Ben Ferris
- Instrument
- CR5M Upright Bass
- Groups
- Mr. Chair, The Ben Ferris Quintet,The Ben Ferris Octet.
- Website
I play both electric and upright bass, and the NS CR5M Upright Bass was right in between the two. I certainly think of the NS bass as a unique instrument, not necessarily an upright bass or an electric bass, but something else. At the time I was first looking at NS Design instruments I was using a lot of electronics with my upright bass, and was having lots of issues with feedback when using distortions and reverbs – all of that went away immediately with the NS Bass. The instrument is also ideal for touring – I can stick it in a hard case, throw it in the van and not have to worry about a bridge falling off or a soundpost moving, phew! The fretless bass sound from the magnetic pickups is also beautiful and saves me touring with a fretless bass – so much flexibility.—Ben Ferris
Ben Ferris is a Bassist, Composer and Educator from Madison, WI. A student of NEA Jazz Master Richard Davis, he graduated with a music-education degree from UW-Madison where he is currently pursing a masters in String Performance. His group the Ben Ferris Quintet released their debut album, “Home” in 2016 featuring all original compositions by Ben and members of the ensemble. He also leads the Ben Ferris Octet and is a founding member of the contemporary ensemble Mr Chair. As a sideman Ben performs with Darren Sterud, Nuggernaut, the Jon Hoel Trio, Gabe Burdulis Band, as well as a number of performances in the classical, jazz, rock and contemporary music scenes. As an educator, Ben teaches a studio of private bass students, and has taught K-12 general music, songwriting, strings and jazz ensembles in public schools for seven years.
