For The Perfect performance
The CR Series NS Viola completes the NS Design family of electric concert stringed instruments. With a remarkable tonal range due to its innovative NS Polar™ pickup system, the NS Viola is able to selectively capture the string vibration favored for both bow and pizzicato technique with stunning brilliance and sensitivity. Now the violist can shed the constraints of the acoustic instrument, and enjoy full, rich, powerful sound from an instrument that is very comfortable to play.
Crafted in the Czech Republic, The NS Viola is constructed of solid maple, with an sumptuous flame maple face. This lightweight solid-body design transfers the full spectrum of sound to the pickup without feedback, and is very stable even with changes in temperature and humidity. The ergonomic shoulder and chin rest provide comfortable, stable support, and a maple bout on the treble side bout provides standard left hand position reference and is readily removed for unrestricted neck access. The solid ebony fingerboard is hand graduated for consistent string articulation.
CUSTOM WOODS & FINISHES
For customers who desire something even more special, all CR Series instruments are also available to special order in a choice of gorgeous exotic wood tops or a striking Slate Grey flame maple finish.
QUILTED MAPLE
POPLAR BURL
ZEBRAWOOD
SLATE GREY
NS PATENTED TUNING SYSTEM
Accurate, stable tuners are the key to in-tune performance. The patented self-clamping tuning mechanism automatically grips the string ever more tightly as tension is applied, and the 40:1 micrometer fine tuning is smooth and precise. This "set-it and forget-it" tuning is light-years ahead of the friction tuners found on traditional instruments.
NS Polar™ Pickup System
Advanced NS Polar™ piezo technology, based around a self-powered, bridge-mounted electro-mechanical transducer, eliminates the need for heavy on-board batteries and circuitry. Although technically a passive pickup, it has a higher output than many active systems, providing unsurpassed dynamic range, clarity, and sheer power.
The directional pickup responds selectively to either lateral string vibration (for dynamic bowing), or vertical vibration (for remarkably even and sustained plucked/pizzicato sound, like a mandolin). A switch allows the player to choose the desired response. The resulting sound retains the essential timbres of a fine acoustic violin, but can be easily and endlessly modified — via on-board controls or post-processing — to suit any sonic palette.
Active Electronics BY EMG™
A dual mode, on-board, EMG 9 volt active preamp allows the player to choose between two very distinct tonal qualities. The first delivers the full frequency response of modern low impedance electronics, for a rich, full-blown "electric" sound, while the second mode is balanced to produce the frequency response of a traditional violin, for a more "acoustic" sound. A three-way toggle switch allows the player to select the desired pickup and electronics options. Additional controls include volume and individual bass & treble EQ, all located within easy reach of the right hand so adjustments can be made with the instrument in playing position.
All controls are located within easy reach of the right hand so adjustments can be made with the instrument in playing position.
Volume control / Individual treble & bass EQ / 3-way switch for the Polar Pickup (selects VERTICAL string vibration, for sustained pizzicato, LATERAL string vibration, arco full frequency for electric bowed sounds, and LATERAL string vibration for arco "acoustic" timbre).
NS VIOLA STRINGS BY D'ADDARIO™
Developed in partnership with Ned Steinberger and manufactured in the USA specifically for NS electric instruments, these strings are designed to enhance the expressive range of tone for even the most discerning players. Groundbreaking stranded steel core core technology pioneered by D'Addario provides optimum playability and produces a clear, warm tone with fast, flexible, and sensitive bow response.
Custom Shoulder Rest
All NS Violas come equipped as standard with the NS Custom Shoulder Rest which features a malleable, foam-padded aluminum base which can bend and mold to the surface to the chest and shoulder and is designed to be physically formed by the player to fit the body perfectly for maximum playing comfort. In conjunction with the ergonomically contoured ebony chinrest, a wide range of height and angle adjustments can be made while the instrument is in playing position.
For enhanced versatility, NS Viola models also accept the Adjustable Chin Rest which offers a wider range of positions for individual fit, style and comfort, providing entirely new levels of ergonomic support, or the revolutionary NS Balanced Shoulder Rest which replaces both chin and shoulder rests and effectively "floats" the instrument in the desired playing position.
HARDSHELL FITTED CASE INCLUDED
All NS Violins and Violas are supplied complete with a Cordura® covered, form-fitting custom hardshell case with handle and shoulder strap, separate compartments for shoulder rest and accessories, a bow compartment, and an exterior zipper pouch (Loaded weight: approx. 3.2kg / 7lb).
A custom flight case is also available to special order.
