The CR Series Double Bass, with its exceptional versatility and tonal quality, has long been an indispensable tool for the serious bassist and is one of the most popular electric uprights amongst professional players.
Available in 4 and 5 string configurations, this lean, solid body instrument is made from select maple and ebony. The full scale fingerboard is graduated for consistent response from note to note, with adjustable relief and bridge height making it suitable for all playing styles. The unique NS Polar™ bridge pickup system combines exceptional sound with directional sensitivity, for a rich and nuanced response to both pizzicato and arco techniques.
CRM models additionally feature EMG™ magnetic pickups which further expand the performance possibilities to include classic, modern electric bass sounds, as well as an astonishing pure, acoustic tone.
CRT models are designed for players with more "traditional" tastes, preserving the standard 106cm upright scale length and ensuing that fingering and string tension are consistent with those of acoustic upright double basses.
Several interchangeable support systems are available for the bass: a self supporting tripod stand (supplied with CR/CRM models), a more conventional end pin stand (standard issue with CRT models) and a choice of NS Design shoulder strap systems for full mobility.
The body and neck of the CR Double Bass are crafted from solid European hard maple, with a sumptuous flame maple face. The neck has a traditional upright shape, 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
The seasoned ebony fingerboard is hand graduated to ensure that each note is even and buzz free. An adjustable truss rod allows for precise relief adjustment for different strings and playing style. Small dots across the neck provide accurate position markers.
For customers who desire something even more special, all CR Series instruments are also available to special order with a choice of gorgeous exotic wood tops or a striking Slate Grey flame maple finish.
The remarkable Polar™ pickup system can sense either lateral or vertical string vibration — or both! Set in the lateral mode, the pickup has unparalleled sensitivity in the direction of the bow. when in vertical mode, plucked notes are remarkably even and sustained.
The low-impedance EMG pickups incorporate individually adjustable coils and neodymium magnets. Each coil is buffered separately for a full sound quality with very low noise.
Controls include volume, a toggle switch to select the mode of the Polar pickup and individual bass & treble controls. On CRM models an additional blend control allows the ouput of the magnetic and piezo pickups to be mixed to your taste. The 18 volt power supply ensures plenty of reserve headroom for full dynamics.
Equipped with NS610FW Contemporary Bass Strings by D'Addario, the CR Double Bass 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.
CRT models are strung with NS610 Traditional Bass Strings which feature a stranded steel core with nickel windings and are tensioned similarly to acoustic bass strings for a warm, expressive tone and great bow response.
Adjustable CR Tripod Stand — CR/CRM modelsHeavy duty steel construction; Full height and tilt adjustments allow the player to select the ideal position, seated or standing.
CR End Pin Stand — CRT modelsOffers full freedom of movement. Height, tilt and "right bout" angle are fully adjustable providing a more conventional feel. Weight 2.3kg (5lb).
Premium Padded Gig GagPadded 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.
CR End Pin Conversion KitAttaches the NS CR End Pin Stand to the CR Series Tripod Stand to hold the instrument upright for on-stand performance or when not in use.
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 light frame structure is 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.
Custom Flight CaseAluminium edged plywood, 145cm (57") long; 25cm (10") wide; 25cm (10") high. Loaded weight is 22kg (48lbs), including stand.
DOWNLOAD THE CR 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.
Hi, Gill. I received the bass last Wednesday... the cardboard box had a little bend in it but I checked everything out and nothing was wrong.It feels superb and sounds spectacular. I need to get used to the lack of body, raise the bridge some, and think about alternative strings (these D'Addarios feel too electric bass-like).The pickups and volume/tone setup is super sweet. The construction is premium; not only can I see it, I can feel it. I chose right. Thanks for all your help.
