Overview
NS Design’s CR electric violin, available in both 4 and 5 string models, standard and fretted, is the preeminent electric violin on the market today. Designed by Ned Steinberger, the violin has a remarkable tonal range due to its innovative Polar™ Pickup System, which is able to selectively capture the string vibration favored for both bow and pizzicato technique with stunning brilliance and sensitivity. The violinist who prefers the elegant tone of a fine acoustic will not be disappointed, and for those who wish to explore new sonic territory, the sky is the limit.
The solid-body NS Electric Violin incorporates the familiar performance features of an acoustic instrument, including a removable bout segment to provide the left-hand reference position of a traditional instrument. Traditional string spacing and scale length facilitate the transition from the acoustic instrument to the world of the electric violin. Direct amplification and recording capabilities allow the violinist to experience the vast range of electronic and amplified performance opportunities, yet continue to savor the essence and timeless magic of the violin.
Features & Highlights
SOLID MAPLE BODY AND NECK: The CR Violin is crafted of solid maple, with an elegant 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 removable treble side bout is included for left hand position reference. The solid ebony fingerboard is hand graduated for consistent string articulation.
BRIDGE PICKUP: The Polar directional piezo pickup system responds selectively to either vertical vibration (for the sustained plucked sound, like a mandolin), or lateral vibration (for dynamic bowing, and a percussive plucked sound).
ACTIVE ELECTRONICS: The dual mode preamp allows the player to choose between two very distinct tone qualities. The first mode delivers the full frequency response of modern low impedance electronics, for a rich, full-blown “electric violin” sound. The second is balanced to produce the frequency response of the 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 EQ & treble EQ controls.
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. Although specially formulated NS Electric Violin Strings from D’Addario™ are recommended, any standard solid or stranded core violin string will fit the NS Violin. We do not recommend nylon (Perlon) core or gut core strings.
Specifications
LENGTH: 540 MM (21.25″)
WIDTH: 110 MM (4 5/16″)
THICKNESS: 65 MM (2 9/16″)
WEIGHT: 720 grams (25.5 oz)
SCALE LENGTH: 330 MM (13″)
STRING SPACING:
| Model | Bridge | Nut |
| 4-string | 33.5 mm | 16.2 mm |
| 5-string | 44 mm | 21 mm |
CONSTRUCTION: Straight grain quarter-sawn solid European maple body and neck, with a flame maple face.
FINISH: Traditional amber stain with polymer top coat. Custom finish options are available for the CR Violin including Slate Gray, Quilted Maple, Poplar Burl and Zebrawood. Click here to see examples of these Custom CR Series finishes.
BODY REFERENCE BOUT: Black-dyed maple bout on treble side provides standard violin reference. Easily removable for unrestricted neck access.
FINGERBOARD: Hand-graduated ebony.
BRIDGE: Black-dyed maple, height adjustable via screws on back of body.
STRINGS: NS Electric Strings by D’Addario™ are standard. Compatible with solid and stranded core violin strings. Synthetic core strings are not recommended.
PRECISION TUNING HARDWARE: Fine tuners are mounted on the body behind the bridge for precise, stable tuning. Automatic string clamping allows for quick, easy string changes.
BRIDGE PICKUP: The Polar directional piezo pickup system responds selectively to either vertical vibration (for remarkably even and sustained plucked/pizzicato sound, like a mandolin), or lateral vibration (for dynamic bowing, and a percussive plucked sound).
ACTIVE ELECTRONICS: Dual mode preamp allows the player to choose between two distinct tone qualities: (1) the extended frequency response of modern low impedance electronics, for full-blown “electric” sound, and (2) active electronic shaping to replicate the frequency response of the traditional violin, for a more “acoustic” sound. A three-way toggle switch allows the player to select the desired pickup and electronics options.
CONTROLS
- Volume
- Treble EQ
- Bass EQ
- 3-way Switch for Polar pickup:
- forward – vertical string vibration for sustained pizzicato
- center – lateral string vibration, full frequency for arco
- back – lateral string vibration, “acoustic” timbre for arco
HEADPHONE JACK: 1/8″ headphone jack for silent practice and self-monitoring.
Performance Support Systems
CUSTOM SHOULDER REST: a standard option included with the NS violin, the Custom Shoulder Rest can be formed by the player to fit the body perfectly. The contoured ebony chinrest is designed to work in tandem with the Custom Shoulder Rest.
ADJUSTABLE CHIN REST: The Adjustable Chin Rest is optional, offering a range of positions for individual fit, style and comfort, providing entirely new levels of ergonomic support.
BALANCED SHOULDER REST: As an option, the violin can also attach to NS Design’s revolutionary Balanced Shoulder Rest which secures it effortlessly in optimal playing position.