Available in 4 and 5 string configurations (with left handed variants available to special order) these instruments are produced in the Czech Republic by the same team responsible for the flagship EU and CR Series, delivering their renowned world-class design and flawless craftsmanship at a more affordable price point. With a visual appearance as striking as its sound, the roadworthy NXTa design is an exciting and reliable partner for the most demanding performance career.
Sporting a full double bass scale length, the NXTa Double Bass features a solid maple body and neck with a graduated ebony fingerboard for a rich, full tone that rings true for every note. Asymmetrical fingerboard relief facilitates an even 'growl' from the higher strings and a clear, powerful lower register. The adjustable bridge and truss rod allow for low, fast action, or for higher string settings that encourage the traditional acoustic player to 'dig in' with gusto.
This ingenious propriety technology combines two separate bridge mounted transducers, giving pizzicato and arco techniques almost unlimited expressive potential. With each pickup specialized for a specific task, a convenient toggle switch gives you the choice to select a traditional arco mode for percussive attack and a dynamic bowed response, or the pizzicato mode for a smooth, sustained tone.
All NXTa series instruments feature battery-free, high performance active electronics with new capacitor-powered custom circuitry designed by Mi-Si™ Electronics Design, taking convenience, versatility and performance capability to an even higher level.
Active ModeUsing the supplied charger, the NXTa connects into any AC outlet for 60 seconds, powering the capacitor powered active circuit for up to 16 hours of performance time. The instrument can then be plugged straight into any low or high impedance device, no direct box necessary.
Since there is no signal loss over the full frequency spectrum of the instrument, the fundamentals of every note remain clear and strong, even with extra-long cables.
Passive ModeThe NXTa can be played in this mode when using a direct box or an amplifier with high impedance input. This mode provides performance capabilities identical to the original NXT.
Eco-Friendly OperationNXTa instruments are battery-free, eliminating the hassle and cost of batteries while helping protect our environment.
Equipped with NS610FW Contemporary Bass Strings by D'Addario™, the NXTa is also compatible with most standard electric or traditional acoustic upright bass strings. In combination with the easy adjustment of its basic set-up parameters, this versatile instrument is adaptable to many different musical styles.
Includes a self-supporting tripod stand with full adjustment for height and angle, plus a nylon padded gig bag with stand compartment, bow compartment, charger and accessory pocket, handle and adjustable shoulder strap. With a loaded weight of 11.2kg (25lb) including stand, the NXTa Double Bass fits in the overhead luggage compartment of most commercial aircraft.
As all NS Double Basses share the same mounting system, a wide array of additional, interchangeable support systems make the NXTa Double Bass adaptable to virtually any situation.
End Pin StandOffers full freedom of movement. Height, tilt and "right bout" angle are fully adjustable providing a more conventional feel. Weight 2.3kg (5lb).
End Pin Conversion KitConverts Tripod Stand into a support for the End Pin Stand.
Boomerang Strap SystemProvides full mobility and the freedom to play in virtually any position, with instant adjustment for bow and pizzicato technique, without stress and fatigue.
Frame Strap SystemA lightweight frame structure supported by a single guitar style strap extending over the left shoulder that holds the bass in the correct positions for both pizz and arco styles and provides maximum mobility with amazing comfort.
Custom Flight CaseAluminium edged plywood, 145cm (57") long x 25cm (10") wide x 25cm (10") high with a oaded weight is 22kg (48lb), including stand.
Download the NXTA DOUBLE Bass Owners Manual
All NS Design electric concert instruments are equipped with the dual-mode Polar™ Pickup System, a remarkable innovation that allows players 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 a rich full sound, powerful dynamics, enhanced bow sensitivity, sustained pizzicato and 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 differ 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 suppressing the up and down vibration. You can see this effect with the naked eye by watching the broad 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 which, in combination with an asymmetric support structure of bass bar and sound post, efficiently translates 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 specifically tailored to mirror the polarity of the bowed string. The result is a remarkably dynamic, rich tone that responds effortlessly to the bow.
The system also takes this concept one step further, being able to switch from lateral to vertical sensitivity, which is ideal for pizzicato. Unlike the violin, a flat top guitar or lute responds in the vertical direction, minimising the plucked attack and storing energy for longer sustain. 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 limitless new expressive potential to the violin family.
On EU and CR Series instruments, active bass and treble EQ controls combine with the Polar Pickup to provide tremendous tonal range. Additional magnetic pickups, switching and associated pre-amp circuitry vary from model to model.
A fabulous bass. I have been gigging every week for over two years with this bass and it always receives complementary comments for its sound and looks. The supplied gig bag and stand were not of very good quality... the original gig bag split after one week's use, so The Bass Centre sent a replacement gig bag free of charge, which was of far superior quality. The top of the original stand sheared off recently so I decided to upgrade to the more expensive stand, which is standard equipment for the CR bass. The Bass Centre gave me a good deal on the new stand. The NXT is a great bass so maybe think about upgrading to the superior stand when purchasing.
This is a wonderful instrument with fantastic sounds. It has taken a little time to get used to it but as my technique improves, so the results get better and better, and I'm sure will continue to reward for many years to come. The instrument is beautifully made and it's a pity that the same couldn't be said about the tripod stand. The one that arrived with mine was flimsy and damaged. However, following a phone call to the Bass Centre, a new, more substantial one arrived within two days. Excellent service to complement an excellent product. Despite the stand, I still rate the bass with five stars and thoroughly recommend it as representing excellent value for money.
