NS Design is pleased to announce the new NXT-series electric violin. The NXT violin opens up a new horizon for the serious musician seeking to play a world-class electric violin on a limited budget. These new instruments, crafted in the Czech Republic by the makers of NS Design’s renowned CR series, exemplify flawless workmanship at an incredible value. The NXT-4 four-string violin will be available in the United States beginning in October 2011, followed by the five-string NXT-5 in November.

Light weight and balance are critical factors for any electric violin, and the NXT ranks as one of the lightest and best balanced performance electrics on the market. Weighing in at 585 grams (610 grams for the NXT-5), the NXT pioneers special carving techniques to reduce the weight of the maple body, while preserving extraordinary rigidity and striking good looks. Ultralight tail-mounted tuners allow precise adjustment, easy string changes, and keep the balance point of the instrument close to the shoulder for maximum comfort.

Additional weight is saved by advanced piezo technology that eliminates the need for heavy on-board batteries and circuitry.  The self-powered Polar™ electromechanical transducer, technically referred to as a passive pickup, is anything but passive, with higher output than most active systems.  The result is unsurpassed dynamic range, clarity, and sheer power. The dual mode Polar pickup responds to both lateral string vibration for bowing, and vertical vibration for pizzicato playing. (A body-mounted two-way switch lets the player change modes easily.)  The resulting sound retains the essential timbres of a fine acoustic violin, but is easily modified—via on-board controls or post-processing—to suit almost any sonic palette.

The NXT is also the first NS violin to incorporate NS Design’s innovative JackPot™ potentiometer in its volume and tone controls.  Conventional passive volume and tone controls work by siphoning a portion of the output signal to ground, and continue to hold back a portion of the pickup’s signal even when turned up all the way. The JackPot incorporates a rotary switch that disengages the ground when turned fully clockwise, sending 100% of the instrument’s signal to the amplifier. The result is a fuller, richer tone, with more power, detail, and overall intensity.

As adaptable as it is powerful, the NXT adjusts easily to any violinist’s style. It comes equipped with the NS Custom Shoulder Rest which can be formed by the player to fit the body perfectly. The NXT can also attach to NS Design’s revolutionary Balanced Shoulder Rest, which secures it effortlessly in optimal playing position. 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 Electric Strings—and all other traditional violin strings—fit NS violins, allowing the player to select from many different string options, each with a unique sound and feel.

The NXT violin brings world-class design and craftsmanship to a surprisingly affordable price range. With a visual appearance as striking as its sound, the roadworthy NXT is an exciting and reliable partner for the most demanding performance career.