NS Design Wav - Electric Double Bass Amberburst (4 Strings)

The WAV Series: Entering the NS Design Universe, Between Tradition and Innovation

Founded by Ned Steinberger, NS Design has been developing electric instruments since 1990, designed to evolve playing techniques while respecting the fundamentals of bowed instruments. The WAV series embodies this philosophy with a deliberately streamlined approach: a simple, elegant, and reliable electric double bass, crafted to explore both classical and modern playing without compromising on design quality. Within the NS lineup, the WAV focuses on the essentials (luthiery, pickup, ergonomics) to offer an instrument ready for use in rehearsals, studios, or on stage.

For Which Musicians and Uses?

The NS Design WAV is aimed at double bassists looking to switch to electric or add a 4-string electric double bass to their arsenal: jazz musicians, contemporary music players, theater, stage, studio work, as well as classical players seeking a more compact and easier-to-amplify solution. Its "plug and play" approach (passive electronics, straightforward controls) is particularly suitable for beginners and intermediate players who want a coherent and stable instrument, while remaining expressive enough for more advanced musicians seeking a familiar feel and credible bow response.

Thanks to its size and setup, it is also relevant for situations where one wants to reduce the constraints of an acoustic double bass: stage volume management, feedback resistance, quick setup, easier transport, and consistent sound from venue to venue.

Sound Characteristics

The core of this electric double bass's tonal character lies in the Polar System piezo pickup. Its specialty is to "listen" more precisely to the direction of string vibrations to enhance bow response and make the attack more natural and controllable. The sound delivers precise definition, useful for articulating a bass line in jazz as well as maintaining clarity in arco playing.

The passive electronics (high impedance output) avoid any power supply constraints and contribute to a direct connection feel between the gesture and the signal. Controls remain intentionally simple with a volume control and a tone control (treble attenuation) to adjust brightness and presence depending on the amplifier, PA system, or playing style (pizzicato, arco). Finally, the combination of maple (body and neck) and rosewood (fingerboard) promotes a clear sonic foundation, with a crisp response and a readable attack, ideal for amplified contexts.

Technical specifications

Format	4/4	Fingerboard	Rosewood
Nbr of strings	4	Color	Brown
Top	Maple

Type	electric double bass	Truss rod	adjustable
Number of strings	4	Shape	asymmetric for less effort during playing
Dimensions	length 132 cm, width 15 cm, thickness 10 cm	Bridge	height-adjustable
Weight	4.0 kg	Pickup	Polar System piezo
Body	maple	Circuit	passive with high impedance output
Neck	maple	Power supply	no power required
Profile	traditional straight shape with easier access to the upper register	Included	gig bag
Position markers	cascade dot pattern for precise position reference