NS Design CR5 Radius Fretless 5-string Bass Guitar - Amber Satin Reviews
If you're looking for a modern fretless bass with unique features, then the 5-string NS Design CR5 Radius solidbody electric bass is for you. From the convex-backed maple body to the one-piece maple neck with a carbon fiber core, the CR5 is pushing the boundaries of bass design. Add to that a pair of EMG humbucking pickups, a bridge piezo system, an 18V preamp, and a powerful set of active electronics that ties them all together for amazing tonal flexibility, and you have a bass to be reckoned with. See what the future of bass looks like with the NS Design CR5 Radius fretless bass guitar.
Earn $190 back in Bonus Bucks† OR pay $159/month with 24 month financing*
$190 Earn $190.00 back in Bonus Bucks† on this purchase when you use your Sweetwater Credit Card without financing. Select your offer in checkout. Terms
As low as $159/month
with 24 month financing*
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While this isn't an item we normally stock, we can still get it due to our great relationship with NS Design. Go ahead and place your order and we'’ll follow up shortly to let you know when to expect it.
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Highest Rated Reviews
Reply to "Very Nice Bass, But....
Why did you folks at Sweetwater even bother to publish the tirade about "Very Nice Bass, But....."
I am purchasing one of these after the turn of the New Year... can hardly wait to get my hands on this jewel!
Best. Bass. Ever.
I never realized how much I had to fight my other basses to play them until I played this one. The balance on this bass is nothing short of amazing. Hanging from the strap, it doesn't pull on my body in any way, leaving me free to just do my thing without having to pull the neck toward me or getting the pain in my shoulder from the bass being off balance.
The sounds I'm able to get from this bass, with it's two humbuckers and the piezo bridge pickup, are astounding.
Excellent
I own this fretless for more than 4 yrs now and I really love using it,,, I play multi instrument in my band and usually switch instrument in the middle of the set,,, This fretless is the best I owned, tI was blown away by the quality Ned Steinberger put on this model and the sound???? Fantastic!!!!!! It is worth the price, you"ll love it too!!!!!
Very Nice Bass, But....
First let me say I've been playing bass for 25 years and owned many high end basses over the years. This is a beautiful instrument with great craftsmanship. I wanted to love this bass so badly, but unfortunately there were a few deal breakers for me.
Action - I'm very well versed at setting up basses, and I just could not get my normal desired action without experiencing extreme buzz or notes choking out. Yes I had proper neck relief, that was not the issue. The B string needed to be quite high to be functional, which really limited the overall action as, you cant adjust individual string height - only each side of the bridge. With that said, if you can live with a medium low action at very best, this should not be an issue for you.
Sound - The EMG electronics and pickups on this bass are great, IF you want a very modern tone and overall sound. This is not your Father's Fender Jazz bass by any means. There is a good deal of tonal variety available, but none that I could fall in love with. Again, this is a purely personal preference and may not apply if you like the modern sound this Bass provides.
Ergonomics / Design - This is where this bass truly shines. I feels very nice in the lap and even better on the strap. Balance is amazing and barely feels like you are even wearing it. Just a great feeling bass you can play for hours on end.
In the end this bass just wasn't for me. My issues are mostly personal preference (although the action limitation and B string is a bit concerning). I don't want to turn anyone off from this bass. Just realize what it has to offer, and give it a try without hesitation. It may be everything you could ever want in a high end bass.
