NS Design - CR5 5-String Electric Violin Active Polar Pickup CSR Amber New

NS Design

CR5

5 String Electric Violin Active Polar Pickup

New

The NS Violin, designed by Ned Steinberger, has a remarkable tonal range due to its innovative Polar ™ pickup system, which is able to selectively capture the string vibration favored for both bow and pizzicato technique with stunning brilliance and sensitivity. The violinist who prefers the elegant tone of a fine acoustic will not be disappointed, and for those who wish to explore new sonic territory, the sky 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 electronic music. Direct amplification and recording capabilities allow the violinist to experience something totally new, yet savor something very special… the timeless magic of the violin.

SOLID MAPLE BODY AND NECK: The NS Violin is crafted of solid maple, with an elegant 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 removable treble side bout is included for left hand position reference. The solid ebony fingerboard is hand graduated for consistent string articulation.

POLAR PICKUP SYSTEM™: The NS Violin features the 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 player can choose between two 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 violin, for an “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 and treble EQ controls.

PRECISION TUNING HARDWARE: Remarkably precise and stable tuning is accomplished entirely behind the bridge in the manner similar to the fine tuners of an acoustic instrument. Standard violin 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.

Specifications:

• 4-string  nut: 16.2 mm (4 1/64”), bridge:  33.5 mm (1 5/16”)
• CONSTRUCTION     Straight grain quarter-sawn solid European maple body and neck, with a flame maple face.
• FINISH     Traditional amber stain with polymer topcoat.
• BODY REFERENCE BOUT     Black-dyed maple bout on treble side provides standard violin reference.  Easily removable for unrestricted neck access.
• FINGERBOARD     Hand-graduated ebony.
• BRIDGE     Black-dyed maple, height adjustable via screws on back of body.
• STRINGS     D’Addario Helicore ™ strings are provided.  Compatible with standard violin strings.
• PRECISION TUNING HARDWARE     40:1 fine tuners are mounted on the body behind the bridge for precise, stable tuning.  Automatic string clamping allows for quick, easy string changes.
• PICKUP     The Polar directional piezo pickup system responds selectively to either lateral string vibration (for dynamic bowing) or vertical string vibration (for remarkably even and sustained plucked/pizzicato sound, like a mandolin).
• ACTIVE ELECTRONICS     Two very distinct and important tone qualities: (1) 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 violin, for an “acoustic” sound.  A three-way toggle switch allows the player to select the desired pickup and electronics options. 
• CONTROLS     Volume, bass EQ, treble EQ controls, and 3-way switch for Polar pickup:
• Forward switch position– vertical string vibration (for sustained pizzicato)
• Center switch position – lateral string vibration, full frequency for arco
• Back switch position – lateral string vibration, “acoustic”  timbre for arco
• CHIN & SHOULDER REST     Ergonomically designed to support the instrument securely without the left hand.  The padded shoulder rest is fully adjustable for height and angle.  Knobs are located within easy reach of the left hand so adjustments can be made with the instrument in playing position.
• Case     Aluminum edged plywood, 80 cm (31”) long, 20 cm (8”) wide, 12.5 cm (5”) high; 5.5 kg (12 lbs) loaded weight.  Form fitting-custom foam lining.  Lockable.