The NXTa Fretted Cello opens up a new horizon for progressive cellists looking for a great instrument on a limited budget.
These instruments, available in 4 & 5 string formats with a choice of Black Satin or Sunburst finishes, are crafted in the Czech Republic by the makers of the renowned NS Design CR Series and exemplify flawless workmanship and incredible value.
Adaptable to a nearly limitless range of music styles, The NXTa Cello brings unprecedented affordability to the player interested in world-class design, craftsmanship and performance. With a visual appearance a striking as its sound, the roadworthy NXTa is an exciting and reliable partner for the most demanding performance career.
NS Design NXT Fretted Cello
The Ned Steinberger designed NXTa Fretted Cello - the latest addition to the NS orchestra, is a unique instrument that blends the character and advantages of a guitar with the power and performance of an electric cello, opening up dynamic new possibilities.
Whilst a somewhat radical concept, even the most traditional cellist will find that frets offer certain advantages, as well as new performance and textural possibilities. The most obvious of these is that - particularly when playing pizzicato - frets provide “open string” sustain for every note. In addition, the fretted cellist can more fully exploit techniques such as tapping, hammer-ons, and “stepped” glissando. Frets also guarantee accuracy of pitch in high volume performance situations where there may be less-than-optimal individual monitor setups.
NS Polar™ Bridge Pickup System
Pizzicato and arco techniques have almost unlimited expressive potential, thanks to the NS Design Polar™ Pickup System... Two separate mounted transducers beneath the bridge offer unlimited expressive potential and powerful dynamics. With each pickup specialized for a specific task, a convenient switch gives you the choice to select a traditional arco mode for percussive attack and a dynamic bowed response, or the pizzicato mode for a smooth, sustained tone.
Construction
The solid maple body and neck, together with the graduated ebony fingerboard, deliver a rich, full tone that rings true for every note. Asymmetrical fingerboard relief provides extraordinary ease of playability from the lowest to the highest positions. To suit individual player preferences, the fingerboard relief can be adjusted via the truss rod in the neck, and the string height is readily adjustable at the bridge.
An escutcheon pin on the neck, corresponding to the location of the heel on an acoustic cello, is standard; a more conventional wooden neck heel is also available for installation.
Strings
Equipped with NS Contemporary Bass Strings by D'Addario™, the NXTa is compatible with most standard electric or traditional acoustic upright bass strings. In combination with the easy adjustment of its basic set-up parameters, this versatile instrument is adaptable to many different styles of music.
Accessories
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NXT Cello Tripod Stand - Sturdy, black painted tubular steel construction. Fully adjustable for a wide range of playing styles, this cello specific variant is shorter than the equivalent NXT Double Bass stand to better facilitate seated performance. Folds for easy storage and fits into the NXT gig bag (Weight is 2.7kg/6lb).
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NXT Gig Bag - Supplied as standard, the NXT nylon gig bag, with carry handle and shoulder strap, has a padded inner case for the instrument and a zipper pouch for the tripod stand as well as a bow compartment and storage pocket with room for charger and accessories. Dimensions : 99cm (39") long x 18cm (7") in diameter. Loaded weight is 5kg (11lb) including stand. The compact gig bag fits in the overhead luggage compartment of most commercial aircraft.
Optional Extras
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NS Traditional Cello End Pin Stand - Provides the traditional cello points of contact and position and is the best choice for cellists who have an animated style of playing while seated, or who play the instrument at a more horizontal angle.
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NS CR End Pin Stand - Offers full freedom of movement. Height, tilt and "right bout" angle are fully adjustable providing a more conventional feel.
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NS CR Tripod - Provides stable support for both the NS Cello and Double Bass with full height and tilt adjustments allowing the player to select the ideal position, seated or standing, vertical or horizontal. Folds for storage and fits in the NS gig bag.
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NS CR End Pin Stand Conversion Kit - Attaches the NS CR End Pin Stand to the CR Series Tripod Stand to hold the instrument upright for on-stand performance or when not in use.
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NS Frame Strap System - Allows the cellist to stand up with full mobility for a new experience of freedom and expression.
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NS Flight Case - Aluminum edged plywood measuring 136cm x 28cm x 27cm (53.5" x 11" x 10.5") with loaded weight of approximately 18kg (40lb) including tripod stand.
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