NS Design CR - Electric Double Bass (4 Strings)

NS Design CR: Ned Steinberger's Legacy Serving the Modern Double Bass

Founded in 1990 by award-winning instrument designer Ned Steinberger, NS Design develops electric instruments designed to push standards forward without abandoning the fundamentals of playing. Within this philosophy, the CR series has established itself as a benchmark for double bassists seeking a reliable, expressive tool that is immediately usable both in the studio and on stage. Its design aims for excellent stability against temperature and humidity variations while maintaining a feel that resonates with players coming from the acoustic world.

For Which Musicians and Contexts?

The NS Design CR primarily targets intermediate to professional double bassists who want an electric instrument capable of covering very diverse needs: modern jazz, contemporary music, pop, rock, electro, film music, and of course any repertoire requiring both arco and pizzicato playing. The action adjustments and performance-oriented ergonomics make it a relevant choice if you frequently alternate between pizzicato and arco, or if you are looking for a stable and consistent electric double bass from one gig to another.

Sound

The core of this electric double bass's sound character lies in its Polar piezo system, designed to capture string vibrations along two axes. In lateral mode, the pickup particularly highlights information related to bowing gestures: articulation, attacks, dynamics, and right-hand precision. In vertical mode, the response is tailored for a very convincing pizzicato sound, with clear note definition and dynamics suited to fingerstyle playing.
On the control side, the electronics offer a direct and efficient approach: 1 volume, a balance control between "bow" and "pizzicato" modes, as well as separate bass and treble equalization. This setup allows you to quickly shape your sound according to the context (amplifier, PA, recording) and to switch from an expressive arco register to a more percussive and defined fingerstyle sound without complex adjustments.

Technical specifications

Format	4/4	Fingerboard	Ebony
Nbr of strings	4	Color	Brown
Top	Solid Spruce

Material	European maple	Modes	Arco and Pizzicato
Design	easier access to the upper register	Controls	1 volume, balance between bow and pizzicato modes, separate bass and treble EQ
Finish	hand-graded	Length	132 cm
Configuration	4 strings	Weight	4.8 kg
Adjustment	height-adjustable	Included	gig bag
Pickups	piezo, Polar bridge pickup system	Manufactured in	Czech Republic