NS Design WAV4 Electric Upright Bass Amberburst Gloss, (Used)
The NS Design WAV4 Electric Upright Bass Amberburst Gloss offers upright bass players a modern, practical and highly portable alternative to a traditional double bass without sacrificing the expressive playing experience that makes upright bass such a unique instrument. Designed by legendary instrument designer Ned Steinberger, the WAV4 combines innovative engineering, excellent playability and realistic upright bass response in a format that's far easier to transport and amplify.
Finished in an elegant Amberburst Gloss finish, the WAV4 is ideal for jazz musicians, pit orchestra players, recording artists, folk musicians, worship performers and bassists looking to explore upright bass techniques without the size and maintenance requirements of a traditional acoustic upright. Its proprietary Polar™ pickup system delivers a natural, articulate tone suitable for both live and studio use.
This pre-owned NS Design WAV4 is presented in very good condition and includes both the original gigbag and stand, making it an excellent package for players looking to get started with electric upright bass or add a highly practical instrument to their collection.
Condition Overview
Very Good Condition
This instrument is in very good condition with cosmetic wear consistent with careful ownership and regular use.
Fully functional, professionally checked and ready for its next owner.
What's Included?
✔ Original NS Design Gigbag
✔ NS Design Stand
✔ Fully Checked & Tested by Fair Deal Music
Condition Notes
-
Very good overall condition
-
Signs of careful ownership and use
-
Electronics functioning correctly
-
Hardware functioning correctly
-
Well maintained throughout
Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment
Our team has thoroughly inspected and tested this NS Design WAV4 to ensure it is fully functional and ready for sale.
Checks completed include:
✔ Polar pickup system tested
✔ Volume and tone controls verified
✔ Output jack inspected
✔ Fingerboard assessed
✔ Hardware checked
✔ Stand fittings inspected
✔ Structural integrity verified
✔ Playability assessed
✔ Overall condition verified
Service / Setup Work
Prior to sale, this electric upright bass has been checked and prepared by our team.
Work completed includes:
✔ Electronics tested
✔ Action checked
✔ Fingerboard inspected
✔ Hardware checked
✔ General playability assessed
✔ Output connections verified
✔ Overall functionality evaluated
Why Choose The NS Design WAV4?
Authentic Upright Bass Playing Experience
The WAV4 has been designed to replicate the feel and technique of a traditional upright bass while offering the practicality and reliability of a modern electric instrument.
Designed By Ned Steinberger
NS Design instruments are the work of Ned Steinberger, one of the most influential instrument designers in modern music history, known for combining innovation with exceptional functionality.
Portable And Gig-Friendly
Unlike a traditional double bass, the WAV4 is easy to transport, store and amplify, making it ideal for working musicians.
Natural-Sounding Polar™ Pickup System
The proprietary pickup system captures the nuances of upright bass performance with excellent clarity and articulation.
Ideal For Amplified Performance
Electric upright basses eliminate many of the feedback issues associated with amplified acoustic uprights, making them particularly useful for live performance.
Excellent Alternative To A Traditional Double Bass
For players who need upright bass sounds without the size, fragility and transportation challenges of a full acoustic instrument, the WAV4 offers an incredibly practical solution.
Why Buy Pre-Owned?
Buying pre-owned allows musicians to access premium instruments while achieving excellent value.
Benefits include:
-
Better value for money
-
Reduced depreciation
-
Professionally checked before sale
-
Access to specialist instruments
-
Sustainable alternative to buying new
-
More instrument for your budget
Comparison Against Popular Alternatives
NS Design WAV4 vs Traditional Acoustic Double Bass
A traditional upright offers fully acoustic resonance, while the WAV4 provides portability, easier amplification and significantly reduced feedback issues.
NS Design WAV4 vs Yamaha SLB300 Silent Bass
The Yamaha offers advanced onboard electronics and silent practice capabilities, while the WAV4 focuses on simplicity, reliability and affordability.
NS Design WAV4 vs NS Design NXT4
The NXT4 sits higher in the NS Design range with upgraded features, while the WAV4 provides much of the same playing experience at a more accessible price point.
NS Design WAV4 vs Stagg EDB Electric Upright Bass
The Stagg offers an entry-level route into electric upright bass, while the NS Design provides a more refined professional-level playing experience and pickup system.
Who Is It For?
Beginners
An excellent introduction to upright bass playing without the challenges of owning a full-sized acoustic double bass.
Intermediate Players
Ideal for bassists looking to expand their skills into upright performance and recording applications.
Professional Players
A superb tool for gigging musicians, theatre players, jazz performers and recording artists.
Particularly Recommended For
-
Jazz musicians
-
Pit orchestra players
-
Theatre performers
-
Folk musicians
-
Americana artists
-
Worship musicians
-
Session bassists
-
Recording professionals
Why Choose An Electric Upright Bass?
Electric upright basses have become increasingly popular because they combine traditional upright technique with modern convenience.
Benefits include:
-
Easier transportation
-
Reduced feedback
-
Consistent amplified sound
-
Lower maintenance requirements
-
Compact storage
-
Excellent live performance practicality
For many working musicians, an electric upright bass provides the perfect balance between traditional feel and modern reliability.
Product Story / Context
NS Design was founded by Ned Steinberger with the goal of reimagining bowed and upright string instruments for modern musicians. The WAV series was developed to offer players an accessible entry point into the company's innovative electric upright bass designs.
Today, NS Design instruments are used by professional musicians around the world in jazz ensembles, orchestras, theatre productions and recording studios, thanks to their exceptional playability and practical design.
Associated Artists / Songs / Performances
NS Design electric upright basses have been adopted by professional bassists across jazz, contemporary classical, theatre and session work due to their portability and reliable amplified performance.
While the WAV4 is not a signature model, it shares many design principles found throughout the highly respected NS Design upright bass range.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | NS Design WAV4 |
| Finish | Amberburst Gloss |
| Type | Electric Upright Bass |
| Strings | 4 |
| Electronics | Active Polar™ Pickup System |
| Orientation | Right-Handed |
| Designer | Ned Steinberger |
| Condition | Very Good |
Power Requirements
Please refer to the onboard electronics compartment for battery requirements.
The WAV4 features active electronics and requires battery power for operation.
Pairs Perfectly With
-
Upright bass amplifier
-
Acoustic instrument amplifier
-
Instrument cable
-
Clip-on tuner
-
Upright bass rosin (for bowed players)
-
Recording interface
-
Studio monitors
-
Bass preamp pedal
-
Wireless system
-
Selected pre-owned bass amplifiers
Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?
Fair Deal Music is a family-run independent music retailer founded in 1987 and Birmingham's largest independent music store. For nearly four decades we've helped musicians find the right instruments through expert advice, competitive pricing and exceptional customer service.
With over 6,000 Excellent Trustpilot reviews, knowledgeable musicians available by phone, online and in-store, fast UK delivery and secure online ordering, customers across the UK trust Fair Deal Music when buying both new and pre-owned instruments.
Our Birmingham showroom features a constantly changing range of guitars, basses, orchestral instruments and specialist equipment, while our dedicated pre-owned department helps musicians buy, sell and trade quality gear with confidence.
Looking for advice on upright basses, electric upright basses or performance amplification? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NS Design WAV4 suitable for jazz?
Yes. The WAV4 is particularly popular amongst jazz bassists thanks to its natural upright-style response and practical portability.
Can it replace a traditional double bass?
For many live and recording situations, yes. It offers upright playing technique and tonal character with significantly greater convenience.
Is it easier to transport than an acoustic upright bass?
Absolutely. The WAV4 is considerably easier to transport, store and handle than a full-sized double bass.
Is it suitable for theatre and pit work?
Yes. Electric upright basses are commonly used in theatre environments where portability and controlled amplification are important.
Does it require an amplifier?
Like most electric instruments, it is designed to be used with amplification or a recording system.
Can it be used for recording?
Yes. The Polar™ pickup system provides a clear and articulate signal suitable for studio use.
Is it suitable for players transitioning from bass guitar?
Yes. Many bass guitarists use the WAV4 as an accessible route into upright bass playing.
Can I try it in-store?
Yes. You're welcome to visit our Birmingham showroom to try available basses and speak with our experienced team.