The NS Blog

NS Cellist Geoffrey Kartes leads Michigan’s indie-rock outfit Watching for Foxes on the 2017 Spring Tour supporting their debut album “Undone Bird.”

“Watching For Foxes make every song feel like it’s that half-triumphant, half-weary, all-around cathartic march up the hilly knoll towards the unknowable-yet-still-hope-splashed horizon, as if every song were the build up to the closing credits of the indie-arthouse film of the story to your life. ” – Jeff Milo (Detroit Free Press, PASTE) – DEEP CUTZ Read More »

Congratulations to NS Artist Jacob Collier on his 2017 Grammy Awards.

Jacob was awarded 2017 Grammy Awards in the Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella category for “You And I” — Jacob Collier, arranger (Jacob Collier) and Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals for “Flintstones”  — Jacob Collier, arranger (Jacob Collier). Read More »

“Dream of Might”  is the newest release by Winterhymn from their current album Blood & Shadow.  It is a thrilling metal epic that ardent fans of progressive metal will love.

Featuring NS Design Violinist Umbriel (aka Kate Liebisch) this driving masterpiece “weaves soaring, epic, majestic progressive pagan folk metal elements with haunting violin and symphonic melodies.” – New Noise Magazine Read More »

Welcome to the second edition of THE LYONN’S ROAR – “String Drumming” filled with iNSights into how to inject fire into your bow by Julie Lyonn Lieberman.

While many bowed string players focus on traditional techniques, Julie will show you how to be iNSpired to take flight, how to move and groove.  There’s a world of exiting possibilities you can add to your technical grab bag.  Check it out at: http://www.stringswithoutboundaries.com/string-resources/string-blog/rhythmizing-bow.html

Don’t forget to practice these tips using our great collection of CR, NXTa and WAV series violins at  www.thinkns.com.

Welcome to the first edition of THE LYONN’S ROAR – “Special Effects” by Julie Lyonn Lieberman.  Julie focuses on using effects with electric bowed instruments, including multi-effects processors, and how they can add “spice” to your playing and sound.  To see a video demonstration of some of the sounds you can achieve, visit Strings Without Boundaries Read More »

NS Design is pleased to announce that NS Artist and String Educator JULIE LYONN LIEBERMAN will be featured in a new series that we affectionately call the “Lyonn’s Roar!” Every month readers can look forward to education and advice on how to improve as a player, performer and musician and get the most out of your electric stringed instruments. Read More »

by Raul Amador

AS WE WRAP UP THE YEAR OF THE LUTHIER CELEBRATIONS, I THINK IT IS ONLY FITTING TO HEAR FROM NED STEINBERGER!

Ned worked closely with Stuart Spector (Our January cover)  in designing the first Spector bass and has been a pioneer in innovative instrument design. The entire line of stringed instruments, including basses, without a headstock are iconic and easily recognized in their unique physical characteristics and playability. Read More »

Review by Kel Pilshaw.

Besides being a world-class instrument builder, Ned Steinberger has always had an appreciation for beauty and instrument aesthetics, and his design philosophies manifest themselves perfectly in his RADIUS electric bass line. The NS Design WAV4 RADIUS bass guitar is a fantastic professional instrument, delivering nearly everything we love about the Czech Republic-built RADIUS CR bass (in-depth review here) in a lower-priced, import version that retains the instrument’s great build, playability, and tone. Read More »

The NXT Series Goes Active and Stays Green!

With the launch of the new NXTa series, Ned Steinberger and NS Design herald the introduction of battery-free, high performance active electronics for the full family of NXT instruments. These include the violin, viola, cello, Omni bass and double bass. The new capacitor-powered custom circuitry, designed for NS Design by Mi-Si Electronics Design, integrates with the NS Polar Pickup System to provide two distinct signal output modes, bringing the convenience, versatility and performance capability of the NXT to another level. Read More »

Convenience is an idol, and I have no desire to worship at its altar.  I don’t own an iPod, I prefer my 78 RPM records played on my vintage tube phonograph.  I don’t own a coffee maker, I would rather use my french press, or better yet, I would rather make a cup of pour over that would change your life, not just your morning beverage preferences.  But I know what you’re thinking:  “Good for you.  You and the rest of your little hipster buddies may not worship at the altar of convenience, but you love to sacrifice to the gods of high-horse traditionalism.”  Maybe, but not so fast. Read More »