Overview
The CR Series Upright is an indispensable tool for a wide range of touring professionals and recording artists. The lean, solid-body CR Series bass takes its place in a long history of fine instruments crafted in the Czech Republic.
Available in 4 and 5 string models, the CR Series neck and body are made from select maple. The full scale fingerboard is graduated for consistent response from note to note, with adjustable relief and bridge height to suit all playing styles. Our Polar™ Bridge Pickup System combines great sound with directional sensitivity, for a rich and expressive response to arco and pizzicato technique. Optional EMG™ magnetic pickups expand the range to include classic electric bass sounds.
Features and Highlights
MAPLE BODY AND NECK: The body and neck of the CR Series double bass are crafted of solid European hard maple, with a flame maple face. The neck has a traditional upright shape, but with extended access to the upper register of the fingerboard. The solid-body design enhances sustain and clarity, and is resistant to the effects of temperature change and humidity.
FINGERBOARD: The fingerboard is expertly graduated with an asymmetric profile to insure that each note is even and buzz free. An adjustable truss rod allows for precise relief adjustment for different strings and playing style. A cascading dot pattern across the neck provides an accurate reference for position.
POLAR BRIDGE PICKUP SYSTEM: The Polar pickups can sense either lateral or vertical string vibration – or both! Set in the lateral mode, the pickup has unparalleled sensitivity in the direction of the bow. In the vertical mode, plucked notes are remarkably even and sustained.
EMG MAGNETIC PICKUPS: A feature of the CR4M and CR5M basses, the low-impedance EMG pickups incorporate individually adjustable coils and neodymium magnets. Each coil is buffered separately for a full sound quality with very low noise.
ACTIVE EQ AND MIXER: Controls include volume, a blend control for magnetic and piezo pickups, the mode of the Polar pickup direction, and individual treble EQ & bass EQ controls. The 18-volt power supply insures plenty of reserve overhead for full dynamics.
ADJUSTABLE BRIDGE: Two screws in the back of the body are used to adjust the bridge up and down. This allows the instrument to be set up to meet the requirements of many different playing styles.
GIG BAG AND FLIGHT CASE: The CR double bass includes a padded gig bag that has a pouch for tripod stand, a bow compartment and room for accessories. The loaded gig bag will fit in the overhead compartment of most commercial aircraft. An optional hard-shell flight case is available for the CR double bass.
Specifications
LENGTH: 132 cm (52″)
WEIGHT: 4.8 kg (10.5 lbs.)
SCALE LENGTH: 106 cm (41.73″)
STRINGS: 4 or 5 (Low B or high C)
CONSTRUCTION: Solid rock maple neck and body, flame maple face.
FINISH: Traditional amber stain with clear semi-gloss polymer coating. Custom finish options are available for the CR Double Bass Series including Slate Gray, Quilted Maple, Poplar Burl and Zebrawood. Click here to see examples of these Custom finishes.
FINGERBOARD: Hand graduated, asymmetric relief, cascading dot pattern for position reference; 43.1mm (1.7″) wide at nut; 89.0mm (3.5″) max. width.
BRIDGE: Hard maple; radius 7.9cm (3.1″) string spacing 81mm (3.19″).
NUT: Radius 7.9cm (3.1″); string spacing 30mm (1.19″).
BRIDGE PICKUP: The Polar directional piezo pickup system responds selectively to either vertical vibration (for the sustained plucked sound, like an electric bass guitar), or lateral vibration (for dynamic bowing, and a percussive plucked sound).
MAGNETIC PICKUP (for CR4M and CR5M only): Low impedance EMG magnetic pickup system, with individually adjustable coils, neodymium magnets and low noise, hum-canceling preamp. Produces smooth pizzicato tone not unlike an electric bass guitar. (Magnetic pickups are not recommended for bowing.)
ELECTRONICS: 18-volt active circuit by EMG. Mono output.
CONTROLS: (top to bottom)
CR4M and CR5M:
- Volume
- Balance – counterclockwise for magnetic pickup, clockwise for Polar bridge pickup, center for both
- Balance – counterclockwise for optimal pizzicato (plucked, sustained) sound, clockwise for optimal arco (bowed and percussive plucked) sound, center for both
- Treble – boost and cut
- Bass – boost and cut
CR4 and CR5:
- Volume
- Balance – counterclockwise for optimal pizzicato (plucked, sustained) sound, clockwise for optimal arco (bowed and percussive plucked) sound, center for both
- Treble – boost and cut
- Bass – boost and cut
TRUSS ROD: Powerful truss rod allows positive relief to provide optimal action.
TUNING MACHINES: Premium grade worm gear tuners; black finish.
STRINGS: Equipped with NS Contemporary Bass Strings by D’Addario. Compatible with most standard upright bass strings.
Performance Support Systems
CR TRIPOD STAND: Optional, a fully adjustable steel tripod stand is available for the CRT Series double bass. Weight is 3.6kg (8 lbs.).
BASS END PIN STAND: The Bass End Pin Stand offers full freedom of movement. Height, tilt and “right bout” angle are fully adjustable providing a more conventional feel. Weight 2.3 kg (5 lbs).
BASS END PIN STAND CONVERSION KIT: To hold the instrument upright for on-stand performance or when not in use, the Bass End Pin Stand can be attached to the CR Tripod Stand (not compatible with the NXT Tripod Stand) using the optional End Pin Stand Conversion Kit.
BOOMERANG STRAP SYSTEM: This optional support system has a pivoting friction hub that holds the instrument firmly in place close to the body. Attached with a guitar style strap to its two support arms, the system allows the instrument to be moved into virtually any position in relation to the hands and body as it is played. Weight is .45 kg (1 lbs.).
FRAME STRAP SYSTEM: This optional accessory is a lightweight frame structure that allows full mobility to perform in standing or upright position, holding the instrument out from the body similar to the reference in traditional positioning. The system is supported by a single guitar style strap extending over the left shoulder. Weight is 0.68kg (1.5 lbs.).
