NS Design CR Traditional - Electric Double Bass (5 Strings)

NS Design and the CR Series: A Modern Vision of the Double Bass

Founded in 1990 by instrument designer Ned Steinberger, NS Design develops electric instruments that blend innovation and tradition to meet the demands of today's musicians. Within this philosophy, the CR series has established itself as a benchmark for double bassists seeking a reliable, precise, and highly adaptable stage instrument. With an approach focused on ergonomics, stability, and quality pickup, this range quickly became a full-fledged "tool" for many professionals, both in amplified contexts and recording situations.

For Which Musicians and Styles?

This NS Design electric double bass is aimed at intermediate to professional double bassists who want an instrument capable of handling varied demands: rapid alternation between arco and pizzicato playing, consistency from one concert to another, and a signal suitable for amplification. Thanks to its settings and musician-oriented electronics, it is well suited for jazz (defined and articulated pizzicato), contemporary music, and studio work (fine control of balance and equalization), as well as situations where one wishes to work on bowing with a sensitive and nuanced response.

Sound Characteristics

The heart of this NS Design lies in a Polar piezo bridge pickup, capable of capturing string vibrations along two axes. In lateral mode, the pickup is particularly sensitive to bowing nuances and attack, helping maintain a sense of control and precision in phrasing. In vertical mode, the response is optimized for pizzicato playing, with notes retaining clear definition and even projection.
The onboard electronics intelligently complement this system: a volume control to adjust output level, a balance control to blend the "bow" and "pizzicato" characters according to your playing, and separate bass and treble equalization to adapt the double bass to amplification, room acoustics, and mix. The body design is claimed to promote sustain and brightness, while remaining stable against temperature and humidity changes-a notable advantage for musicians who travel frequently or perform under stage lighting.

Technical specifications

Format	4/4	Fingerboard	Ebony
Nbr of strings	5	Color	Brown
Top	Solid Spruce

Wood	European maple	Pickups	piezo, Polar bridge pickup system
Finish	flamed maple	Modes	Arco and Pizzicato
Profile	traditional shape	Controls	1 volume, balance between bow and pizzicato modes, separate bass and treble EQ
Ergonomics	easier access to the upper register	Gig bag	included
Adjustment	neck truss rod (relief adjustment)	Design	body design claimed to provide sustain, brightness, and resistance to temperature and humidity changes
Configuration	5 strings	Manufacture	Czech Republic
Type	height-adjustable