NS Design... For The Perfect performance
The 4-string CR Series NS Viola completes the NS Design family of electric concert stringed instruments. With a remarkable tonal range due to its innovative NS 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.
Solid Maple Body & Neck
Crafted in the Czech Republic, The NS Viola 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 bout provides standard left hand position reference and is readily removed for unrestricted neck access. The solid ebony fingerboard is hand graduated for consistent string articulation.
Polar™ Pickup System
The NS Viola features the NS Polar bridge-mounted piezo pickup system. 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.
Active Electronics
The dual mode preamp allows the player to choose between two very distinct and important tone qualities. The first position delivers the extended frequency response of modern low impedance electronics, for a full-blown "electric" sound. The alternate position activates electronic filters 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. Additional controls include volume and individual bass and treble EQ controls.
All controls are located within easy reach of the right hand so adjustments can be made with the instrument in playing position.
- Volume Control
- Individual Treble & Bass EQ Controls
- 3-way Switch for Polar Pickup
- Up - vertical string vibration (for sustained pizzicato)
- Centre - lateral string vibration, arco full frequency for electric bowed sounds
- Down - lateral string vibration, arco "acoustic" timbre
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. The strings are clamped securely as the string is tuned... no headstock scroll or tuners are required, so the balance point of the instrument is back toward the shoulder for optimum playing comfort. Standard viola strings will fit the NS Viola, although specially formulated NS Electric strings from D'Addario are recommended.
Support Systems
The CR Viola comes equipped with the NS Custom Shoulder Rest which can be formed by the player to fit the body perfectly. The instrument can also attach to NS Design's revolutionary Balanced Shoulder Rest which secures it effortlessly in optimal playing position.
Flight 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).
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