Description

The 4-string NS Viola completes the NS Design family of electric concert stringed instruments. With a remarkable tonal range due to its innovative Polar™ pickup system, the NS Viola is able to selectively capture the string vibration favored for both bow and pizzicato technique with stunning brilliance and sensitivity. Now the violist can shed the constraints of the acoustic instrument, and enjoy full, rich, powerful sound from an instrument that is very comfortable to play.

Features & Highlights

BRIDGE PICKUP: The NS Viola features the Polar bridge-mounted piezo pickup system which 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” sound. The second is balanced to produce the frequency response of the traditional viola, 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 Viola Strings from D’Addario™ are recommended, any standard solid or stranded core viola string will fit the NS Viola. We do not recommend nylon (Perlon) core or gut core strings.

Specifications

LENGTH: 585 mm (23″)

WIDTH: 116.8 mm (4.6″)

THICKNESS: 51 mm (2″)

WEIGHT: 775 grams

SCALE LENGTH: 366 mm (14.4″)

STRING SPACING: Bridge 18 mm (0.7″) Nut 38 mm (1.5″)

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 Viola 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 viola 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 viola 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 viola, 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.