NS Design's CR Series Violin, available in both 4 and 5 string models, with a choice of standard or fretted fingerboards, has established itself firmly as the pre-eminent electric violin on the market. Capable of producing everything from a beautiful, traditional acoustic tone to a full-tilt electric sound, this radically innovative instrument works in virtually any musical context.
The CR Violin has a remarkable tonal range due to its bridge mounted NS Polar™ pickup system, which is able to selectively capture the string vibration favoured for both bow and pizzicato technique with stunning brilliance and sensitivity. The violinist who prefers the elegant tone of a fine acoustic will be thrilled with the natural response whilst, for those who wish to explore new sonic territory, the sky really is the limit.
The solid-body NS Violin incorporates the familiar performance features of an acoustic instrument, including a removable body 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. Other appointments include an ebony fingerboard and precision 40:1 fine tuners with automatic string clamping, mounted on the body behind the bridge. The included ergonomic foam pad shoulder rest is fully adjustable (up, down, and tilt) for total performance comfort.
Crafted in the Czech Republic, The NS Violin is constructed of solid maple, with an sumptuous 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 maple bout on the treble side provides standard violin reference and is readily removed for unrestricted neck access.. The solid ebony fingerboard is hand graduated for consistent string articulation.
The Polar pickups can sense either vertical or lateral string vibration. Set in the vertical mode, plucked notes are remarkably even and sustained. In the lateral mode, the pickup has unparalleled sensitivity in the direction of the bow, with more attack when plucked. Attack and decay can be effectively controlled with the Polar pickup system.
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 & treble EQ.
All controls are located within easy reach of the right hand so adjustments can be made with the instrument in playing position.
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. Any standard violin string will fit the NS Violin, although specially formulated NS Electric strings from D'Addario are recommended.
The CR Violin comes equipped with the NS Custom Shoulder Rest which can be formed by the player to fit the body perfectly. The violin can also attach to NS Design's revolutionary Balanced Shoulder Rest which secures it effortlessly in optimal playing position.
Customized for the NS Violin, this durable Cordura® covered hardshell case features a handle and shoulder strap plus separate compartments for shoulder rest and accessories, a bow compartment and an exterior zipper pouch (loaded weight : approx. 3.2kg / 7lb).
<< NS Design CR Series Violin/Viola User Manual
All NS Design electric concert instruments are equipped with the dual-mode Polar™ Pickup System, a remarkable innovation that allows players to select the direction of response to control attack, sustain, and bow response characteristics. The result is an exciting new dimension in string instrument performance, featuring a rich full sound, powerful dynamics, enhanced bow sensitivity, sustained pizzicato and extended versatility.
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 differ from the lute or guitar in large part due to the effects of string polarization.
The bow drives the string back and forth in the direction of the bow, while at the same time suppressing the up and down vibration. You can see this effect with the naked eye by watching the broad excursion of the lowest strings when bowed. From the front, you can see a wide lateral pattern of string vibration, but looking from the side you can see almost no pattern at all. Instruments in the violin family have a tall bridge which, in combination with an asymmetric support structure of bass bar and sound post, efficiently translates the sideways motion of the bowed string into sound.
The Polar Pickup responds with a high degree of lateral sensitivity and vertical rejection that is specifically tailored to mirror the polarity of the bowed string. The result is a remarkably dynamic, rich tone that responds effortlessly to the bow.
The system also takes this concept one step further, being able to switch from lateral to vertical sensitivity, which is ideal for pizzicato. Unlike the violin, a flat top guitar or lute responds in the vertical direction, minimising the plucked attack and storing energy for longer sustain. In the vertical mode the attack is controlled for a sustained, singing pizzicato response. The lateral mode has the opposite effect, and the plucked response is extraordinarily percussive, like a traditional bowed instrument, only more so. This dual capacity allows the player to control attack and decay, adding limitless new expressive potential to the violin family.
On EU and CR Series instruments, active bass and treble EQ controls combine with the Polar Pickup to provide tremendous tonal range. Additional magnetic pickups, switching and associated pre-amp circuitry vary from model to model.
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