FOR THE SERIOUS MUSICIAN LOOKING TO PLAY A WORLD-CLASS ELECTRIC VIOLA ON A LIMITED BUDGET

Crafted to exacting standards in the Czech Republic, the NXTa Viola combines elegance, advanced ergonomics and full spectrum tone and is designed for musicians who need an adaptable, affordable instrument that offers exceptional amplified and recorded performance quality and extraordinary freedom of expression. 

Freeing the violist from the limitations of an amplified acoustic viola, the NXTa model boasts a host of unique NS features, at the heart of which is the unique Polar™ Pickup System, a self-powered Polar electromechanical transducer, although technically referred to as a passive pickup, has a significantly higher output than many active systems, providing unsurpassed dynamic range, clarity, and sheer power.

Available with either a flame maple Sunburst or Black Satin finish, the NXTa Viola features a sleek, ergonomically designed maple body, patented precision tuning system, adjustable-height bridge, the super-comfortable NS Custom Shoulder Rest and ships complete with a premium quality custom hardshell case.

Polar™ Passive Pickup System

This system employs piezo components so that string vibration is converted directly to electrical signal. Vibration from bowing is different from vibration from pizzicato, and the beauty of the Polar Pickup is its ability to respond optimally to both. A toggle switch allows the player to select between bowing or pizzicato mode for desired dynamic range, sustain and clarity. The Polar Pickupis also self-powered, which eliminates the weight and bulk of batteries and power circuitry.

The Polar system is driven directly by the vibration of the strings, enabling it to produce a full spectrum of sound with power and clarity. (By contrast, an acoustic viola's amplified performance is heavily dependent upon the resonant capabilities of the body of the instrument).

The NXT Viola - set up with F-C-G-D, Octave, or even G-D-A-E strings - delivers the entire range with full richness of tone. A convenient switch beside the volume and tone controls allows selection between heightened arco and pizzicato pickup sensitivity, expanding the tonal palette even further, virtually free of wolf tones.

Dual Mode Output

New NS Design dual mode signal output electronics take the convenience, versatility and performance capability of the NXTa to another level.

Active Mode - Using the supplied charger, the NXTa connects into any AC outlet for 60 seconds, powering the capacitor powered active circuit for up to 16 hours of performance time. The instrument can then be plugged straight into any low or high impedance device, no direct box necessary.

Since there is no signal loss over the full frequency spectrum of the instrument, the fundamentals of every note remain clear and strong, even with extra-long cables.

Passive Mode - The NXTa can be played in this mode when using a direct box or an amplifier with high impedance input. This mode provides performance capabilities identical to the original NXT.

Eco-Friendly Operation - NXTa instruments are battery-free, eliminating the hassle and cost of batteries while helping protect our environment.

Custom Shoulder Rest

This instrument is one of the lightest performance electrics on the market, and comes equipped with the NS Custom Shoulder Rest whose malleable padded aluminum base can bend and mold to the surface to the chest and shoulder and is designed to be physically formed by the player to fit the body perfectly for maximum playing comfort. The Custom Shoulder Rest features a foam-padded malleable aluminum base, which the player can bend and mold to the surface to the chest and shoulder. A wide range of height and angle adjustments can be made while the instrument is in playing position. The ergonomically contoured ebony chinrest is designed to work in tandem with the Custom Shoulder Rest for control, comfort and security. 

For even greater player versatility, the NXTa also accepts NS Design's revolutionary optional Balanced Shoulder Rest, which replaces both the supplied chin and shoulder rests and effectively "floats" the instrument in the desired playing position.

Patented Tuning System

This remarkable system (US Pat. # 6,528,71) provides exceptionally easy, precise and stable tuning. Mounted entirely behind the bridge, its location shifts the balance point of the instrument closer in to the player’s body, for an even lighter feel and enhanced comfort. Standard viola strings will fit the NS Viola, although specially formulated NS Electric strings from D'Addario are recommended.

Adjustable Bridge

The adjustable bridge can be readily raised or lowered with convenient set screws: high and powerful, low and fast, or string height anywhere between.

Hardshell Case Included

The NXTa Viola ships with a custom Cordura® covered hardshell case, with handle, shoulder strap and separate compartments for shoulder rest, charger, accessories and bows plus an exterior zipper pouch (loaded weight : approx. 3.2kg / 7lb).

The NS Design Polar™ Pickup System

THE POLAR™ PICKUP SYSTEM allows the player 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:

• Powerful dynamics
• Rich, full sound
• High sensitivity to the bow
• Sustained pizzicato
• 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 are different 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 it suppresses the up and down vibration. You can see this effect with the naked eye by watching the wide 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 in combination with an asymmetrical support structure of bass bar and sound post that efficiently translate 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 tailored to mirror the polarity of the bowed string. The result is a remarkably dynamic, rich tone that responds effortlessly to the bow.

The Polar pickup takes this concept one step further, and is able to switch from lateral to vertical sensitivity, which is ideal for pizzicato. Unlike the violin, a flattop guitar or lute respond in the vertical direction, to minimize the plucked attack and store energy for longer sustain. With the touch of a finger, the polar pickup can switch from lateral to vertical mode. 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 new expressive potential to the violin family of instruments.

All NS Design instruments are equipped with the dual-mode Polar Pickup System.

On EU and CR Series instruments, active bass and treble EQ controls combine with the Polar pickup options to provide tremendous tonal range. Additional magnetic pickups, switching and associated pre-amp circuitry vary from model to model.