The NXT Series Omni Bass, with the familiar 34 inch bass guitar scale, is designed for the bass guitarist interested in adding the character and expressiveness of an acoustic upright bass, or the NS electric upright, to their performance palette. Available in 4 and 5 string configurations, with either Satin Black or Sunburst finish, these well-priced instruments are produced in the Czech Republic with the same meticulous care as NS Design’s renowned CR Series Omni Bass.
Our Polar™ Bridge Pickup System combines great sound with directional sensitivity, for a rich and expressive response to arco and pizzicato technique. The Omni Bass responds to the bow with a natural and expressive voice, combining powerful bass resonance with brilliant harmonics. The strings are easily driven, making it possible for bassists with little bowing experience to add this beautiful dimension to their music.
The 34″ scale length of the Omni Bass is the same as standard electric bass, and is available in 4 and 5 string versions. Tuned in fourths (EADGC or BEADG), the fingering positions and spacing are identical to the bass guitar, and therefore immediately familiar to any bass player. The Omni Bass can also be tuned in fifths.
The fingerboard also features the TransRadius™ profile. For a left-hand feel which is familiar to the experienced bass guitarist, the radius at the nut is 9-1/4 inches. At the end of the fingerboard near the bridge, however, the radius is just 2 inches, large enough to maintain good string-to-string articulation with the bow, yet still comfortable for pizzicato (plucked/picked) style. The asymmetrical fingerboard relief facilitates an even ‘growl’ from the higher strings and a clear, powerful lower register.
The solid maple body and neck, together with the graduated fingerboard, deliver a rich, full tone that rings true for every note. The adjustable bridge and truss rod allow for low, fast action, or for higher string settings that encourage the traditional acoustic player to ‘dig in’ with gusto. NS Electric Omni Bass Strings and standard bass guitar strings fit the Omni Bass, adding unlimited set up options for musicians who want to explore and create their own unique sound.
The Boomerang™ Strap System is standard with the NXT Omni Bass. Two articulated arms and a pivoting hub allow full mobility on stage or in studio. The comfortable Boomerang strap fits over the shoulder just like a guitar, but the adjustable arms allow the instrument to be placed in virtually any position in relation to the hands and body. The Boomerang Strap System allows full mobility for either bowing or plucking.
Specifications
LENGTH: 113 cm (44″)
WIDTH: 15 cm (5.7″)
THICKNESS: 10 cm (4″)
WEIGHT: 3.2 kg (7 lbs.)
SCALE LENGTH: 86 cm (34″)
STRINGS: 4 string E,A,D,G; 5 string B,E,A,D,G or E,A,D,G,C. The Omni Bass can also be tuned in fifths, for fingerings that are more natural for the cellist seeking enhanced bass range: C,G,D,A (low to high in 5ths) for 4 string, or C,G,D,A,E for 5 string.
BODY/NECK: Solid, straight grain maple, with maple face (Black model) or flame maple face (Sunburst model) on body.
FINGERBOARD: Hand-graduated, asymmetric. Intonation referenced with cascading dot markers & side dots. The 34″ scale length of the Omni Bass is the same as standard electric bass.
TransRadius PROFILE: The fingerboard radius at the nut is 9-1/4 inches. At the end of the fingerboard near the bridge, the radius is 2 inches.
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).
ELECTRONICS & CONTROLS: Passive circuit with high impedance output, no batteries required. Volume control, tone control (treble roll off) and a switch to change between arco and pizz. mode.
PERFORMANCE SUPPORT SYSTEMS
BOOMERANG STRAP SYSTEM: This standard 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.).
NXT TRIPOD STAND: Optional, black painted steel, fully adjustable, self-standing tripod design. Folds for easy storage and fits into the NXT Omni Bass gig bag. Weight is 2.7 kg (6 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 NXT Tripod Stand) using the optional End Pin Stand Conversion Kit.
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 strap. Loaded weight is 6 kg (15.2 lbs.) including a stand, and it fits in the overhead luggage compartment of most commercial aircraft.
FLIGHT CASE (optional): Aluminum edged plywood measuring 134cm x 25cm x 25cm (53″ x 10″ x 10″) with loaded weight of approximately 20 kg (45 lb) including a tripod stand.
About the new NXTa pickup
The new dual mode signal output electronics of the NXTa take the convenience, versatility and performance capability of the original NXT to another level.
Active Mode – Using the supplied charger, plug the NXT into any AC outlet for 60 seconds to power the capacitor-powered active circuit for up to 16 hours of performance time. The instrument can then be plugged straight into any low or high impedance device, no direct box necessary. Since there is no signal loss over the full-frequency spectrum of the instrument, the fundamentals of every note remain clear and strong, even with extra-long cables.
Passive Mode – The NXTa can be played in this mode when using a direct box or an amplifier with high impedance input. (This mode provides perfomance capabilities identical to the original NXT.)
Eco-Friendly Operation – NXTa instruments are battery-free, eliminating the hassle and cost of batteries while helping protect our environment
