Having not played an NS design EUB, thanks for that appraisal Sylvia. It's nice to know the pros and the cons, from someone who actually plays one, rather than someone who dislikes them.
I quite fancied an NS myself, after buying a Stagg - which was also my first foray into the world of upright...
I've heard others say that they don't really sound much like a DB, rather like the Stagg (which sounds more like a big fretless bass IMHO)
I've heard sound clips from the Yamaha SLB's and that EUB does sound much more DB-like.... of course, this could be achieved by effects units or sound processing of some sort...
Looking at photos of the NS. I think I'd get confused by all those dots too, and I have heard of owners "dabbing" over them with a felt-tip pen (or even model makers black paint!) to help prevent confusion
But as Sylvia says, the NS does look quite cool, and the fact that it's designed to be played on the stand could be really useful
In terms of an EUB sounding more like a true acoustic DB, the best I've heard was the Emminence. Because it has a small, slim chambered body, a bit of careful EQ'ing and you can get a very DB-like sound.
I now have a KK EUB (bought from that nice chap Happy Jack of this forum). In my opinion, the KK sounds more like a Double bass than my old Stagg did, and it looks really cool, and is a fab design, shape & colour too.
Though its' main con is that it's still quite heavy, compared to a Stagg.
Al Krow, if you're intent on upgrading from the Stagg - take a bit of time, do a bit of research and play as many EUB's as you can
Pop along to a basschat meet, or maybe post a few questions and request that you try other BC members basses? We're mostly friendly folk on here
I can't see your location (NB. This may have disappeared since the recent forum update, so you might want to add it, so people can see where you are)
I'm in South Wales, and would be more than happy for a fellow BC member to come & have a try of my bass(es)
Good luck in your search
PS. The Stagg is an excellent, and inexpensive introduction to the world of upright bass