For The Perfect Performance
The CR Series 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 arco 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.
Solid Maple Body & Neck
Crafted in the Czech Republic, The NS Violin 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 provides standard violin 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 with a choice of gorgeous exotic wood tops or a striking Slate Grey flame finish.
QUILTED MAPLE
POPLAR BURL
ZEBRAWOOD
SLATE GREY
NS Polar™ Pickup System
Providing unsurpassed dynamic range, clarity, and power, the directional Polar piezo pickup system responds selectively to either vertical vibration (for a remarkably even and sustained plucked/pizzicato sound, like a mandolin), or lateral vibration (for dynamic bowing, and a percussive plucked sound).
Active Electronics
A dual mode, on-board, 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.
Precision Tuning Hardware
With the NS Design patented tuning system, remarkably precise and stable tuning is accomplished entirely behind the bridge, in the manner similar to the fine tuners of an acoustic instrument. With the elimination of the traditional scroll and pegs, weight is shifted in towards the body of the player for optimum comfort. Any standard violin string will fit the NS Violin, although specially formulated NS Electric strings from NS/D'Addario are recommended.
Custom Shoulder Rest
All NS Violins 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 Violin 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).