THE NXTa ELECTRIC CELLO
The NXTa Active Series Cello, available with 4 or 5 strings, fretless or fretted, opens up new vistas for the serious cellist. Crafted in the Czech Republic by the makers of the renowned CR Series, NXT series cellos exemplify flawless workmanship at an exceptional value. Click here for the original NXT Series Cello.
As a pure electric instrument, the NS cello has certain built-in advantages over an acoustic. One is the virtual absence of wolf tones, an unfortunate fact of life for the acoustic cellist. Another is freedom from feedback in amplified performance settings, which means that the cellist can move about the stage at will, and better yet, can take solos at any volume. Since 100% of the sound comes via the pickup, using looping and other electronic effects in live performance is much easier and far more effective than with an amplified acoustic, where much of the unprocessed sound "leaks" out to the audience.
“The NS Design cello and harness system are so versatile in design and tone that they lend themselves to any situation; jazz jams, Symphony concerts, outdoor music festivals, theater shows, house concerts, punk clubs, etc. I’ve used it in every situation and I’ve never had this much fun playing cello.”
“My NS cello has a powerful and warm sound, the unique frame strap system which allows me to wear it and move around the stage when I perform, the sleek design for portability, and all that at for a fraction of the price of most competitors. I have performed with it exclusively for 5 years and have absolutely loved it.”
“I am a cellist, but I am a rocker too. I always wanted to stand/move/dance with my cello. My NXTa gave me that great possibility. In addition, my NS brought me to a whole new world of sounds, effects and pedals. It so fun to play and very accurate in comparison with an acoustic cello. I Love it!”
“I purchased a NS Design electric-fretted cello… All I can say is wow!!!!! I’ve used this cello on 100’s of cues for television and I simply had to reach out and say thanks!!!”
“NS Design is at the forefront and future of string instruments, the eco-friendly charge of the NXTa along with its clear tone and portability make it a must have!”
“I wanted to bring a different perspective to what can be done with the cello. There’s a lot more to the instrument than just classical music. I chose my NS instrument because I wanted something mobile with a slick design so I can dance and entertain.”
FEATURES
The tone quality and dynamic range of the NXTa cello owes much to the self-powered NS Polar™ Pickup System. Employing special piezo crystals, mounted beneath the bridge, the pickup captures the full sound spectrum created by the strings and body of the instrument. Arco versus Pizzicato playing creates more vibration energy in one direction than the other, and a convenient switch on the side of the NXTa actually allows the player to select sensitivity for either mode. The result is either more percussive response, or smoother and sustained response, adding a new dimension to what the player can create musically.
Dual Mode Output - The new dual mode signal output electronics of the NXTa take the convenience, versatility and performance capability of the NXT to another level.
Active Mode - Using the supplied charger, the NXTa connects into any AC outlet for 60 seconds, powering the capacitor-powered active circuit for 16 hours from the time of the charge. The instrument can then be plugged straight into any low or high impedance device, 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.
The solid maple body and neck along with the graduated fingerboard contribute to the delivery of 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.
NS Electric Strings and most traditional acoustic strings fit all NS cellos, allowing the player to select from a wide range, each with a unique sound a feel. In combination with the easy adjustment of basic set-up parameters, the NXTa Series Cello is adaptable to a nearly limitless range of music styles.
A fully adjustable tripod stand can be used seated or standing. The optional Cello End Pin Stand provides the seated cellist familiar points of thigh contact and position. The Boomerang™ Strap System or the Frame Strap System allows the cellist to stand up with full mobility for a new experience of freedom and expression. 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.
Specifications
LENGTH: 94.2 cm (37")
WIDTH: 13.9 cm (5.5")
THICKNESS: 9.4 cm (3.7")
WEIGHT:
4 string: 1.9 kg (4.1 lbs.)
5 string: 1.9 kg (4.2 lbs.)
SCALE LENGTH: 69.5 cm (27.36"")
BODY/NECK: Solid, straight grain maple, with maple face (Satin Black model) or flame maple face (Sunburst model) on body. Brass escutcheon pin on the rear of the neck serves as a reference point corresponding to the heel of an acoustic cello.
FINGERBOARD: Hand-graduated. Intonation referenced with cascading dot markers. NXTa cellos are also available with fretted fingerboards.
STRING TUNING:
4 string tuning: C G D A
5 string tuning: Low F C G D A; High E tuning also available by request: C G D A E
STRINGS: NS Electric Cello Strings supplied; the NS is designed to fit and is compatible with most standard strings.
TRUSS ROD: Single Action.
TUNING HARDWARE: Fully encased worm gear tuners, black finish.
BRIDGE PICKUP: The NS Cello features the Polar bridge-mounted piezo pickup system which responds selectively to either vertical vibration (for the sustained plucked sound, like an electric bass guitar), or lateral vibration (for dynamic bowing, and a percussive plucked sound).
ELECTRONICS & CONTROLS: Rotary volume control; Tone control (treble roll off), with push-pull selection between Active and Passive output mode; Arco/Pizzicato toggle switch.
PERFORMANCE SUPPORT SYSTEMS
NXT CELLO TRIPOD STAND: Standard with the NXT series, black painted steel, fully adjustable, self-standing tripod design. Folds for easy storage and fits into the NXT gig bag. Weight is 2.7 kg (6 lbs.).
CELLO END PIN STAND: The optional Cello End Pin Stand has traditional knee and chest contact points for seated play. The height, knee rest position and instrument angle are adjustable. The knee rest folds so the stand fits in the gig bag. Weight is 1.36kg (3 lbs.)
CR TRIPOD STAND: Optional, fully adjustable steel tripod stand. Weight is 3.6kg (8 lbs.).
BOOMERANG STRAP SYSTEM: This optional support system has a pivoting friction hub that holds the instrument firmly in place close to the body. Attached with a guitar style strap to its two support arms, the system allows the instrument to be moved into virtually any position in relation to the hands and body as it is played. Weight is .45 kg (1 lbs.).
FRAME STRAP SYSTEM: This optional accessory is a lightweight frame structure that allows full mobility to perform in standing or upright position, holding the instrument out from the body similar to the reference in traditional positioning. It is the strap system recommended for bowing. The system is supported by a single guitar style strap extending over the left shoulder. Weight is 0.68kg (1.5 lbs.).
TRANSPORT
GIG BAG: The standard gig bag with handle and shoulder strap, has a padded inner case for the instrument and a zipper pouch for the tripod stand. It also has a bow compartment and storage pocket with room for charger and accessories. 99 cm (39") long; 18 cm (7") in diameter. Loaded weight is 5 kg (11 lbs.), including stand. Fits in the overhead luggage compartment of most commercial aircraft.
FLIGHT CASE: An optional hardshell flight case measures 136cm x 28cm x 27cm (53.5" x 11" x 10.5") and weighs 18 kg (40 lb) fully loaded with instrument & tripod stand.
Download the NS Design NXTa Cello Owners Manual.
Download the Fretted Cello Intonation Instructions.
Featured Technology The Polar™ Pickup System
As a player, you may not think about the direction your strings are vibrating, or even be aware that string vibrations on a musical instrument are polarized in relation to the fingerboard and the motion of the plectrum and bow. Yet direction is one of the most significant factors influencing the tone and response of a stringed instrument. In fact, instruments from the violin family are different from the lute or guitar in large part due to the effects of string polarization.
Read MoreSupport Systems The Cello End Pin Stand
The cello end pin has traditional knee and chest contact points for seated play. the height, knee rest position and instrument angle are adjustable. The knee rest folds so the stand fits in the gig bag.
Read MoreSupport Systems The Frame Strap System
The Frame Strap System is a moving experience guaranteed to make you smile! The freedom of full mobility, only a dream for the cellist or upright bassist, is now a reality. The Frame Strap System fits over the shoulder like a guitar strap, but holds the instrument out from the body in the ideal position for bow and pizzicato technique.
Read MoreSupport Systems The Boomerang™ Strap System
The Boomerang Strap System gives the player full mobility, and the freedom to play in virtually any position without stress and fatigue. The simple design incorporates two support arms and a pivoting friction hub that holds the instrument firmly in place, yet allows the instrument to be moved into virtually any position in relation to the hands and body as it is played.
Read MoreSupport Systems The CR Tripod Stand
The tripod stand provides stable support for both the NS Cello and Double Bass. Full height and tilt adjustments allow the player to select the ideal position, seated or standing. the stand folds for storage and fits in the gig bag.
Read More