NXT4a Upright Bass - Sunburst Review

NS Design NXT4a Upright Bass Review

I've been playing electric bass for more than 40 years and I own modern as well as vintage electric basses. I've always wanted to own an upright acoustic bass but it didn't seem practical due mostly to the size of the instrument. I just bought an NS Design NXT4a upright bass from Sweetwater, and I couldn't be happier. First of all, this bass plays like a dream. There is a learning… read more curve, but I believe it is nothing compared with the learning curve when transitioning to standard acoustic upright bass. For one thing, there are dots on the fingerboard to help get you oriented. And without a big acoustic body to deal with, access to the entire neck of the instrument is easy. Quality is evident throughout the instrument. The construction and materials are flawless. The electronics are simple. The controls feel good. Even the gig bag is super. I'm very happy with the included stand. The attachment mechanism to the bass is simple and very sturdy. It allows me to adjust the position of the bass, the height and angle, in order to dial in a comfortable playing position, and adjust that position quickly and easily, for example between standing or sitting positions. I couldn't be happier with my purchase from Sweetwater. I've worked with my sales engineer Logan Miller for years and he's always been great.

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If awesome wasn't overused, I'd say that would describe this instrument. So instead, how about phenomenal? That would be fitting.

This is a superb instrument. Excellent craftmanship and well set up. It plays and sounds like a dream. I had another EUB previously, as well as an acoustic double bass. Neither was as easy to play, nor did they sound nearly as sweet. I'm really glad that I went for this NXT4a. I almost ordered a WAV4, but decided that the added active pickup system, and Czech quality would justify… read more the added $$. And I was right. Immediately I was able to get a sound that I could only dream of before. It's the sound I always carry around in my head, of how I'd like a fretless bass instrument to sound. There's quite a range of tones available. Easy setup & with a 60 second charge, it's good for 16 hours.

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NS Design NXTa Review.

I am thrilled with my purchase. Top quality. I wasn't sure what Richlite was, and was a bit skeptical. But the silkiness of the Richlite fingerboard is fantastic. I wish my Fender fretless had it! The combination of the fingerboard, neck finish and strings is an absolute dream to play. Love the tone (blew my fellow musicians away... including the horn section who are never impressed!).… read more It has a 2-way tone switch that the manufacturer describes as arco vs. pizz. But I think of it more as vintage vs. modern. The arco/vintage setting has more transient response when played pizz. I suspect this would be great for Cuban bands they like the percussive effect. The pizz switch setting is more compressed and gives more of the "mwah" tone modern players prefer. Overall a great bass!

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What a find!

I've only owned one bass and its a Yamaha BB300, its played a million notes and 33 years later will play a million more. I've vacillated on a true acoustic vs the NS Design. I'm glad to say I made the best decision for me. The NXT4a is an excellent option for me with mobility (I'm not getting any younger) and being in a tight musical pit or band setup. The feel to the hand is… read more fantastic and without the body to get in the way, easier for me to play. The dots are extremely helpful and helps with the fretless learning curve. The sound is fantastic with pizzicato, still thinking about getting a bow. This baby is going to get plenty of work in the coming weeks. I can't wait to put the NXT4a into service. Thanks to Sweetwater for being a consistent reliable dealer.

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NICE!

I did a review last August when I had this instrument a month. Now, 10 month"s later I really like playing this. I"ve used it in multiple venues - Church, big band, jazz combo, pit band, recording - it fills the bill (don"t know that I"d want to or could rock out w it but that"s not why I purchased it). Good tonal qualities especially now that I"m mastering a small Ashdown amp.… read more Still haven"t mastered the entire neck but what pleasure to play. Action is great. Fretless is nice . I did put 4 markers on the side - helped in low light venues. It"s light, fits easily in the car, get a small battery powered amp and you can take it anywhere.

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