal with master volume, bass and treble EQ controls. An 18 volt power supply ensures plenty of headroom for full dynamics.

CONTROLS : (top to bottom)

  • Volume
  • Balance - counterclockwise for magnetic pickup, clockwise for Polar bridge pickup, center for both
  • Balance - counterclockwise for optimal pizzicato (plucked, sustained) sound, clockwise for optimal arco (bowed and percussive plucked) sound, center for both
  • Treble - boost and cut
  • Bass - boost and cut

Note: For bowing, it is recommended to use the bridge pickup only in arco mode.

Interchangeable Support Systems


The Boomerang Strap System is standard with the NS Omni Bass. Two articulated arms and a pivoting hub allow full mobility on stage or in studio. The comfortable Boomerang strap fits over the shoulder just like a guitar, but the adjustable arms allow the instrument to be placed in virtually any position in relation to the hands and body. The Boomerang Strap System allows full mobility for either bowing or plucking.

An alternative Frame Strap System is also available. This light frame structure is supported by a single guitar style strap extending over the left shoulder which holds the bass in the correct positions for both pizzicato and arco styles and offers full mobility and amazing comfort.

The optional, self-standing CR Tripod Stand provides stable fixed support for the instrument. Virtually any angle can be set whether you prefer standing or sitting. A matching black finish provides a sleek compliment to the instrument.

The optional NS Design Bass End Pin Stand provides a more traditional upright bass feel. It too is easily adjustable so that the instrument remains evenly balanced without support and - with the addition of the NS Bass End Pin Conversion Kit - can be "parked" on the NS CR Tripod Stand, holding the instrument upright for on-stand performance or secured when not in use.

NS Omni Bass Strings by D'Addario™


The Omni Bass is equipped with a dedicated string set developed in collaboration with industry leaders D'Addario

Featuring a stranded steel core with stainless steel and tungsten windings, these precision polished, low-tension flatwound strings are effortless to play and uniquely responsive, producing singing highs and a deep low register with greatly minimized finger noise.

The bright pizzicato growl provides an authentic traditional acoustic tone, yet these strings deliver plenty of sustain and drive when you need it. They also respond much quicker to the bow than traditional bass strings, so an expressive bowing technique is easier to develop and maintain. 

The Omni Bass is also designed to accommodate any standard long scale bass guitar strings, adding unlimited set up options for musicians who want to explore & create their own unique sound.

Transport


A padded gig bag is included as a standard accessory with the NS Omni Bass. It includes a stand compartment, bow compartment, accessory pocket, handle and adjustable strap. Loaded weight is 6kg (15.2lbs) including stand, and it will fit in the overhead luggage bin of most commercial aircraft.

An optional Flight Case is also available, constructed from aluminum edged plywood and measuring 145cm x 25cm x 25cm (57" x 10" x 10") with loaded weight of approximately 18kg (40lbs) including stand.

  << NS Design CR Series Omni Bass User Manual

NS Design CR Series CR5 5-String Omni Bass

 Construction  Solid rock maple neck and body, flame maple face
 Finish  Traditional amber stain with clear semi-gloss polymer coating
 Fingerboard  Ebony, 27.5" long, radius 2"
 Bridge  Phenolic, overall string spacing 2.75 ", radius 2.2"
 Nut  Ebony, overall string spacing 1.31" , radius 2 inches
 Bridge Pickup  NS Polar™ directional piezo pick-up system
 Magnetic Pickup  Low impedance EMG™ magnetic pick-up system, with individually adjustable coils
 and low-noise, hum-canceling pre-amp
 Electronics  18 volt active circuit by HAZ Laboratories. Mono output.
 Controls  Volume / Magnetic-Polar Pickup Blend / Polar Pickup Balance (between pizzicato/arco modes),
 Treble Cut & Boost / Bass Cut & Boost
 Truss Rod  Double rod design, accessible at nut
 Tuning Machines  Schaller 20:1 ratio, fully encased worm gear tuners; black finish
 Length  113cm (44.5")
 Width  15cm (6")
 Thickness  10cm (4")
 Weight  7.2lbs
 Scale Length  34"
 Strings  NS Design/D'Addario Flatwound, Medium tension, Stranded Steel Core (NS710 + Low B or High C)
 Strap  NS Boomerang™ Strap System
 Gig Bag  Padded gig bag with integrated bow pocket, handle, back-pack style strap and
 external pockets for stands and accessories

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