FOR THE SERIOUS MUSICIAN LOOKING TO PLAY A WORLD-CLASS ELECTRIC VIOLA ON A LIMITED BUDGET
Crafted to exacting standards in the Czech Republic, the NXTa Viola combines elegance, advanced ergonomics and full spectrum tone and is designed for musicians who need an adaptable, affordable instrument that offers exceptional amplified and recorded performance quality and extraordinary freedom of expression.
Freeing the violist from the limitations of an amplified acoustic viola, the NXTa model boasts a host of unique NS features, at the heart of which is the unique Polar™ Pickup System, a self-powered Polar electromechanical transducer, although technically referred to as a passive pickup, has a significantly higher output than many active systems, providing unsurpassed dynamic range, clarity, and sheer power.
Available with either a flame maple Sunburst or Black Satin finish, the NXTa Viola features a sleek, ergonomically designed maple body, patented precision tuning system, adjustable-height bridge, the super-comfortable NS Custom Shoulder Rest and ships complete with a premium quality custom hardshell case.
NS Design Patented Tuning System
This remarkable system (US Pat. #6,528,71) provides exceptionally easy, precise and stable tuning. Mounted entirely behind the bridge, its location shifts the balance point of the instrument closer in to the player’s body, for an even lighter feel and enhanced comfort. Standard viola strings will fit the NS Viola, although specially formulated NS Electric strings from D'Addario are recommended.
Adjustable Bridge
Using set screws, the rock-maple bridge can be readily adjusted to the desired action height — high and powerful, low and fast, or anywhere in between.
NS Design Polar™ Pickup System
The directional piezo Polar Pickup responds selectively to either lateral string vibration (for dynamic bowing), and 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 instrument, but is easily modified — via on-board controls or post-processing — to suit any sonic palette, whether the instrument is set up with F-C-G-D, octave, or even G-D-A-E strings.
Dual Mode Output
All NXTa series instruments feature battery-free, high performance active electronics with new capacitor-powered custom circuitry designed by Mi-Si™ Electronics Design, taking convenience, versatility and performance capability to an even higher level.
Active Mode
In Active mode, the user connects the supplied charger into an AC outlet for 60 seconds to power the circuit for up to 16 hours of performance time. The instrument can then plug straight into any amp, low or high impedance, no direct box necessary. Since there is no signal loss over the full frequency spectrum of the instrument, the fundamentals of every note remain clear and strong, even with extra-long cables.
Passive Mode
The NXTa can be played in this mode when using a direct box or an amplifier with high impedance input. This mode provides performance capabilities identical to the original NXT.
Eco-Friendly Operation
NXTa instruments are battery-free, eliminating the hassle and cost of batteries while helping protect our environment.
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).
