THE NS ELECTRIC VIOLINS
The NS Electric Violins family bring together elegant design, phenomenal tone and exceptional performance versatility. It includes the sophisticated CR Electric Violin with active electronics, the straight-ahead pro level NXTa Electric Violin featuring the new battery-free active output electronics, and our most affordable high performance WAV Electric Violin.
Over the centuries of its evolution, one of the singular struggles for the violin maker and player alike has been to achieve more volume without sacrificing tone or playability. That need and desire has never been greater than in the present era, where the electric violinist frequently shares the stage with instruments designed for the plugged in world of amplifiers and high-powered sound reinforcement. The NS family of electric violins are, in every sense, designed for that specific stage, but also equipped for life in the studio. Please explore and compare our amazing electric violins and see which one fits your performance needs best. Along the way, learn about the remarkable Polar™ Pickup System, the patented NS self-clamping tuning system, the adjustable height bridge, the malleable Custom Shoulder Rest, and other important features which distinguish the NS.
After a long and tiresome search for the best sound on an electric violin, the moment I tried a NS violin, I knew my quest has come to an end. The flexibility of having a natural violin sound and with a simple switch of a button, to sound like an incredible electric guitar is worth gold. I have been using the violin a lot for the recording of the soundtrack for the documentary "Jealous of the Birds", which I am presently co-writing with academy award winner Hans Zimmer. And having just played it in a clubbing I even found out its an absolute chick-magnet - what else could you ask for?
—Aleksey Igudesman
I came across Ned Steinberger and his amazing instruments at the 2001 NAMM show in LA, and had to have one. I played this instrument a good deal with the SFU pipe band, including the live CD recording and concert at the Sydney Opera House. It has a built in preamp which creates an exemplary acoustic tone, as well as two other presets - electric and pizzicato, which are also unique to his instruments.
—Anna Schaad
I love playing the NS because of the warmth of its sound. It is as close to an acoustic instrument as I could wish to get. Not only this, but I can adjust the sound as I need. Also, it has incredible gain. Gone are the days when I can't be heard! Just an excellent, very necessary, piece of equipment for me.
—Kersten Stevens
What makes the NS Electric Violin special?
Ned Steinberger, NS Design founder, talks with Mimi Rabson from Berklee College of Music about the acquisition of a matched set of two electric violins, viola, cello, and bass by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. For more information about the Musical Instruments Gallery at the MFA, visit their website: https://www.mfa.org/
Feature Comparison
All NS Violins have:
- Adjustable height bridge
- Patented Self-Clamping Tuning System
- Polar™ Pickup System
- Maple Neck/Body/Reference Bout/Bridge
- Custom Shoulder Rest
- Ebony Fingerboard/Chin Rest
- Scale Length: 330 MM (13")
- Length: 540 MM (21.25"); Width: 110 MM (4 5/16"); Thickness: 65 MM (2 9/16")
- Compatible with any solid and stranded core violin strings, D'Addario™ NS Electric violin strings are standard. High stretch synthetic core strings not recommended.
- Custom hardshell case standard with bow holder, handle, strap and accessories pouches
- Tool kit, Owners Manual
- Optional NS accessories include: Violin Bow, Balanced Shoulder Rest, Adjustable Chin Rest, Violin Stand, Flight Case
CR Series
Electronics
9-Volt Active, EMG™ onboard preamp
Controls
Rotary for Volume, Treble EQ, Bass EQ; 3-way toggle switch for Polar Pickup System and Electronics
Weight
720g
Finish
Flame maple, traditional Amber satin finish. Custom finish also available: Quilted Maple, Poplar Burl, Zebrawood, Slate Gray.
Options
Fretted or fretless; 4 and 5 String (low C)
Origin
Czech Republic
Includes
1/8" headphone jack for silent practice and self-monitoring
NXTa Series
Electronics
Battery-Free Dual Mode Active-Passive
Controls
Rotary for Volume, Tone (Treble roll off); Push Pull for Active/Passive Mode; 2-way toggle switch for Polar Pickup System
Weight
610g
Finish
Solid, straight grain maple, with maple face (Satin Black model) or flame maple face (Sunburst model) on body.
Options
Fretted or fretless; 4 and 5 String (low C)
Origin
Czech Republic
Includes
Includes NXTa AC charger.
WAV Series
Electronics
Passive, high impedance output
Controls
Rotary for Volume, Tone (Treble roll off)
Weight
695g
Finish
Flame Maple face with transparent high gloss lacquer, stain undercoating. Amberburst, Transparent Red, Transparent Black
Options
4 and 5 string (Low C)
Origin
India
A printable PDF version of the NS Electric Violin Feature Comparison Guide is linked here.