THE WAV ELECTRIC UPRIGHT BASS
For the bassist entering the world of the pure electric upright, this instrument offers the combination of design, performance and affordability exceeding any other instrument in its class. True to the NS tradition, the WAV readily captures the essence of an acoustic, yet opens up a wide range of new possibilities.
With electronics are fully based around the NS patented Polar™ Pickup System, the WAV upright bass is available in 4 or 5 string models with several color choices to please the eye as well. The WAV proudly shares the same elegant, modern body design, ergonomics and performance support options of its companions in the NS line.
The WAV’s Polar pickup system includes a convenient toggle switch between Arco and Pizzicato mode. Use the Arco mode for a traditional acoustic response for either bowing and a percussive plucked sound, or switch to the Pizzicato mode for uniquely even and sustained plucked sound, opening up new dimensions to the sound pallet. The piezo-powered passive electronics deliver an amazingly natural tone with unlimited overhead for extraordinary performance without the need or hassle of batteries.
All models are shown with Rosewood Fingerboard.
FEATURES
The solid maple body and neck with a graduated rosewood fingerboard, delivers the rich, full tone you expect from every NS Instrument. The WAV Series brings the same clarity and fullness with every note. Asymmetrical fingerboard relief and an adjustable bridge and two-way truss rod allow the player to tweak the neck relief and string heights to suit the music and personal playing style.
Compact and lightweight, the WAV Double Bass is an excellent instrument for musicians on the move. It comes equipped with a stand, and padded gig bag that carries the instrument with a handle and strap and includes separate pouch compartments for storing the stand, bow and 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 WAV Double Bass.
NS Electric Strings and most traditional acoustic strings fit all NS Double Basses, allowing the player to select from a wide range, each with a unique sound and feel. In combination with the easy adjustment of basic set-up parameters, the WAV Series Bass is adaptable to virtually any style of music.
Several interchangeable performance support systems are available for the WAV: The standard WAV/NXT Tripod Stand; the heavy-duty CR Tripod Stand (optional); the more conventional Bass End Pin Stand and optional Conversion Kit (used in conjunction with the CR Tripod Stand); or full mobility either the Boomerang™ Strap System or the Frame Strap System.
Specifications
LENGTH: 132 cm (52")
WIDTH: 15 cm (6")
THICKNESS: 10 cm (4")
WEIGHT: 4-String 8lbs 12.8oz (4.0 kg); 5-String 9lbs (4.1 kg)
SCALE LENGTH: 106 cm (41.73")
STRINGS: 4 or 5 (Low B). Compatible with most standard ¾ size double bass strings.
BODY/NECK: Solid, straight grain maple neck and body. Flame maple face on the Amberburst, Transparent Red, and Transparent Black models; Brilliant White model has solid maple.
FINGERBOARD: Asymmetric relief for easy playability in every position. Intonation referenced with cascading dot markers. Rosewood or Coform™.
TRUSS ROD: Two-way truss rod, accessible at neck.
TUNING HARDWARE: Fully encased worm gear tuners, black finish.
BRIDGE PICKUP: The Polar 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).
ELECTRONICS & CONTROLS: Passive circuit with high impedance output, no batteries required. Volume control, tone control (treble roll off) and a switch to select between Arco and Pizzicato mode.
PERFORMANCE SUPPORT SYSTEMS
DOUBLE BASS TRIPOD STAND: WAV/NXT tripod stand is standard, black painted steel, fully adjustable height and instrument angle. Folds for easy storage and fits into the WAV gig bag. Weight 2.7 kg (6 lbs.).
CR TRIPOD STAND: Optional; steel tripod stand, fully adjustable height and instrument angle. Weight 3.6kg (8 lbs.).
BASS END PIN STAND: The optional Bass End Pin Stand offers full freedom of movement. Height, tilt and "right bout" angle are fully adjustable providing a more conventional feel. Weight 3 kg (7 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 WAV/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.).
TRANSPORT
GIG BAG: A padded gig bag is included as a standard accessory. It has a stand compartment, bow compartment, accessory pocket, handle and adjustable shoulder strap. Loaded weight is 11.2 kg (25 lbs.) including stand, and it fits in the overhead luggage compartment of most commercial aircraft.
FLIGHT CASE: Optional, aluminum edged plywood, 145 cm (57") long; 25 cm (10") wide; 25 cm (10") high. Loaded weight is 24 kg (53 Ibs.), including stand.
Click here to download the NS Design WAV Electric Upright Bass Owners Manual
Featured Technology The Polar™ Pickup System
As a player, you may not think about the direction your strings are vibrating, or even be aware that string vibrations on a musical instrument are polarized in relation to the fingerboard and the motion of the plectrum and bow. Yet direction is one of the most significant factors influencing the tone and response of a stringed instrument. In fact, instruments from the violin family are different from the lute or guitar in large part due to the effects of string polarization.
Read MoreSupport Systems The Frame Strap System
The Frame Strap System is a moving experience guaranteed to make you smile! The freedom of full mobility, only a dream for the cellist or upright bassist, is now a reality. The Frame Strap System fits over the shoulder like a guitar strap, but holds the instrument out from the body in the ideal position for bow and pizzicato technique.
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