NS Violins

NS Design was founded in 1990 by the award winning instrument designer Ned Steinberger to design and produce bowed electric instruments that advance the state of the art. NS string instruments are unabashed, purebred solid body electrics that combine technology and tradition to meet the needs of an evolving musical community.

Polar™ Bridge Pickup System

The unique Polar pickup has two modes of operation, “bow” and “pizz” (pizzicato). In the bow mode, response to the bow is enhanced, for a remarkably full, rich, and dynamic sound. The pizz mode enhances the plucked response by controlling the attack for a smooth, sustained, guitar-like tone. Conversely, in the bow mode, the plucked response is extraordinarily percussive, with a big attack and fast decay. With the Polar pickup, the musician can adjust attack and decay parameters electronically for the first time.

EMG™ Magnetic Pickups

The low impedance magnetic pickups are made to our specifications by EMG™, and feature individually adjustable coils and neodymium magnets. Each coil is buffered separately for a full tonal quality with very low noise. (Magnetic pickups are available on certain models only).

Active Electronics

The dual mode preamp allows the player to choose between two distinct tonal characteristics. A full-blown “electric” sound is achieved with the extended frequency range possible with modern electronics. For a more “acoustic” sound, analog modeling is used to replicate the frequency response and tonality of a traditional instrument. Controls for volume, bass, treble, pickup mode, and preamp mode provide unprecedented tone shaping within easy reach of the player. A headphone jack is included for practicing convenience.

Maple, Ebony, and Graphite

CR Series instruments are made from select tone woods, with the neck and body of maple and the fingerboard of ebony. The EU Series breaks new ground with a one-piece molded neck and body made from layers of graphite and maple, and a molded graphite fingerboard.

Graduated Fingerboard / Cascading Dot Pattern

The fingerboards are hand-graduated and tested to ensure that each note responds evenly. The bass and cello have an unobtrusive dot pattern that cascades across the fingerboard to aid intonation.

Interchangeable Support Systems

The self-supporting Tripod stand, conventional End Pin, and full mobility Shoulder Strap systems are interchangeable for all basses and cellos. An optional Balanced Shoulder Rest for violin and viola provides complete support, freeing the players chin and head for enhanced comfort and expression. An adjustable chin rest that conforms to the violinist’s body and playing position is also available.

Portability

NS instruments are compact by design and built to withstand the rigors of the road. The padded gig bag accommodates both the instrument and stand, with a storage area inside the gig bag for accessories. An optional hard-shell flight case is also available (standard on violin and viola).

Hand Crafted Quality

Each instrument is hand-made in the Czech Republic to the highest standard by craftsmen steeped in a long tradition of instrument making. All models feature a beautiful flame maple face for the body (and headstock for bass and cello).